Vauxhall Vectra reliability
The Vauxhall Vectra fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 45.2% of 39,135 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
9 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Vectra
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.
Vauxhall 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: VECTRA C · 54,365 vehicles
Handbrake 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: VECTRA C · 236,284 vehicles
Heated washer nozzle may short circuit
It is possible that moisture may enter the heated washer nozzle housing and cause a short circuit of the heating elements. In the worse case a fire may ensue.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to disconnect the heated washer nozzle housings.
Recalled models: VECTRA C · 1,220 vehicles
Rear seat centre belt might not restrain the seat occupant in a frontal impact
It has been identified that during the manufacturing process the lock bar may not have been fitted to the belt retractor. In the worst case the restraint function of the rear seat centre belt might not operate correctly in the case of a frontal impact.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear centre seat belt inspected and replaced if necessary.
Recalled models: VECTRA C · 1,172 vehicles
Rear 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: VECTRA · 783 vehicles
Rear 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: VECTRA · 10,470 vehicles
Fixing bolts of the rear seat belt may not have been torqued according to specification
Fixing bolts of the rear seat belt on the height adjuster C pillar and body sill may not have been torqued according to specification
Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles check torque rear seat belts and tighten to specification.
Recalled models: VECTRA · 136 vehicles
Failure of parking brake cable
Insufficient diameter of the handbrake cable may cause the handbrake to fail prematurely.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled to have the handbrake cable replaced with a modified larger diameter version.
Recalled models: VECTRA · 195,000 vehicles
Security of fuel pipes
In a small number of cases the fuel supply and/or return pipes may detach from their connection at the fuel tank.
Fix: The affected vehicles are being recalled to have the security of the supply and return pipes checked. Where any of the pipes is found to be insecure the securing clip and if necessary the tank sender unit will be replaced.
Recalled models: VECTRA · 39,601 vehicles
Checking a Vauxhall Vectra 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.