Vauxhall Vivaro known problems and what to check
What goes wrong on a used Vauxhall Vivaro, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
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).
202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006
What usually goes wrong with a Vauxhall Vivaro?
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.
- Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines
Brake pedal linkage recall
A retaining clip in the brake pedal linkage could come loose at high mileage and reduce braking. There was a recall.
At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to confirm the recall was done, and check the brake pedal feels firm.
- Cars registered 2015–2019 · All engines
Suspension, bonnet and parking brake recalls
Recalls covered loose rear suspension, a bonnet catch that could fail (nearly 8,000 vans), a parking brake cable that could suddenly fail, lower wishbone bolts, passenger airbags and front double seat welds.
At the viewing: Ask a Vauxhall dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 common problems (2015-2019)
- Cars registered 2015–2019 · Vans with a roof rack
Roof leak (with roof rack)
Badly sealed roof rack bolts let water in.
At the viewing: Look for damp and water stains inside the roof and load area.
Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 common problems (2015-2019)
- Cars registered 2015–2019 · All engines
Engine warning light: sensors
The engine light is often a faulty air temperature sensor or air flow meter.
At the viewing: Make sure the engine warning light goes out.
Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 common problems (2015-2019)
- Cars registered 2015–2019 · All engines
Wrong oil on the filler cap
The oil filler cap shows the wrong oil grade. Use the handbook.
At the viewing: Ask what oil it’s been serviced with.
Source: Haynes: Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 common problems (2015-2019)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Vauxhall Vivaro
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the brake pedal linkage recall been done?
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Vauxhall dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Vauxhall Vivaro?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history 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