Used car guide

2012 Vauxhall Mokka: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Vauxhall Mokkas, from 754 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

754MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
7,200typical miles a year
2.6×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Vauxhall Mokkas than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
    Vauxhall Mokka
    18.8% All 2012 cars
    7.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    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.

  • Track rod ends2.6× usual
    Vauxhall Mokka
    12.7% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Coil springs1.8× usual
    Vauxhall Mokka
    17.4% All 2012 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    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.

  • Ball joint dust cover3.3× usual
    Vauxhall Mokka
    9.7% All 2012 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

By area

The share of 2012 Vauxhall Mokka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% 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.

  • 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
    30% 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
    25% 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
    20% 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.

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.

  • Three safety recalls
    All engines

    The Mokka has been recalled for a steering wheel bolt that can work loose, a seatbelt pre-tensioner fault and an electrical fault that could cause a fire.

    At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN, and check for warning lights or any burning smell.

    Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

  • Blocked DPF (diesel)
    Diesel

    Diesel Mokkas used mainly for short trips can block their particulate filter.

    At the viewing: Look for a DPF warning light and ask how the car has been used.

    If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20231,399Tyres 17%
202222,705Tyres 21%
202112,971Tyres 21%
201922,132Tyres 29%
201831,813Tyres 29%
201736,775Tyres 29%
201639,839Suspension 33%
201542,448Suspension 37%
201431,071Suspension 41%
201312,191Suspension 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Vauxhall Mokkas registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score