Model reliability

Vauxhall Cavalier reliability

The Vauxhall Cavalier fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 26.8% of 1,262 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

26.8% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 1,262 MOT tests of Vauxhall Cavaliers this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 39% more oftenExhaust emissions7.1% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 4× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas4.9% vs 1.4%

Fails 2× as oftenSeat belts2.1% vs 1%

Fails 4× as oftenFuel system1.6% vs 0.4%

Advised 48% more oftenFluid leaks14.9% vs 10.1%

Advised 34% more oftenRigid brake pipes11.1% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 3× as oftenWheel bearings4.7% vs 1.7%

Advised 3× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas4.7% vs 1.6%

Safety recalls

3 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Cavalier

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/1995/01224 Mar 1995Built 1991–19951) possible static sparking during refuelling (astra models only) 2) air bag system may not deploy

1) During refuelling the flow of fuel can cause static electricity to build up in the tank filler neck with the possibility of static sparking. 2) On some vehicles an electrical connector plug in the air bag system may not be correctly possible

Fix: A) The fitting of a metal earthing clamp to the lower end of the metal ring for the fuel filler cap to ensure a conductive connection between the filler neck and the vehicle body. B) Checking that in potentially affected vehicles the subject elect

Recalled models: CAVALIER · 601,131 vehicles

R/1994/02428 May 1994Built 1992–1994Wiring may chafe on brake pipe

As a result of engine movement a wiring harness may chafe on a steel brake pipe adjacent to the brake master cylinder. This could cause short circuiting and possible loss of braking efficiency should the brake fluid temperature rise as a result.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified clip to the wiring harness. Additionally the harness will be sheathed for additional protection in the area adjacent to the brake pipe.

Recalled models: CAVALIER · 32,770 vehicles

R/1992/06327 Nov 1992Built 1992Possible tyre failure

Certain vehicles within the chassis range specified may have been fitted with examples of a batch of Dunlop tyres which are the subject of a recall. The tyres were affected by a contaminant during manufacture which could cause loss of adhesion between

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for examination of the tyres. Where any tyres from the affected batch are found they will be replaced.

Recalled models: CAVALIER · 5,966 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Vauxhall Cavalier before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Vauxhall Cavalier reliability

3 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Cavalier

Checking a Vauxhall Cavalier before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.