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Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) (2002-2008) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) built around 2008: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) models built around 2008 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) right now?

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

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) models built around 2008 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 8% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2002-2008HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 27,429 tests of Vectra models registered 2002-2008.

About 1 in 10 Vectra Mk2 (C) MOTs (9.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,492 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 Vectra Mk2 (C) MOTs (9.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 9,492 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (C) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
4,33433.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,49232.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,64731.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,39631.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,60432.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,00332.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
57729.8%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
37629.8%

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 16 years old.

How the Vectra Mk2 (C) compares

At each age below, see how the Vectra Mk2 (C) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 120,784 tests across 9 Vauxhall models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
4,33433.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,49232.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,64731.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,39631.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,60432.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,00332.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
57729.8%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
37629.8%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

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

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.

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 Vectra Mk2 (C).

  1. 1

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    5.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 27.5%, against 32.5% for the Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C), both built around 2008.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Lower fail rate: 23.7%, against 32.5% for the Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C), both built around 2008.

    1,727 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Smart ForTwo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 32.5% for the Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C), both built around 2008.

    4,904 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    7.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.3%, against 32.5% for the Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C), both built around 2008.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,989 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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

10 recalls in all

6 of the 10 Vectra Mk2 (C) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Heated washer nozzle may short circuit
  • Vauxhall cross carline driver’s airbag - Takata
  • Handbrake may partially release

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

What has gone wrong on Vectra Mk2 (C) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,478 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
88%
Emissions
51%
Steering
4%
Drivetrain
2%
Bodywork
1%

Wear items

Lighting
64%
Brakes
62%
Tyres
56%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How Vectra Mk2 (C) cars have aged

How Vectra Mk2 (C) 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%131517192123Age at MOTBuilt around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (15,434 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (12,336 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (9,745 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (7,544 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (5,611 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (13,898 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (10,594 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (8,187 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (6,239 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (4,677 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (8,685 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (6,327 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (4,802 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (3,513 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,472 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (4,266 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (3,039 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (2,251 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (1,571 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,068 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (2,898 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (2,019 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (1,401 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (1,012 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (694 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (1,499 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (1,036 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (741 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (498 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (370 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (1,196 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (872 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (613 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (485 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (376 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005
How each part holds up as Mk2 (C) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (C) cars age

The share of petrol 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 car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension88%87%85%88%
Brakes62%59%60%63%
Emissions51%48%49%54%
Tyres56%58%58%57%
Lighting64%68%69%65%
Drivetrain2%3%3%5%
Bodywork1%1%1%1%
Steering4%3%4%16%
Corrosion15%12%12%11%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 1,478 to 1,860 cars at each age.

Mk2 (C) variants compared

Vectra Mk2 (C) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Vectra Mk2 (C) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • VECTRA32.8%5,979 tests

Diesel

  • VECTRA31.9%3,513 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Vauxhall Vectras of this age

This list covers every Vauxhall Vectra built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (C) 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

    26.9%
    Advisory: 2,551Fail: 39 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    24.4%
    Advisory: 3,217Fail: 305 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    22.4%
    Advisory: 2,616Fail: 807 (24% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    19.5%
    Advisory: 1,993Fail: 641 (24% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    18.6%
    Advisory: 2,004Fail: 338 (14% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,492 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Vauxhall Vectra Mk2 (C) (2002-2008) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 9,492 17-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 27,429 MOT tests on Vauxhall Vectras first registered between 2002-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.