Model reliability

Vauxhall Combo reliability

The Vauxhall Combo fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 47.7% of 49,754 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old

30.5% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 27,447 MOT tests of Vauxhall Combos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenWipers9.8% vs 2.1%

Fails 3× as oftenHeadlamp aim5.9% vs 1.7%Fix about £30

Fails 3× as oftenMechanical brake components4.9% vs 1.8%

Fails 6× as oftenHeadlamps4% vs 0.7%Fix about £30

Advised 42% more oftenTyre tread depth20.2% vs 14.2%Fix about £90

Advised 47% more oftenMechanical brake components17.8% vs 12.1%

Advised 10× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)5.2% vs 0.5%Fix about £30

6 to 10 years old

40.5% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 23,943 MOT tests of Vauxhall Combos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenSprings11% vs 2.4%Fix about £150

Fails 3× as oftenExhaust emissions6.1% vs 2%Fix about £150

Fails 60% more oftenTyre condition5.6% vs 3.5%Fix about £90

Fails 2× as oftenHeadlamp aim5% vs 2.5%Fix about £30

Advised 32% more oftenTyre tread depth23.5% vs 17.8%Fix about £90

Advised 4× as oftenFluid leaks8.1% vs 2.2%

Advised 4× as oftenCondition of glass7.7% vs 2.1%

Advised 5× as oftenSprings6.9% vs 1.5%Fix about £150

Over 10 years old

47.7% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 49,754 MOT tests of Vauxhall Combos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenSprings9.4% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Fails 43% more oftenBrake performance8.3% vs 5.8%

Fails 48% more oftenHeadlamp aim8% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 68% more oftenTyre condition6.9% vs 4.1%Fix about £90

Advised 33% more oftenTyre tread depth25.6% vs 19.3%Fix about £90

Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes20.1% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 78% more oftenFluid leaks18% vs 10.1%

Advised 3× as oftenShock absorbers13.7% vs 5%Fix about £200

Safety recalls

35 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Combo

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/2026/33519 Aug 2026Built 2025–2026BCM software update – Black screen

On affected vehicles a software defect in the instrument cluster may prevent the cluster display from switching on when the vehicle is started resulting in a black screen.

Fix: Update the Body Control Module software.

Recalled models: COMBO · 105 vehicles

R/2026/18227 Apr 2026Built 2024–2025BCM software missing telltale if LKA unavailable

On affected vehicles the Lane Keep Assist tell-tale fails to illuminate if the front camera is blocked meaning no warning light appears in the instrument cluster.

Fix: Update the Body Control Module software.

Recalled models: COMBO · 2,720 vehicles

R/2026/10713 Mar 2026Built 2025–2026Water pump pulley

On affected vehicles due to a production nonconformity the water pump may malfunction which may cause a loss of engine power and result in the engine shutting down.

Fix: Replace the water pump.

Recalled models: COMBO · 1,587 vehicles

R/2026/01921 Jan 2026Built 2025Vauxhall Cross carline Fuel Injection common rail

On affected vehicles a non-conformity issue with the fuel injection common rail may lead to a loosening of the nut and a potential fuel leak.

Fix: Check the fuel injection common rail and if necessary replace the rail and high-pressure fuel pipes.

Recalled models: COMBO · 79 vehicles

R/2026/0042 Jan 2026Built 2023–2025Vauxhall Combo (K9) Wrong Wheel bolts

On affected vehicles the incorrect wheel bolts may have been fitted which could result in loosening or loss of the bolts.

Fix: Check the correct bolts are fitted and replace if necessary.

Recalled models: COMBO · 95 vehicles

R/2026/00719 Dec 2025Built 2023–2025Vauxhall Vivaro (K0) Combo (K9) IVI software via OTA update.

Affected vehicle may face a black screen on the Instrument Panel Cluster with several functions not available to view.

Fix: Update the In-Vehicle-Infotainment software via Over-the-Air.

Recalled models: COMBO · 4,066 vehicles

R/2025/5329 Dec 2025Built 2023–2025Vauxhall Combo (K9) Headlamp Height Level Sensor

Affected vehicles may have the Headlamp Height Level sensor fitted with incorrect orientation causing the Headlamp beam to be aimed too low and does not adjust as it should.

