Vauxhall Zafira Reliability: MOT Pass Rate by Year & Engine

Verdict

The Vauxhall Zafira passes its MOT first time on 61.0% of tests, 3.3 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (64.3%). That puts it ahead of 34% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2013 Zafira does best (beats 39% of cars) and the 2017 worst (beats 18%).

Of its engines, the 1.9 Diesel does best (beats 41%) and the 1.4 Petrol worst (beats 27%).

Better than average on seat belts & airbags.

Watch these weak spots

Emissions & leaks1.8×as often as a typical car

Coil springs1.8×as often as a typical car

Engine warning light2.5×as often as a typical car

Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

Vauxhall ZafiraTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

Beats 26%

Beats 26%

Beats 37%

Beats 39%

Beats 35%

Beats 38%

Beats 33%

Beats 37%

Beats 34%

Beats 35%

Beats 31%

Beats 32%

Beats 37%

Beats 34%

Beats 39%

Beats 35%

Beats 37%

Beats 26%

Beats 18%

Beats 11%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

Engine	Years	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	2000–2014	745,951	55.3%	Beats 30%	D
1.8 Petrol	1999–2015	451,519	59.4%	Beats 38%	D
2.0 Diesel	2001–2018	267,743	67.9%	Beats 40%	C
1.4 Petrol	2012–2018	243,112	77.5%	Beats 27%	D
1.7 Diesel	2010–2014	229,311	61.8%	Beats 31%	D
1.9 Diesel	2005–2012	224,315	54.3%	Beats 41%	C
1.6 Diesel	2014–2017	37,232	72.6%	Beats 21%	D
2.2 Petrol	2004–2009	19,652	57.5%	Beats 53%	C
2.0 Petrol	2002–2008	16,134	62.0%	Beats 79%	B

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical

Exhaust: 7.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics

16.1% vs 15.8%

Suspension

13.9% vs 12.4%

Brakes

10.0% vs 9.1%

Tyres

9.0% vs 7.4%

Emissions & leaks

7.6% vs 4.2%

Visibility

6.5% vs 5.8%

Body & structure

4.6% vs 4.6%

Steering

2.1% vs 2.6%

Seat belts & airbags

0.9% vs 1.4%

Wheels

0.5% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

Coil springs 1.8× typical
Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
Engine warning light 2.5× typical
The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.1× typical
Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems.
Exhaust system 1.8× typical
Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look for heavy corrosion underneath.
Brake pads 1.5× typical
Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.
Tyre damage & cracking
Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

Vauxhall ZafiraTypical car

Most common MOT failures

Item	This car	Typical	vs typical
Coil springs	5.8%	3.2%	1.8×
Tyre damage & cracking	4.9%	3.8%	1.3×
Headlight aim	4.4%	4.1%	1.1×
Sidelights	3.8%	4.0%	1.0×
Tyre tread depth	3.6%	3.2%	1.1×
Engine warning light	3.5%	1.4%	2.5×
Windscreen washers	3.5%	2.6%	1.4×
Brake pads	3.4%	2.3%	1.5×
Headlight bulbs & units	3.3%	2.9%	1.1×
Exhaust system	2.8%	1.6%	1.8×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defect	per 1,000
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened	57.6
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn	49.3
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements	43.7
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction	38.7
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements	36.3
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen	34.9
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm	32.7
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	29.3

Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2018 Vauxhall Zafira2 engines79.3% passE

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.4 Petrol	27,903	79.4%	Beats 11%	E
2.0 Diesel	1,079	76.8%	Beats 13%	E

2017 Vauxhall Zafira3 engines78.4% passE

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.4 Petrol	70,153	78.5%	Beats 15%	E
2.0 Diesel	6,487	79.6%	Beats 44%	C
1.6 Diesel	6,184	76.2%	Beats 25%	D

2016 Vauxhall Zafira3 engines76.7% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.4 Petrol	57,373	78.1%	Beats 27%	D
2.0 Diesel	19,409	76.9%	Beats 41%	C
1.6 Diesel	17,694	72.2%	Beats 14%	E

2015 Vauxhall Zafira4 engines75.6% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
2.0 Diesel	60,183	74.7%	Beats 40%	D
1.4 Petrol	53,299	77.3%	Beats 35%	D
1.6 Diesel	9,970	71.6%	Beats 25%	D
1.8 Petrol	6,767	75.7%	Beats 36%	D

2014 Vauxhall Zafira6 engines71.5% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.8 Petrol	104,879	72.5%	Beats 35%	D
2.0 Diesel	91,116	70.4%	Beats 37%	D
1.7 Diesel	26,373	68.7%	Beats 29%	D
1.4 Petrol	21,499	74.6%	Beats 43%	C
1.6 Diesel	3,384	71.8%	Beats 54%	C
1.6 Petrol	1,573	68.5%	Beats 19%	E

2013 Vauxhall Zafira5 engines68.5% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	136,103	69.5%	Beats 40%	C
1.7 Diesel	57,361	64.9%	Beats 28%	D
2.0 Diesel	35,569	69.2%	Beats 51%	C
1.8 Petrol	19,190	68.8%	Beats 34%	D
1.4 Petrol	7,907	73.4%	Beats 58%	C

