Model reliability

Vauxhall Signum reliability

The Vauxhall Signum fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 44.2% of 1,665 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

44.2% failed their MOT

About average

From 1,665 MOT tests of Vauxhall Signums this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

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

Fails 49% more oftenExhaust emissions7.6% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 76% more oftenAnti-roll bars7.4% vs 4.2%

Fails 71% more oftenTyre condition7% vs 4.1%Fix about £90

Advised 41% more oftenMechanical brake components23.9% vs 16.9%

Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes17.9% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 3× as oftenExhaust system15.4% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 70% more oftenAnti-roll bars10.2% vs 6%

Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Signum

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/2025/5111 Dec 2025Built 2005–2008Vauxhall cross carline Driver’s Airbag - Takata

On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbag inflators may deteriorate over time. This may cause the inflators to rupture with too much force in a crash leading to serious injury or death in a worst-case scenario.

Fix: Replace the driver airbag module.

Recalled models: SIGNUM · 333 vehicles

R/2008/0147 Apr 2008Built 2002–2007Handbrake may partially release

Following a small number of complaints of Vauxhall Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly defective handbrakes. Vauxhall engineers in conjunction with consultants and other bodies have conducted rigorous testing and found that provided the handbrake is applied correctly without depressing the release button the handbrake is perfectly safe.

Fix: In line with it's priority of continuous improvement recalled vehicles will be fitted with a modified handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release.

Recalled models: SIGNUM · 236,284 vehicles

R/2005/16617 Dec 2005Rear axle hub may not be to specification

The hardening process applied to the rear wheel bearing inner ring may be incorrect. There is a possibility that a rumbling noise may become apparent which if not checked could in extreme circumstances result in the detachment of the hub and severely impaired road holding/handling.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the date stamp on the rear wheel hubs. Where necessary replace the hub bearing assembly.

Recalled models: SIGNUM · 783 vehicles

R/2004/1485 Nov 2004Built 2004Rear exhaust pipe may move backwards slipping off the front pipe

The possibility exists that the rear exhaust pipe can move backwards and slip off the front pipe. With the possibility that under body components may become damaged.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check likely to be affected under body areas and install a new exhaust clamp.

Recalled models: SIGNUM · 10,470 vehicles

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

Checking a Vauxhall Signum 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 Signum reliability

4 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Signum

Checking a Vauxhall Signum before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.