Vauxhall Viva Mk1 (2015-2019) reliability
Vauxhall Viva Mk1 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Vauxhall Viva Mk1 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Vauxhall Viva Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
15% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Viva Mk1 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 Viva Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 46,004 tests of Viva models registered 2015-2019.
1.6% of Viva Mk1 MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 7,845 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 25 Viva Mk1 MOTs (4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 7,845 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
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 10 years old.
How the Viva Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the Viva Mk1 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.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Exhaust
Worth checkingListen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
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 Viva Mk1.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Vauxhall Viva Mk1 on these figures.
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
- 2
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 14.6% for the Vauxhall Viva Mk1, 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
- 3
Fiat 500
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.9%
No clear edge over the Vauxhall Viva Mk1 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
MG 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.1%
No clear edge over the Vauxhall Viva Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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
1 recall in all1 Viva Mk1 recall covers cars built in these years.
- 1 recall
Top concerns
- Risk of driveshaft failure
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Viva Mk1 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 424 cars.
How Viva Mk1 cars have aged
How Viva 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.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 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 | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 5% | 5% | 11% |
| Brakes | 4% | 5% | 8% |
| Emissions | 3% | 3% | 4% |
| Tyres | 14% | 17% | 20% |
| Lighting | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 320 to 763 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
Most common issues on Vauxhall Vivas of this age
This list covers every Vauxhall Viva built around 2018, 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
- 119.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 212.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 38.5%Advisory
Exhaust has a minor leak
- 46.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 55.7%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 7,845 tests
Looking at a Vauxhall Viva Mk1?
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 Viva Mk1 (2015-2019) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 7,845 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.