Used car guide

2001 Vauxhall Omega: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Vauxhall Omegas, from 191 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 191 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

191MOT tests in 2025
73%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
4,000typical miles a year
43%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2001 Vauxhall Omega MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% 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
    43% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    30% 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.

  • Tyres
    21% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    19% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2003266Suspension 42%
2002198Brakes 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Vauxhall Omegas registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score