Vauxhall Vivaro reliability
The Vauxhall Vivaro fails its MOT more often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 40.3% of 78,550 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
47 DVSA recalls for the Vauxhall Vivaro
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.
Water 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: VIVARO · 2,064 vehicles
Vauxhall 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: VIVARO · 419 vehicles
Vauxhall 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: VIVARO · 9,008 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro (K0) Low In-use performance ratio – ECM software.
On affected vehicles there is an issue with the Engine Control Module (ECM) calibration which may lead to non-compliance with regulatory emission requirements.
Fix: Update the ECM calibration.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 4,104 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro Rear Brake Discs
Affected vehicles may have been equipped with rear brake discs out of specification. These brake discs have insufficient contact with the wheel hub resulting in abnormal stress concentration.
Fix: Check the rear brake discs and replace them and the brake pads if necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 5 vehicles
Emission 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: VIVARO · 10,083 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro (K0) Lower Control Arm Bushing.
On affected vehicles the bolts on the front wishbone may break due to corrosion.
Fix: Replace the bolts and bushings on both sides of the front wishbone.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 29,927 vehicles
Vauxhall 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: VIVARO · 649 vehicles
Traction Battery software
Affected vehicles may face an error in the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Fix: Update the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 559 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro TBMU software
On affected vehicles they may have been supplied with incorrect software in the Traction Battery Management Unit TBMU that can lead to a non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the TBMU software will be updated to meet regulatory requirements.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 30 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro K0 Seat Fixation
On affected vehicles there may be insufficient fixing on the 1st and/or 2nd row of seats that could potentially allow seat movement in the event of a collision
Fix: On the affected vehicles seat fixings will be reworked
Recalled models: VIVARO · 2,503 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro (K0) Display screws missing.
On affected vehicles the radio display fixing screws may be missing allowing a potential detachment of the display during a collision.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the fixings will be checked and fitted if necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 7,931 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro (K0) Rear Springs
Affected vehicles may have been equipped with the incorrect rear springs which can result in impaired driving behaviour when fully loaded or a risk of rear spring detachment in a worst-case scenario when empty.
Fix: Replace both rear springs.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 1,230 vehicles
Vauxhall Vivaro – Ground Connections
On affected vehicles there could be a loss of ground connections for some electrical harnesses which could result in a worst-case scenario in the loss of several vehicle functions with safety impacts and a risk of erratic behaviour of the vehicle.
Fix: Check and re-tighten the ground connections.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 24 vehicles
Affected vehicles may be equipped with a B-Pillar manufacturer label with incorrect weight data which can lead to a non-conformity to regulatory requirements.
Affected vehicles may be equipped with a B-Pillar manufacturer label with incorrect weight data which can lead to a non-conformity to regulatory requirements.
Fix: Replace the manufacturer label with one that has correct load values.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 6,506 vehicles
Affected vehicles may have a steering tie rod/track rod end nut that has not been tightened to the correct torque.
Affected vehicles may have a steering tie rod/track rod end nut that has not been tightened to the correct torque.
Fix: Replace the steering tie rod/track rod end nut and tighten to the correct torque.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 6 vehicles
Some vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrectly positioned fuel pipe.
Some vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrectly positioned fuel pipe.
Fix: Check fuel pipe positioning correct if necessary and fit protective sleeve.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 4,861 vehicles
Insufficient tightening torque of the steering gear fastening bolts can lead to vibration or improper steering behaviour.
Insufficient tightening torque of the steering gear fastening bolts can lead to vibration or improper steering behaviour.
Fix: Check and replace the steering gear if necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 1 vehicles
On the affected vehicles equipped with a manual handbrake the efficiency of the handbrake and service brake may be compromised
On the affected vehicles equipped with a manual handbrake the efficiency of the handbrake and service brake may be compromised.
Fix: Check the rear brake caliper references and replace as necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 49 vehicles
The high voltage harness might not be to the correct specification.
The High Voltage Harness might not be to the correct specification.
Fix: Check the harness conformity and replace it if necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 33 vehicles
The selective catalytic reduction system does not heat up as required
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system does not heat up as required.
Fix: Replace the affected Urea Reservoir.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 191 vehicles
The front modular bench seat headrests may not be to specification.
The front modular bench seat headrests may not be to specification and might not be locked correctly.
Fix: Check and if necessary replace the affected headrests and guides
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 638 vehicles
The rear spring centraliser might be welded incorrectly
The rear spring centraliser might be welded incorrectly.
