Used car guide

2016 Vauxhall Insignia: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Vauxhall Insignias, from 21,540 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

21,540MOT tests in 2025
68%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
9,800typical miles a year
3×the usual rate for coil springs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Vauxhall Insignias than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Coil springs3× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    12.2% All 2016 cars
    4.1%
    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.

  • Number plate lights2.9× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    9.4% All 2016 cars
    3.2%
    Rough price £5–£40

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    11.4% All 2016 cars
    6.1%
    Rough price £100–£300

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Engine oil leaks2.4× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    6.6% All 2016 cars
    2.8%
    Rough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Engine warning light2.8× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    4.2% All 2016 cars
    1.5%
    Rough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

By area

The share of 2016 Vauxhall Insignia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    35% 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.

  • Suspension
    28% 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.

  • Brakes
    22% 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 electrics
    17% 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 leaks
    8% 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 mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20197,838Tyres 31%
201812,602Tyres 31%
201715,241Tyres 33%
201527,338Tyres 36%
201423,737Suspension 40%
201318,682Tyres 38%
201217,032Suspension 41%
201118,053Suspension 47%
20109,913Suspension 50%
20096,532Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Vauxhall Insignias registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score