2004 Vauxhall Vectra: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Vauxhall Vectras, from 897 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 2004 Vauxhall Vectras than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Steering rack inner joints5× usualVauxhall Vectra19% All 2004 cars3.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.
- Sub-frame2.8× usualVauxhall Vectra17.1% All 2004 cars6.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Coil springs1.8× usualVauxhall Vectra19.1% All 2004 cars10.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usualVauxhall Vectra8.1% All 2004 cars3.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Handbrake performance4.3× usualVauxhall Vectra4.7% All 2004 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£300 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.
Brake lights: 2.7% here, against 5.7% of all 2004 cars.
By area
The share of 2004 Vauxhall Vectra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension59% 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 electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres36% 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.
- Steering23% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Exhaust and emissions18% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,270 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 7,050 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 6,118 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 3,176 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 1,456 | Suspension 57% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Vauxhall Vectras registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score