2014 Vauxhall Corsa: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Vauxhall Corsas, from 72,135 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 Vauxhall Corsas than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Track rod end4.6× usualVauxhall Corsa20.7% All 2014 cars4.5%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Coil springs1.9× usualVauxhall Corsa12.9% All 2014 cars6.8%Rough price £120–£300
At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Shock absorbers2× usualVauxhall Corsa11.6% All 2014 cars5.7%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Number plate lights2× usualVauxhall Corsa10.5% All 2014 cars5.2%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Sub-frame2.7× usualVauxhall Corsa6.7% All 2014 cars2.5%Rough price £300–£1,000
At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.3% here, against 8.2% of all 2014 cars. Ball joint: 1.5% here, against 4.2% of all 2014 cars.
By area
The share of 2014 Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Lights and electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions8% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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.
- Timing chain rattle
These engines use a timing chain. Poor servicing wears the tensioner, and high-mileage cars can see the chain stretch, causing rattles and misfires.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask for proof of yearly oil changes.
- Easytronic automated gearboxEasytronic versions only
The Easytronic “automatic” is a manual with a robot clutch. The clutch still wears out and can be awkward to repair.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, check whether it’s Easytronic and test it in slow traffic for slow or jerky changes.
- Misfires from worn coil packsPetrol models
A hesitation, flat spot or rough idle usually comes from worn ignition coil packs.
At the viewing: On the drive, accelerate gently through the gears and watch for hesitation or a flashing engine light.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 41,997 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 52,878 | Tyres 34% |
| 2017 | 51,943 | Suspension 37% |
| 2016 | 75,251 | Suspension 41% |
| 2015 | 86,737 | Suspension 43% |
| 2013 | 69,323 | Suspension 43% |
| 2012 | 68,236 | Suspension 44% |
| 2011 | 53,793 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 46,086 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 39,748 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 35,816 | Suspension 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 Vauxhall Corsas registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score