Vauxhall Adam Mk1 (2013-2019) reliability
Vauxhall Adam Mk1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average
Vauxhall Adam Mk1 models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Vauxhall Adam Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
23% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Adam Mk1 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Adam Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 78,093 tests of Adam models registered 2013-2019.
About 1 in 30 Adam Mk1 MOTs (3.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 8,187 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 20 Adam Mk1 MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 8,187 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 11 years old.
How the Adam Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Adam Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 220,525 tests across 11 Vauxhall models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Steering track rods
Worth checkingOn a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Adam Mk1.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 23.4% for the Vauxhall Adam Mk1, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 23.4% for the Vauxhall Adam Mk1, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 23.4% for the Vauxhall Adam Mk1, both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 23.4% for the Vauxhall Adam Mk1, both built around 2018.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
11 recalls in all9 of the 11 Adam Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 8 more
Top concerns
- Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly
- The lambda control might not be robust/precise enough at high speed
- Sunroof glass may detach
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Adam Mk1 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 411 cars.
How Adam Mk1 cars have aged
How Adam Mk1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 18% | 29% | 39% |
| Brakes | 11% | 13% | 16% |
| Emissions | 2% | 4% | 9% |
| Tyres | 8% | 14% | 21% |
| Lighting | 10% | 12% | 15% |
| Bodywork | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 398 to 583 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
Most common issues on Vauxhall Adams of this age
This list covers every Vauxhall Adam built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 120.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 219.6%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 315.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 49.4%Minor
Track rod end dust cover damaged, but still keeps dirt out
- 57.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 8,187 tests
Looking at a Vauxhall Adam Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Vauxhall Adam Mk1 (2013-2019) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,187 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.