Used car guide

2002 Vauxhall VX220: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Vauxhall VX220s, from 161 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 161 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

161MOT tests in 2025
86%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
2,800typical miles a year
17%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2002 Vauxhall VX220 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    17% 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
    12% 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
    12% 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.

  • 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.

  • Steering
    4% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004124Lights and electrics 12%
2003253Tyres 12%
2001151Brakes 18%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Vauxhall VX220s registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score