Part of the Vauxhall Astra K (2015–2021) guide: best and worst years compared.
2019 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Vauxhall Astra first registered in 2019: we looked at the 62,909 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2019 Vauxhall Astra MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Brakes21% 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 electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension2% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2019 Vauxhall Astra
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.
- 1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel
Brief loss of power with a metallic noise
The 1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel can briefly lose power with a metallic noise. On diesels, a faulty oil pressure sensor is one cause.
At the viewing: Drive it for 20 minutes or more. Any sudden dips in power or engine warning lights are a reason to ask questions.
- Diesel
Exhaust smell in the cabin (diesel)
A badly fitted clamp between the particulate filter and turbo can let exhaust fumes into the cabin.
At the viewing: Sit in the car with the engine running and the fan on. Any exhaust smell needs fixing before you buy.
Front suspension creak
A worn lower arm bush makes a creak over speed bumps.
At the viewing: Drive slowly over a speed bump and listen at the front.
- 1.4 turbo petrol, manual
Creaking clutch (1.4 turbo manual)
A vibrating clutch pipe can creak loudly when you use the clutch.
At the viewing: Press and release the clutch a few times and listen.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Vauxhall Astra
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Vauxhall Astra?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Vauxhall Astra compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 223 | Tyres 11% |
| 2022 | 2,972 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 11,827 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 18,904 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 89,580 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 137,261 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 167,049 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 140,327 | Tyres 34% |
| 2014 | 154,957 | Tyres 35% |
| 2013 | 171,024 | Tyres 36% |
| 2012 | 150,457 | Tyres 36% |
| 2011 | 131,828 | Tyres 37% |
| 2010 | 147,017 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 109,313 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 110,935 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 109,842 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 68,178 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 45,866 | Suspension 52% |
| 2004 | 24,840 | Suspension 49% |
| 2003 | 22,535 | Brakes 51% |
| 2002 | 17,229 | Brakes 53% |
| 2001 | 9,770 | Brakes 51% |
| 2000 | 5,240 | Brakes 51% |
| 1999 | 3,204 | Brakes 47% |
| 1998 | 1,654 | Brakes 44% |
| 1997 | 1,588 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 883 | Suspension 47% |
| 1995 | 1,015 | Suspension 42% |
| 1994 | 680 | Suspension 38% |
| 1993 | 513 | Suspension 33% |
| 1992 | 244 | Suspension 25% |
| 1991 | 330 | Brakes 21% |
| 1990 | 356 | Suspension 19% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Vauxhall Astra cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score