2012 Vauxhall Astravan: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Vauxhall Astravans, from 246 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 246 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Vauxhall Astravans than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Engine oil leaks2.2× usualVauxhall Astravan15.9% All 2012 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Exhaust system2.3× usualVauxhall Astravan12.6% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
By area
The share of 2012 Vauxhall Astravan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres44% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors15% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Rattle at idle (1.4 turbo)1.4 turbo petrol
A knock or rattle at idle on the 1.4 turbo usually comes from loose timing chain guide bolts.
At the viewing: Listen to the engine at idle with the bonnet up.
- Water in the body control unitAll engines
Water can get into the body control unit, causing non-starting, locking, horn or wiper faults, sometimes all at once.
At the viewing: Try the locks, horn and wipers, and look for damp in the passenger footwell.
- Seized gear cables and clutch troubleManual gearbox
Poorly sealed gear cables can seize in cold, wet weather, and the clutch can fail to disengage. Fixing it means taking the gearbox out.
At the viewing: Try every gear, and check the clutch frees properly.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 682 | Suspension 48% |
| 2010 | 620 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 395 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 678 | Suspension 57% |
| 2007 | 628 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 1,149 | Suspension 55% |
| 2005 | 1,053 | Brakes 55% |
| 2004 | 638 | Suspension 55% |
| 2003 | 115 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Vauxhall Astravans registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score