Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K) (2015-2021) reliability
Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K) built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
18% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K) 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 Astra Mk7 (K) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 260,511 tests of Astra models registered 2015-2021.
About 1 in 7 petrol Astra cars registered in 2021 (14.9%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 94 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 Astra Mk7 (K) MOTs (2.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 41,261 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 Mk7 (K) MOTs (5.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 41,261 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk7 (K) 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 10 years old.
How the Astra Mk7 (K) compares
At each age below, see how the Astra Mk7 (K) 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 pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
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.
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 Astra Mk7 (K).
- 1
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 17.5% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K), 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
- 2
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 17.5% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K), 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
- 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 17.5% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K), 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 17.5% for the Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K), 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
39 recalls in all9 of the 39 Astra Mk7 (K) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 7 more
Top concerns
- Front seat side airbag may deploy incorrectly
- Front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
- Vauxhall DV5R engines camshaft chain.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Astra Mk7 (K) cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,862 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Astra tests (not specific to Mk7 (K)).
How Astra Mk7 (K) cars have aged
How Astra Mk7 (K) 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk7 (K) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk7 (K) 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 | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1% | 2% | 2% | 5% |
| Brakes | 12% | 14% | 17% | 19% |
| Emissions | 8% | 3% | 5% | 4% |
| Tyres | 11% | 17% | 21% | 26% |
| Lighting | 5% | 7% | 9% | 14% |
| Drivetrain | 1% | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Steering | 1% | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 169 to 2,462 cars at each age.
Mk7 (K) variants compared
Astra Mk7 (K) variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Astra Mk7 (K) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- ASTRA16.5%30,393 tests
Diesel
- ASTRA20.5%10,861 tests
Most common issues on Vauxhall Astras of this age
This list covers every Vauxhall Astra built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk7 (K) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.6%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 215.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 312.4%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 410.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 55.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 41,261 tests
Looking at a Vauxhall Astra Mk7 (K) right now?
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 Astra Mk7 (K) (2015-2021) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 41,261 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.