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Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) (1999-2004) reliability

At a glance

Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) built around 2004: about average at the MOT

Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) models built around 2004 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) 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 Zafira A (Zafira) models built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 33% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) models built around 2004 involves the brakes.

Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings1999-2004MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,992 tests of Zafira models registered 1999-2004.

About 1 in 12 Zafira A (Zafira) MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,287 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 12 Zafira A (Zafira) MOTs (8.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).

Based on 3,287 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

A (Zafira) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,90334.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,28733.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,03333.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,21033.3%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
40432.7%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
15532.9%

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 20 years old.

How the Zafira A (Zafira) compares

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

Based on 24,294 tests across 11 Vauxhall models, built around 2004 (21 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVauxhall average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,90334.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,28733.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,03333.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,21033.3%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
40432.7%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
15532.9%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

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

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Leaks

Worth checking

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

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.

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Zafira A (Zafira).

  1. 1

    Renault Kangoo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33.7%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) on these figures.

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

    1,912 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  2. 2

    Citroen Berlingo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.1%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) on these figures.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,760 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Touran

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.4%
    Dangerous
    10.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92.6%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,121 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

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.

How many are still registered

90%of all Vauxhall Zafira cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

15 recalls in all

3 of the 15 Zafira A (Zafira) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Movement of wiring harness connector to fan speed resistor may lead to connector plug terminals becoming heat damaged
  • Potential fuel leak
  • Possibility of fuel leakage

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

What has gone wrong on Zafira A (Zafira) cars built around 2004

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,772 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
80%
Emissions
49%
Drivetrain
13%
Steering
10%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Lighting
74%
Brakes
69%
Tyres
60%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 14% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How Zafira A (Zafira) cars have aged

How Zafira A (Zafira) 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%40%1719212325Age at MOTBuilt around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (8,316 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (5,971 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (4,417 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (3,138 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (2,241 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (4,758 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (3,522 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (2,564 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,855 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (1,392 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (2,994 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (2,097 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (1,501 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (1,116 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (832 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (1,281 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (882 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (688 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (396 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (299 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 37.9% (494 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 37.4% (334 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (221 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (147 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (100 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (98 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (59 tests, 2023 data)1999
First registered around 2004First registered around 2003First registered around 2002First registered around 2001
How each part holds up as A (Zafira) cars age

How each part holds up as A (Zafira) cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 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 car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension80%77%72%70%
Brakes69%67%66%67%
Emissions49%55%52%55%
Tyres60%59%56%53%
Lighting74%76%72%72%
Drivetrain13%8%7%5%
Bodywork2%1%2%1%
Steering10%7%7%7%
Corrosion14%13%11%11%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 1,969 to 2,772 cars at each age.

A (Zafira) variants compared

Zafira A (Zafira) variants built around 2004

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

Petrol

  • ZAFIRA33.1%2,954 tests

Diesel

  • ZAFIRA34.3%332 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Vauxhall Zafiras of this age

This list covers every Vauxhall Zafira built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the A (Zafira) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    33.6%
    Advisory: 1,692Fail: 201 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    29.8%
    Advisory: 995Fail: 21 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    21.8%
    Advisory: 959Fail: 72 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    18.5%
    Advisory: 797Fail: 118 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    16.7%
    Advisory: 747Fail: 22 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,287 tests

Looking at a Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Vauxhall Zafira A (Zafira) (1999-2004) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,287 21-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 8,992 MOT tests on Vauxhall Zafiras first registered between 1999-2004. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.