Vauxhall Signum Mk1 (2003-2008) reliability
Vauxhall Signum Mk1 built around 2006: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Vauxhall Signum Mk1 models built around 2006 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Vauxhall Signum Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 1,088 tests of Signum models registered 2003-2008.
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 17 years old.
How the Signum Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Signum Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 53,237 tests across 8 Vauxhall models, built around 2006 (19 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.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
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 Signum Mk1.
- 1
Subaru Impreza
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 21%
Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 29.4% for the Vauxhall Signum Mk1, both built around 2006.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,256 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 32.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Vauxhall Signum Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
25,644 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
- 3
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 29.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.5%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.5%, against 8.5% for the Vauxhall Signum Mk1.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,519 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
- 4
Toyota Corolla
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 29.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.6%
- Dangerous
- 7.1%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.6%, against 8.5% for the Vauxhall Signum Mk1.
7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
14,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
- 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.
Recall context
5 recalls in all3 of the 5 Signum Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 recalls
Top concerns
- Vauxhall cross carline driver’s airbag - Takata
- Handbrake may partially release
- Rear exhaust pipe may move backwards slipping off the front pipe
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Signum Mk1 cars built around 2006
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 184 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 10% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How Signum Mk1 cars have aged
How Signum 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of diesel 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 car | 18 years | 19 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 88% | 84% | 81% |
| Brakes | 63% | 63% | 58% |
| Emissions | 37% | 38% | 36% |
| Tyres | 61% | 63% | 58% |
| Lighting | 61% | 59% | 61% |
| Drivetrain | 21% | 16% | 12% |
| Bodywork | No figure | 1% | 1% |
| Steering | 7% | 4% | 13% |
| Corrosion | 13% | 10% | 8% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 120 to 184 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
Most common issues on Vauxhall Signums of this age
This list covers every Vauxhall Signum built around 2006, 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
- 126.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 222.3%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
- 320.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 418.6%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 517.2%Advisory
Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened
Based on 377 tests
Looking at a Vauxhall Signum Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Vauxhall Signum Mk1 (2003-2008) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 377 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.