2016 Vauxhall Corsa: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Vauxhall Corsas, from 75,251 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 2016 Vauxhall Corsas than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Track rod end7.5× usualVauxhall Corsa23.3% All 2016 cars3.1%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.
- Shock absorbers3.1× usualVauxhall Corsa13.2% All 2016 cars4.3%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.
- Coil springs2.2× usualVauxhall Corsa9% All 2016 cars4.1%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.
- Front strut mounts and bushes10× usualVauxhall Corsa3% All 2016 cars0.3%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Sub-frame2.9× usualVauxhall Corsa2.6% All 2016 cars0.9%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: 1.1% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% 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.
- Brakes21% 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 electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% 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.
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% |
| 2015 | 86,737 | Suspension 43% |
| 2014 | 72,135 | Suspension 45% |
| 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 2016 Vauxhall Corsas registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score