Vauxhall Corsa E: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Vauxhall Corsa E did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 380,941 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Vauxhall Corsa E, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014* | 57% | 69% -12 | Track rod ends 4.6× usual | 72,135 |
| 2015 | 64% | 72% -8 | Track rod ends 6.3× usual | 86,737 |
| 2016 | 67% | 75% -8 | Track rod ends 7.5× usual | 75,251 |
| 2017 | 68% | 78% -10 | Track rod ends 10.9× usual | 51,943 |
| 2018 | 73% | 81% -8 | Track rod ends 8.7× usual | 52,878 |
| 2019* | 80% | 84% -4 | Coil springs 5.2× usual | 41,997 |
Weak spots across the Vauxhall Corsa E
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Front strut mounts and bushesup to 15.5× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Track rod endsup to 10.9× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Coil springsup to 3.8× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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 absorbersup to 3.1× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Tyre conditionup to 1.6× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2018, 2017.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- 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.
Check: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask for proof of yearly oil changes.
- Easytronic automated gearbox
The Easytronic “automatic” is a manual with a robot clutch. The clutch still wears out and can be awkward to repair.
Check: 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 packs
A hesitation, flat spot or rough idle usually comes from worn ignition coil packs.
Check: On the drive, accelerate gently through the gears and watch for hesitation or a flashing engine light.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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