Skip to main content
Check

Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) (2004-2009) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H)
average reliability2004-2009HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 174,194 tests of Astra models registered 2004-2009.

About 1 in 12 Astra Mk5 (H) MOTs (8.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 42,003 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 12 Astra Mk5 (H) MOTs (8.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 42,003 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk5 (H) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
21,42832.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
39,23332.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
42,00332.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
33,51633.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
20,79633.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
12,36232.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,85631.0%

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 19 years old.

How the Astra Mk5 (H) compares

At each age below, see how the Astra Mk5 (H) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 120,784 tests across 9 Vauxhall models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
21,42832.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
39,23332.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
42,00332.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
33,51633.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
20,79633.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
12,36232.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,85631.0%

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 priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 Astra Mk5 (H).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Lower fail rate: 23.7%, against 32.7% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H), both built around 2008.

    1,727 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    5.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 27.5%, against 32.7% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H), both built around 2008.

    8,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    7.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.3%, against 32.7% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H), both built around 2008.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,989 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Smart ForTwo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 32.7% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H), both built around 2008.

    4,904 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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

91%of all Vauxhall Astra cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

39 recalls in all

8 of the 39 Astra Mk5 (H) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Possibility of vehicle fire
  • Short circuit with possibility that fire may occur
  • Possibility of fire

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Astra Mk5 (H) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 4,584 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
71%
Emissions
40%
Bodywork
3%
Steering
3%
Drivetrain
3%

Wear items

Tyres
55%
Lighting
54%
Brakes
54%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 16% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Astra tests (not specific to Mk5 (H)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres32.9%6,709 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres32.6%26,293 tests
How Astra Mk5 (H) cars have aged

How Astra Mk5 (H) 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.

0%10%20%30%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (40,729 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (35,614 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (31,453 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (26,424 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (21,925 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (52,238 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (44,189 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (37,550 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (30,476 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (24,154 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (53,426 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (43,982 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (36,340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (28,729 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (22,387 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (35,846 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (28,241 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (22,680 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (17,492 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (13,533 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (25,992 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (19,576 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (15,560 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (11,657 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (8,646 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (14,400 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (10,854 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (8,392 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (6,492 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (4,856 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk5 (H) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk5 (H) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 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 car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension71%73%77%80%
Brakes54%57%59%60%
Emissions40%43%39%38%
Tyres55%56%56%56%
Lighting54%57%63%66%
Drivetrain3%3%4%4%
Bodywork3%2%2%2%
Steering3%8%13%14%
Corrosion16%13%14%12%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 4,584 to 6,231 cars at each age.

Mk5 (H) variants compared

Astra Mk5 (H) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Astra Mk5 (H) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • ASTRA32.7%33,009 tests

Diesel

  • ASTRA32.9%8,984 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Vauxhall Astras of this age

This list covers every Vauxhall Astra built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 (H) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    31.8%
    Advisory: 13,411Fail: 249 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.3%
    Advisory: 12,957Fail: 1,209 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    19.9%
    Advisory: 11,657Fail: 284 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    19.6%
    Advisory: 8,888Fail: 3,460 (28% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    17.8%
    Advisory: 10,070Fail: 1,084 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 42,003 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Vauxhall Astra Mk5 (H) (2004-2009) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 42,003 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 174,194 MOT tests on Vauxhall Astras first registered between 2004-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.