Used car guide

2017 Vauxhall Insignia: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Vauxhall Insignias, from 15,241 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

15,241MOT tests in 2025
75%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
9,900typical miles a year
2.6×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Vauxhall Insignias than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    5.2% All 2017 cars
    2%
    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 light2.6× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    3.4% All 2017 cars
    1.3%
    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.

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system4× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    2.8% All 2017 cars
    0.7%
    Rough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Headlamp1.6× usual
    Vauxhall Insignia
    2.1% All 2017 cars
    1.3%
    Rough price £40–£400

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

By area

The share of 2017 Vauxhall Insignia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    33% 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.

  • 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.

  • Suspension
    14% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% 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 mirrors
    7% 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 leaks
    6% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20197,838Tyres 31%
201812,602Tyres 31%
201621,540Tyres 35%
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 2017 Vauxhall Insignias registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score