2018 Vauxhall Mokka: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Ball joint dust cover16.6× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  13.3% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 0.3% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Exhaust system7.6× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  8.4% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Coil springs3.7× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  6.3% All 2018 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.3% 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.

• Engine oil leaks4.1× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  5.7% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Wipers2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Mokka

  6.1% All 2018 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.5% 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 Mokka MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  29% 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
  23% 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
  20% 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 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% 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.

• 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Vauxhall Mokka

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.

• Three safety recalls

  All engines

  The Mokka has been recalled for a steering wheel bolt that can work loose, a seatbelt pre-tensioner fault and an electrical fault that could cause a fire.

  At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN, and check for warning lights or any burning smell.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

• Blocked DPF (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesel Mokkas used mainly for short trips can block their particulate filter.

  At the viewing: Look for a DPF warning light and ask how the car has been used.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Mokka X advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Vauxhall Mokka

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Has it done regular longer runs, and has the DPF been cleaned?
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 16.6× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Mokka as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 7.6× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Mokka as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2018 Vauxhall Mokka as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?