2019 Vauxhall Adam: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Vauxhall Adam?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Vauxhall Adam than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Shock absorbers5.2× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  10.3% All 2019 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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.

• Wipers2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  6.8% All 2019 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2% of all 2019 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes32× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  3.2% All 2019 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2019 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.

• Washers2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Adam

  3.1% All 2019 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2019 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 2019 Vauxhall Adam MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Vauxhall Adam MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% 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
  16% 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
  14% 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
  10% 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 2019 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 2019 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 5.2× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 32× as often on the 2019 Vauxhall Adam as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?