Fix: Check the Height Level Sensor for correct assembly and replace if necessary.

Recalled models: COMBO · 698 vehicles

R/2025/45122 Oct 2025Built 2023–2024Vauxhall Corsa Mokka Combo ESC software

Affected vehicles may have incorrect or missing tyre pressure messages displayed in the instrument cluster due to a software deviation.

Fix: Update the Electric Stability Control calibration to ensure the correct tyre pressure warning messages are displayed

Recalled models: COMBO · 692 vehicles

R/2025/34218 Aug 2025Built 2017–2021Emission recall – On Board Diagnostics

Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.

Fix: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.

Recalled models: COMBO · 582 vehicles

R/2025/29428 Jul 2025Built 2023–2025Vauxhall Combo Tyre Pressure Label.

Affected vehicles may have incorrect or missing information on the tyre pressure label.

Fix: Replace the tyre pressure label.

Recalled models: COMBO · 773 vehicles

R/2025/2453 Jul 2025Built 2020–2023Vauxhall DV5R Engines Camshaft Chain.

Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.

Fix: Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.

Recalled models: COMBO · 32,012 vehicles

R/2025/20911 Jun 2025Built 2024Autonomous Telematics Box

On affected vehicles the Autonomous Telematics Box (ATB) has no connectivity to the Connected Services features and therefore does not comply with regulatory requirements.

Fix: Replace the ATB to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Recalled models: COMBO · 1 vehicles

R/2025/11924 Mar 2025Built 2022Traction Battery software

Affected vehicles may face an error in the Battery Monitoring Unit software.

Fix: Update the Battery Monitoring Unit software.

Recalled models: COMBO · 348 vehicles

R/2025/08727 Feb 2025Built 2024Autonomous Telematics Box failure after OTA update.

Affected vehicles may have been equipped with an Autonomous Telematic Box (ATB) which does not work.

Fix: Change the ATB.

Recalled models: Combo Cargo · 4 vehicles

R/2024/1991 Feb 2024Built 2019Vauxhall Combo 4x4 Transfer Box

On affected vehicles a defective 4x4 transfer box oil seal might leak resulting in the rear wheels locking up and a loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: Remove and replace the front transfer box oil seal.

Recalled models: COMBO · 1 vehicles

R/2023/20723 Jun 2023Built 2022–2023Affected vehicles may have a tyre load index reported on the vehicle s CoC lower than the rear axle capacity declared on the VIN label.

Affected vehicles may have a tyre load index reported on the vehicle�s CoC lower than the rear axle capacity declared on the VIN label.

Fix: Replace the VIN label and provide an Addendum to the CoC (Certificate of Conformity).

Recalled models: COMBO · 2 vehicles

R/2023/00817 Jan 2023Built 2022There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.

There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.

Fix: Update the software of the traction battery control unit.

Recalled models: COMBO ELECTRIC · 3,666 vehicles

R/2022/3193 Nov 2022Built 2018–2021Lower engine protection cover

The possibility that the lower metal engine protection guard could trap material between it and the underside of the engine exhaust system.

Fix: Replace the metal under engine protection guard with a different design to prevent the collection of material.

Recalled models: COMBO · 507 vehicles

R/2022/3183 Nov 2022Built 2021–2022Lane keeping assist mode

Vauxhall Combo - Model Years 2021-23 may have been built with a Built-in Systems Interface Module (BSI) software not according to specification. In some cases there is a missing sound alert in case of hands off the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds during Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Mode.

Fix: Program the BSI module with improved software.

Recalled models: COMBO · 1,761 vehicles

R/2021/14923 Apr 2021Built 2021It may not be possible to engage the handbrake lever

It may not be possible to engage the handbrake lever.

Fix: Check the handbrake lever locking mechanism and if necessary replace the handbrake lever.

Recalled models: COMBO E · 305 vehicles

R/2020/24220 Aug 2020Built 2019–2020Incorrect steering inner tie rods have been installed

Vehicles have been built with incorrect steering inner tie rods

Fix: Replacement of the steering inner tie rods.

