Are Vauxhall cars reliable?
Find out all about Vauxhall reliability and pick the right model for you
Discover Vauxhall reliability
If you're tempted by a Vauxhall, or a Corsa, Mokka or Insignia has caught your eye, you might ask yourself, 'Are Vauxhalls reliable?'
The good news is that Vauxhalls are reliable cars that will generally have your back.
They're well-built, great value for money, and you're spoilt for choice with good examples.
Want to find out more? Keep reading our Vauxhall reliability guide.
Understanding car reliability ratings
Car reliability can be judged in a number of different ways – one of the most popular being reliability surveys.
You can also look at the reputation of the brand and the model to get an idea of what it'll be like.
For used cars, look into the service history, potential repair costs, and owner reviews and forums.
Another good indicator of reliability is the Euro NCAP ratings. Models that score above four stars tend to be well-built and more reliable.
Vauxhall reliability
There’s been a bit of debate around Vauxhall reliability over the years, but it seems they’ve only been improving.
The brand scores well on many reliability surveys, with ratings that put it as one of the more reliable car brands.
While plenty of Vauxhall reliability reviews have good things to say about the cars, there are also some comments that things can be improved.
All Vauxhall models come with a three-year warranty from brand-new, and you can also choose to add a cinchCare package if you’re buying a used Vauxhall from our site. This should give you some extra peace of mind.
For example, tyres for a Vauxhall Corsa can cost as little as £60 per wheel, while a set of brake discs and pads can cost around £150.
A larger model like the Vauxhall Mokka can cost slightly more for parts, with tyres costing around £75 for the budget options.
Safety features
To measure Vauxhall's reliability, a good place to look is the impressive amount of safety tech onboard.
It differs depending on the model you choose, but there’s plenty of kit to keep you secure – from active features such as forward collision alert to passive features such as seat belt pre-tensioners.
This can include active safety features like anti-lock brakes and forward collision alert that can help you avoid accidents, as well as passive safety features such as airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.
There are also driving aids like lane-keep assist to keep you centred on the road, hill start assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Take a look at our Vauxhall reviews to see the safety features for each model.
Running costs
Low running costs are an underrated factor of reliability. Vauxhalls are known to be very efficient and cheap to run, especially the newer electric models.
The iconic Corsa (1.5 Turbo D) can get as high as 70.6mpg, and the popular Insignia will still get over 46mpg.
Insurance costs on the smaller engine models should be reasonable, too. If you want to save money, it's best to steer clear of performance models like the Corsa VXR.
Road tax is typically inexpensive for many Vauxhall models as well – just make sure you don't pay over £40,000 brand-new and get hit with the luxury car fee.
How reliable are different Vauxhall models?
Astra
The Vauxhall Astra scores well on reliability surveys and is reviewed positively across the board, with notes about its high quality and solid build.
It was awarded a four-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022, with 80% ratings for adult occupants and 8% for children.
Corsa
For a reliable small car, a Corsa is a great pick with a dedicated following. It generally scores well in reliability surveys, especially in the newer generations.
It was also awarded a four-star Euro NCAP rating, the Corsa scores 84% for adult occupants and 86% for children.
Insignia
Vauxhall Insignias are solid runners with well-built engines that stand up to plenty of use – they score well for reliability among other ‘executive’ models.
The latest models get safety tech like forward collision alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Mokka
The Vauxhall Mokka is a top-performer in reliability when compared to other SUVs. It also gets plenty of safety tech – including an automatic emergency braking system and driver assistance features such as lane keep assist.
Is Vauxhall more reliable than other brands?
All car brands have strong points (and weak points). And, while Vauxhall hasn't always been known for its reliability, it is improving.
Now, Vauxhall/Vauxhall models tend to rank much better in reliability surveys.
That said, here's how Vauxhall compares to its rivals in terms of reliability.
Ford vs. Vauxhall
Ford and Vauxhall are fierce rivals, and many of their models tend to compete on price and performance.
In terms of reliability, Ford does tend to outperform Vauxhall in surveys. It has one of the best reputations for dependable engines and solid build quality.
Peugeot vs. Vauxhall
Vauxhall cars are often considered to be more reliable than Peugeot models, but that will really depend on who you’re talking to. Both brands have positive reviews, but Vauxhalls do seem to be more popular.
They also both get similar Euro NCAP ratings as well, ranging between four and five stars depending on the model.
Volkswagen vs. Vauxhall
Volkswagens have also earned a solid reputation for reliability, but they tend to be pricier than Vauxhall models because of the more premium feel.
They also typically have higher Euro NCAP ratings than Vauxhalls, and it's rare that a VW scores under the full five-star rating.
BMW vs. Vauxhall
A used BMW will be solidly built and high-quality, but the long list of premium parts and features can be more expensive to upkeep and maintain than a simpler model from Vauxhall.
BMWs are also quite hard to work on compared to Vauxhalls, so you might end up spending more on labour at a garage.
Find reliable used Vauxhall cars
It's not a coincidence that you see so many Vauxhalls on the road. They're reliable, and they're especially good value for money.
Models like the Corsa and Adam have also built up a loyal following thanks to their modern styling and dependability.
Take a look at our full range of used Vauxhall cars to find your perfect fit.