Model reliability

Vauxhall Tigra reliability

The Vauxhall Tigra fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 47.9% of 8,358 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

47.9% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 8,358 MOT tests of Vauxhall Tigras this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance14.2% vs 5.8%

Fails 93% more oftenSprings7.9% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Fails 80% more oftenTyre condition7.4% vs 4.1%Fix about £90

Fails 55% more oftenAnti-roll bars6.5% vs 4.2%

Advised 3× as oftenExhaust system17.2% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 42% more oftenTyre condition14.8% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Advised 77% more oftenRigid brake pipes14.7% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 39% more oftenFluid leaks14% vs 10.1%

Safety recalls

7 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Tigra

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/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: TIGRA · 15,271 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: TIGRA · 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: TIGRA · 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: TIGRA · 217,374 vehicles

R/2005/08226 Jul 2005Airbag could become loose

Constant quality controls have revealed that on some vehicles the passenger side airbag mounting fixing screws were not torqued to the correct specification. This could result in the airbag unit becoming loose.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and tighten the two airbag retaining screws

Recalled models: TIGRA · 246 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: TIGRA · 586,554 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: TIGRA · 116,378 vehicles

Show all 7 recalls

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

Checking a Vauxhall Tigra 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 Tigra reliability

7 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Tigra

Checking a Vauxhall Tigra before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.