2012 Vauxhall Zafira6 engines64.3% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	69,496	64.6%	Beats 30%	D
1.7 Diesel	44,397	61.2%	Beats 27%	D
1.8 Petrol	20,684	66.1%	Beats 39%	D
2.0 Diesel	11,115	68.3%	Beats 62%	B
1.9 Diesel	5,032	66.8%	Beats 58%	C
1.4 Petrol	4,978	69.0%	Beats 53%	C

2011 Vauxhall Zafira3 engines60.8% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.7 Diesel	68,159	59.7%	Beats 34%	D
1.8 Petrol	39,583	61.9%	Beats 40%	C
1.6 Petrol	23,642	62.4%	Beats 38%	D

2010 Vauxhall Zafira4 engines56.7% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	68,434	56.3%	Beats 30%	D
1.9 Diesel	49,343	57.5%	Beats 34%	D
1.7 Diesel	33,021	55.9%	Beats 30%	D
1.8 Petrol	30,652	56.8%	Beats 34%	D

2009 Vauxhall Zafira4 engines54.2% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	64,945	52.3%	Beats 23%	D
1.9 Diesel	30,817	56.3%	Beats 42%	C
1.8 Petrol	15,400	57.4%	Beats 43%	C
2.2 Petrol	1,040	63.2%	Beats 60%	C

2008 Vauxhall Zafira5 engines52.8% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	82,338	50.4%	Beats 24%	D
1.9 Diesel	62,649	54.0%	Beats 43%	C
1.8 Petrol	41,290	54.5%	Beats 43%	C
2.2 Petrol	4,590	61.2%	Beats 58%	C
2.0 Petrol	1,254	65.6%	Beats 80%	A

2007 Vauxhall Zafira5 engines51.2% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	81,687	49.9%	Beats 27%	D
1.8 Petrol	51,536	51.9%	Beats 36%	D
1.9 Diesel	40,504	51.5%	Beats 38%	D
2.2 Petrol	5,185	58.4%	Beats 54%	C
2.0 Petrol	1,909	59.5%	Beats 63%	B

2006 Vauxhall Zafira5 engines50.2% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	81,914	49.0%	Beats 32%	D
1.9 Diesel	27,582	50.8%	Beats 43%	C
1.8 Petrol	25,372	50.8%	Beats 39%	D
2.2 Petrol	5,110	56.2%	Beats 53%	C
2.0 Petrol	2,866	61.6%	Beats 75%	B

2005 Vauxhall Zafira6 engines47.8% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	53,168	46.1%	Beats 27%	D
1.8 Petrol	20,856	49.5%	Beats 37%	D
2.0 Diesel	9,344	46.8%	Beats 34%	D
1.9 Diesel	8,388	49.5%	Beats 43%	C
2.0 Petrol	2,615	61.0%	Beats 77%	B
2.2 Petrol	2,551	52.1%	Beats 43%	C

2004 Vauxhall Zafira5 engines47.9% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	38,914	45.7%	Beats 30%	D
1.8 Petrol	26,591	50.8%	Beats 45%	C
2.0 Diesel	17,439	45.5%	Beats 34%	D
2.0 Petrol	3,356	62.2%	Beats 83%	A
2.2 Petrol	1,176	51.6%	Beats 47%	C

2003 Vauxhall Zafira4 engines46.8% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.8 Petrol	22,732	47.1%	Beats 35%	D
1.6 Petrol	20,495	45.2%	Beats 30%	D
2.0 Diesel	7,686	45.5%	Beats 36%	D
2.0 Petrol	2,423	61.8%	Beats 82%	A

2002 Vauxhall Zafira4 engines47.6% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.8 Petrol	14,023	48.2%	Beats 39%	D
1.6 Petrol	12,393	45.7%	Beats 32%	D
2.0 Diesel	6,149	45.5%	Beats 37%	D
2.0 Petrol	1,711	64.2%	Beats 87%	A

2001 Vauxhall Zafira3 engines47.7% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.6 Petrol	7,633	46.5%	Beats 34%	D
1.8 Petrol	7,019	49.8%	Beats 43%	C
2.0 Diesel	2,167	45.3%	Beats 34%	D

2000 Vauxhall Zafira2 engines45.0% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.8 Petrol	3,619	46.4%	Beats 30%	D
1.6 Petrol	3,216	43.4%	Beats 21%	D

1999 Vauxhall Zafira1 engine46.9% passD

Engine	Tests	Pass rate	Rank	Grade
1.8 Petrol	1,326	46.9%	Beats 26%	D

FAQ

What is the Vauxhall Zafira MOT pass rate?

61.0% of MOT tests on the Vauxhall Zafira were passed first time, based on 2,234,969 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1999–2018. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 64.3% of the time.

Is the Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

On MOT results it rates D (below average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 34% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Vauxhall Zafira year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2013 Zafira does best for its age and mileage: it beats 39% of cars on UK roads. The 2017 does worst: it beats 18%.

Which Vauxhall Zafira engine is best?

Across all years, the 1.9 Diesel does best: it beats 41% of cars on UK roads. The 1.4 Petrol does worst: it beats 27%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Vauxhall Zafira?

The most common failure items are coil springs, tyre damage & cracking, headlight aim. Compared with similar cars, coil springs comes up 1.8× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.

Vauxhall Zafira reliability

Verdict

Watch these weak spots

MOT pass rate by age

Best and worst years

Engines

Where it fails

Every MOT area

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

Pass rate by mileage

Most common MOT failures

Specific defects found

Every year and engine

FAQ