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Vauxhall VX220 reliability by build year

Coverage 2000-20051 named generationConvertiblePETROL

We've only got 233 MOT tests for Vauxhall VX220 models built around 2003 (22 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

Not enough data

Vauxhall VX220 built around 2003: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Vauxhall VX220 models built around 2003 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Check a Vauxhall VX220 by number plate

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Vauxhall VX220's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

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 springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates have fallen two years running. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your VX220's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

VX220 Mk1

Mk1 (2000-2005)

Excellent
PETROL

11.2% fail rate, built around 2003 (22 years old)

Likely between 7.7% and 15.8%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 30.7%)

From 233 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Vauxhall VX220 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Vauxhall VX220 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
8811.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
22414.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
23311.2%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
16113.0%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
11417.5%

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 24 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 22-year-old Vauxhall VX220 models

These issues come from 22-year-old Vauxhall VX220 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    7.7%
    Advisory: 28Fail: 4 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.2%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    3.9%
    Advisory: 11Fail: 2 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    3.4%
    Advisory: 11Fail: 1 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    3.0%
    Advisory: 17Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 233 MOT tests on 22-year-old Vauxhall VX220 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 22-year-old Vauxhall VX220 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres18%
  2. Brakes + Steering18%
  3. Brakes + Other14%
  4. Lighting + Tyres14%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 51 MOT tests on Vauxhall VX220 cars built around 2003 (22 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Vauxhall VX220.

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.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

1 of the 4 Vauxhall VX220 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Rear alloy road wheel may fracture

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

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    MG TF

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall VX220 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,685 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall VX220 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,086 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  3. 3

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.7%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall VX220 on these figures.

    2,750 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz SL

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.5%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall VX220 on these figures.

    2,034 MOT tests on cars built around 2003

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2003 (22 years old), the Vauxhall VX220 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 233 22-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Vauxhall VX220 ever sold: 820 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2003 (22 years old): 233 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.