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Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) (1988-1995) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) models built before 2000 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 Cavalier Mk3 (F) right now?

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Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) models built before 2000 involves the brakes.

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1988-1995HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 991 tests of Cavalier models registered 1988-1995.

About 1 in 8 Cavalier Mk3 (F) MOTs (12.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 991 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 10.4% and 14.5%. 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 25 Cavalier Mk3 (F) MOTs (3.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 991 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.7% and 5.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (F) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
99122.8%

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 25+ years old.

How the Cavalier Mk3 (F) compares

At each age below, see how the Cavalier Mk3 (F) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 12,637 tests across 11 Vauxhall models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
99122.8%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

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

Suspension

Worth checking

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

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

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 Cavalier Mk3 (F).

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 22.8% for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F), both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 22.8% for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F), both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 22.8% for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F), both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Austin Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.9%, against 12.3% for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F).

    3,373 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

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.

Recall context

3 recalls in all

All 3 Cavalier Mk3 (F) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • 1) possible static sparking during refuelling (astra models only) 2) air bag system may not deploy
  • Wiring may chafe on brake pipe
  • Possible tyre failure

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

What has gone wrong on Cavalier Mk3 (F) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 11,591 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
44%
Emissions
29%
Bodywork
25%
Drivetrain
24%
Steering
4%

Wear items

Brakes
47%
Lighting
43%
Tyres
25%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 29% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

Mk3 (F) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Vauxhall Cavaliers of this age

This list covers every Vauxhall Cavalier built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (F) 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

    13.8%
    Advisory: 175Fail: 6 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    11.8%
    Advisory: 196Fail: 27 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously

    7.9%
    Advisory: 114Fail: 83 (42% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    7.8%
    Advisory: 97Fail: 15 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    7.4%
    Advisory: 112Fail: 25 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,257 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 (F) (1988-1995) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 991 25+ 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 991 MOT tests on Vauxhall Cavaliers first registered between 1988-1995. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.