2018 Vauxhall Adam: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Vauxhall Adam?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Vauxhall Adam than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Shock absorbers6.2× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  14.2% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Track rod ends6× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  7.2% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.6% of all 2018 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes34× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  3.4% All 2018 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Coil springs3.2× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  3.5% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

• Washers2× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  2.8% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2018 Vauxhall Adam MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Vauxhall Adam MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Suspension
  25% 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
  16% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  7% 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
  1% 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Vauxhall Adam

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.

• Cracked 18-inch alloys

  Cars on 18-inch wheels

  18-inch alloys could crack on high-mileage cars, and were replaced under a recall.

  At the viewing: Look at the inside of each wheel for cracks.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Vauxhall Adam buying guide (2013 on)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Vauxhall Adam

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 34× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?