Skip to main content
Check

Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) (2010-2014) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) built around 2014: about average at the MOT

Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) right now?

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

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J)
average reliability2010-2014HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 312,073 tests of Astra models registered 2010-2014.

About 1 in 20 Astra Mk6 (J) MOTs (4.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 70,299 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 15 Astra Mk6 (J) MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 70,299 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk6 (J) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
28,50525.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
70,29925.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
69,68526.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
56,85327.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
54,02629.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
32,70529.9%

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 15 years old.

How the Astra Mk6 (J) compares

At each age below, see how the Astra Mk6 (J) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 302,623 tests across 11 Vauxhall models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
28,50525.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
70,29925.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
69,68526.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
56,85327.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
54,02629.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
32,70529.9%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Leaks

Worth checking

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

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 Mk6 (J).

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.4%, against 25.6% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J), both built around 2014.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,364 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 25.6% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J), both built around 2014.

    4,180 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 19.4%, against 25.6% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J), both built around 2014.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    38,174 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.3%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 19.8%, against 25.6% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J), both built around 2014.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    11,148 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

6 of the 39 Astra Mk6 (J) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 3 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.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2014 (11 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Astra tests (not specific to Mk6 (J)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres26.0%17,632 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres24.9%23,257 tests
How Astra Mk6 (J) cars have aged

How Astra Mk6 (J) 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%79111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (43,768 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (42,769 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (42,123 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (39,933 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (38,119 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (49,056 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (47,474 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (45,699 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (43,195 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (40,519 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (44,269 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (42,042 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (39,817 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (36,324 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (32,806 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (43,291 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (40,923 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (37,992 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (33,772 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (29,249 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (55,314 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (50,567 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (45,605 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (39,079 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (32,705 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk6 (J) variants compared

Astra Mk6 (J) variants built around 2014

The fail rate for each Astra Mk6 (J) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • ASTRA25.4%40,883 tests

Diesel

  • ASTRA26.0%29,390 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 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk6 (J) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    22.5%
    Advisory: 21,520Fail: 1,915 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.5%
    Advisory: 12,719Fail: 1,837 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    14.4%
    Advisory: 10,235Fail: 132 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    14.4%
    Advisory: 8,067Fail: 4,893 (38% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.4%
    Advisory: 7,640Fail: 1,935 (20% of the times it was found)

Based on 70,299 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Vauxhall Astra Mk6 (J) (2010-2014) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 70,299 11-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 312,073 MOT tests on Vauxhall Astras first registered between 2010-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.