Recalled models: COMBO E · 299 vehicles

R/2019/38627 Nov 2019Built 2018–2019On vehicles without a passenger airbag the seat belt may not sufficiently retain the passenger

The front passenger seatbelt may not retain the passenger sufficiently in case of an accident with high impact.

Fix: Replacement of the front passenger seat belt with correct retention force specification.

Recalled models: COMBO E · 7,178 vehicles

R/2019/40225 Nov 2019Built 2019Steering column may not be correct to specification

Steering columns were produced not according to specification

Fix: Replacement of the steering column

Recalled models: COMBO E · 300 vehicles

R/2019/16515 May 2019Built 2018–2019The parking brake lever might not lock in the engaged position or might disengage after application

The parking brake lever might not lock in the engaged position or might disengage after application

Fix: Check the handbrake mechanism and replace if required

Recalled models: COMBO E · 876 vehicles

R/2019/16415 May 2019Built 2018–2019The parking brake lever may not lock or may disengage after application

The parking brake lever might not lock in the engaged position or might disengage after application

Fix: Check the handbrake mechanism and replace if required

Recalled models: COMBO E · 740 vehicles

R/2019/11710 Apr 2019Built 2018Vehicles may deliver a higher diesel particulate rate than specified

Vehicles might deliver a higher diesel particulate rate than specified.

Fix: Check and if necessary replace the DPF. Some models will also need a software change.

Recalled models: COMBO E · 500 vehicles

R/2015/0915 Jun 2015Built 2003–2008Fire may occur

Moisture can ingress and accumulate inside the ABS control unit. Excessive accumulation of moisture may cause a fire.

Fix: On affected vehicles install an additional ABS module protection cover.

Recalled models: COMBO · 15,271 vehicles

R/2013/0098 Feb 2013Built 2012Reduction in braking performance

A small number of Vauxhall Combo D models may have a brake servo vacuum pipe connector that could break resulting in an unexpected hard brake pedal and reduced braking performance.

Fix: Check and if necessary to replace the brake servo vacuum pipe with connector.

Recalled models: COMBO · 498 vehicles

R/2007/17117 Dec 2007Built 2003–2007Abs may fail

It is possible for moisture to enter the ABS connector/control unit. This can cause the ABS system not to function correctly and in the worst case overheating which may lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the ABS control unit fit a protective cover to the control unit and seal the earth point with wax.

Recalled models: COMBO · 345,634 vehicles

R/2007/11810 Sept 2007Steering control may be lost

The retaining ring of the steering gear pinion might be out of it's retaining groove. In the worst case the steering gear pinion may lose engagement resulting in loss of steering control

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace steering gear assembly

Recalled models: COMBO · 557 vehicles

R/2006/00622 Mar 2006Water ingress into abs wiring may cause a short circuit and a fire

It has been identified that the above vehicles could be affected by moisture ingress at the ABS connector. The moisture can enter through the ground wiring connection which can lead to the ABS not functioning correctly overheating within the connector and in extreme cases a fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the ABS harness plug checked for moisture ingress and where necessary the wiring harness and control unit will be replaced. In all other cases the ground cable will be secured against ingress of moisture by soldering the cable sockets and applying shrink tubes.

Recalled models: COMBO · 217,374 vehicles

R/2004/01911 Mar 2004Steering wheel centre screw may not have been tightened correctly.

The steering wheel centre screw may not have been tightened correctly.

Fix: Replace the centre torx screw and tighten to the specified torque.

Recalled models: COMBO · 144 vehicles

R/2001/0049 Feb 2001Built 1999–2000Seat belt latching concern

Driver and front passenger seat belt latching mechanism may separate when loaded in a frontal impact.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit quality assured seat belt buckles.

Recalled models: COMBO · 116,378 vehicles

R/2001/0059 Feb 2001Built 1993–1999Seat security concern

Driver and front passenger seat adjuster rails may fracture and cause seat to become insecure.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit reinforcing plates to the seat runners. Fit new runners if the original ones are fractured.

Recalled models: COMBO · 586,554 vehicles

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: COMBO · 601,131 vehicles

Show all 35 recalls

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

Checking a Vauxhall Combo 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 Combo reliability

35 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Combo

Checking a Vauxhall Combo before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.