Used car guide · 1963–2019

Vauxhall Viva common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Vauxhall Viva, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 113,394 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1968 Vauxhall Viva

Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Vauxhall Viva as a whole.

115on the UK register at the end of 2025
ProbablyMOT-exempt (40+ years old), unless substantially changed
Petrolfuel type
What to check on a 1968 car
  • Rust and structure

    Look underneath at the sills, floor, chassis rails and jacking points. Rust in the structure costs far more to fix than paint bubbles.

  • MOT-exempt isn’t roadworthy

    Cars over 40 don’t need an MOT, but they must still be safe. A voluntary MOT or a specialist inspection is worth the money.

  • Paperwork

    Old MOT certificates, bills and restoration photos show how it has been looked after. Check the logbook matches the car’s VIN and engine number.

  • Originality

    Changes from standard affect value and insurance. Ask what has been replaced or modified.

  • Insurance

    Classic insurance is often cheaper but may limit mileage and use. Get a quote before you buy.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

2019201820172016201519791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963

What usually goes wrong with a Vauxhall Viva?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

Common Vauxhall Viva MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

  • Exhaust system

    up to 6.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Wipers

    up to 2.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

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

  • Engine oil leaks

    up to 5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

    up to 6.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 5.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2019.

    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.

Vauxhall Viva MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2017 Vauxhall Viva did best (84% passed first time, 4 points above all 2017 cars) and the 2019 did worst (86%, 1 point above all 2019 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
201986%85% +112,066
201886%83% +316,159
201784%80% +428,833
201680%77% +341,096
201577%74% +315,240

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Vauxhall Viva

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

  1. Does it use oil between services?
  2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the Vauxhall Viva as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the Vauxhall Viva as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the Vauxhall Viva as on other cars the same age.)
  5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Vauxhall Viva?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score