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Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) (2004-2009) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) built around 2009: fails its MOT more often than average

Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) models built around 2009 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) 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 Tigra B (TwinTop) models built around 2009 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) models built around 2009 involves the suspension.

Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2004-2009CoupePETROL

Based on 7,285 tests of Tigra models registered 2004-2009.

About 1 in 12 Tigra B (TwinTop) MOTs (9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2009 (16 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,835 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 10 Tigra B (TwinTop) MOTs (10.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2009 (16 years old).

Based on 1,835 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B (TwinTop) 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
46635.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,83532.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,60634.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,59133.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,12131.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
61233.2%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
5433.3%

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 Tigra B (TwinTop) compares

At each age below, see how the Tigra B (TwinTop) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 130,247 tests across 9 Vauxhall models, built around 2009 (16 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
46635.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,83532.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,60634.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,59133.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,12131.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
61233.2%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
5433.3%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

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 coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Tigra B (TwinTop).

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.2%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 32.9% for the Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop), both built around 2009.

    1,696 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  2. 2

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.6%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 23.9%, against 32.9% for the Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop), both built around 2009.

    7,887 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  3. 3

    Audi A5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.1%
    Dangerous
    8.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    87.6%

    Lower fail rate: 25.1%, against 32.9% for the Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop), both built around 2009.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,299 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.5%
    Dangerous
    7.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.7%, against 32.9% for the Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop), both built around 2009.

    4,326 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

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

7 recalls in all

2 of the 7 Tigra B (TwinTop) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • ABS may fail

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

How Tigra B (TwinTop) cars have aged

How Tigra B (TwinTop) 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: 32.7% (2,422 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (2,129 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (1,903 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,517 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,348 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,707 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (1,504 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (1,287 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (1,076 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (913 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (1,949 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,547 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (1,308 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,084 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (826 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (1,980 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,690 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (1,349 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (1,076 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (773 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (1,438 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (1,125 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (831 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (626 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (457 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (131 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (107 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (87 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (65 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (54 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
B (TwinTop) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Vauxhall Tigras of this age

This list covers every Vauxhall Tigra built around 2009, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B (TwinTop) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    20.1%
    Advisory: 335Fail: 48 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    18.5%
    Advisory: 325Fail: 14 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    17.2%
    Advisory: 372Fail: 88 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    16.6%
    Advisory: 402Fail: 34 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    16.0%
    Advisory: 307Fail: 104 (25% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,835 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2009 (16 years old), the Vauxhall Tigra B (TwinTop) (2004-2009) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,835 16-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 7,285 MOT tests on Vauxhall Tigras first registered between 2004-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.