2009 Vauxhall Meriva: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Vauxhall Merivas, from 4,295 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 2009 Vauxhall Merivas than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Rigid brake pipes3.6× usualVauxhall Meriva27% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Shock absorbers3.3× usualVauxhall Meriva24.4% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
- Exhaust system2.5× usualVauxhall Meriva20.8% All 2009 cars8.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Engine oil leaks2.1× usualVauxhall Meriva21.4% All 2009 cars10.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Steering rack inner joints3.5× usualVauxhall Meriva8.7% All 2009 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 2009 Vauxhall Meriva MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% 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.
- Brakes49% 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 electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres38% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks23% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions22% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4,448 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 6,447 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 8,087 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 7,400 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 7,399 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 8,169 | Suspension 38% |
| 2011 | 12,988 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 8,278 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 4,173 | Suspension 57% |
| 2007 | 3,637 | Brakes 55% |
| 2006 | 2,861 | Suspension 56% |
| 2005 | 1,700 | Brakes 56% |
| 2004 | 1,220 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Vauxhall Merivas registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score