Fix: Add 3 weld spots to the rear spring centralisers.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 53 vehicles
Possible damaged wheel bolt threads due to a production process deviation
Possible damaged wheel bolt threads due to a production process deviation.
Fix: Check and if necessary replace the wheel bolts hub and wheel.
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 53 vehicles
An incorrect calibration file for nox calculation was used in production
An incorrect calibration file for NOx calculation was used in production.
Fix: Reprogram the Reductant Control Module with the latest software.
Recalled models: VIVARO B · 974 vehicles
Several rear axle fastening bolts need to be replaced
Rear axle bolts may break or become loose
Fix: Check the fastening torque and replace affected bolts on all affected vehicles
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 39 vehicles
Water ingress through wheel arches into passenger compartment
Water ingress into the passenger compartment due to poor wheel arch sealing may lead to airbag malfunction
Fix: Seal the wheel arch body seams. Replace wiring harness and airbag control unit if necessary
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 75 vehicles
Water ingress through wheel arches into passenger compartment
Water ingress into the passenger compartment due to poor wheel arch sealing may lead to airbag malfunction
Fix: Seal the wheel arch body seams. Replace wiring harness and airbag control unit if necessary
Recalled models: VIVARO C · 945 vehicles
Potential chafing on the fuel tubes
Affected vehicles may have a chafing condition on the fuel pipes.
Fix: Check and replace the fuel pipes as necessary add protectors to the pipes
Recalled models: VIVARO · 2,015 vehicles
Loss of parking brake function
Incorrect crimping of the secondary parking brake cable ferrules.
Fix: Replacement of the secondary parking brake cables the adjuster and the adjustment nut.
Recalled models: VIVARO B · 6,270 vehicles
Suspension may become insecure
The longitudinal control arm of the rear axle may not be correctly fastened. This may cause the arm to break and/or detach.
Fix: On affected vehicles check the torque of the screw connection on the longitudinal rod and replace nuts bolts or rear axle where necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 2,601 vehicles
Egr valve pipe may fail
It has been identified that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve pipe may fail/break. This will allow hot exhaust gases to escape and potentially damage component in the surrounding area.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the EGR valve pipe.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 8,391 vehicles
Bonnet catch may fail
Due to an incorrect tightening operation in the production plant the locking function of the hood might not work correctly. This may allow the bonnet to open whilst the vehicle is in motion
Fix: On affected vehicles check tightness of securing bolts and replace where necessary
Recalled models: VIVARO · 7,866 vehicles
Airbag may not deploy as intended
One or both bolts retaining the passenger air bag may have been omitted during production. As a result the airbag may not deploy as intended during a frontal collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check bolts are present for tightness and fit new bolts where required.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 22 vehicles
Bonnet lock may fail
The tightening torque of both hood primary latch bolts may not be to specification and cause the locking function of the hood to not work correctly. The loosening of the hood latch screws under the influence of vibrations together with the aerodynamic pressure under the hood can lead to the bonnet not staying in the closed position.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the tightening torque of both hood primary latch bolts. Where necessary the bolts will be replaced.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 2,364 vehicles
Loss of braking performance
The servo vacuum pump may fail causing a hard bake pedal loss of engine power and the vehicle may adopt limp home mode. A warning lamp may also illuminate.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace vacuum pump.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 598 vehicles
Brake pedal may loosen
It is possible for the servo mounting bolts to loosen. If the noises are ignored over time it is possible for the brakes to be compromised.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the brake pedal/servo mounting nuts.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 780 vehicles
Seat frame may fail
The integrity of the front seat bench frame for the passengers may be compromised because of non-compliance during the manufacturing processes. Customer may hear noises coming from underneath the bench. They may also notice some cracking on the seat frame angles. If the seat fails during a collision the passengers have an elevated risk of injury.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect the seat frame. Replace the seat where necessary.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 1,650 vehicles
Front dual seat may be unstable in a collision
The front dual passenger seat may fail as the welded seams may not be to specification.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affect and inspect the seat frame and where necessary replace the frame.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 395 vehicles
Directional control may be affected
The lower wishbone fixing bolts might not have been tightened to the correct specification. This could lead to steering wheel noise and vibration possibly affecting steering direction while driving or accelerating (e.g. pulling to one side).
Fix: On affected vehicles check tightness of bolts. If necessary replace bolts and tighten to correct specification.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 687 vehicles
Parking brake may not perform correctly
The parking brake cable may not have been assembled correctly which can result in either the inability to apply the parking brake or the inability to release the parking brake.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the parking brake cable.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 780 vehicles
Seat belt buckle may fail
Seat-belt buckle for the double cab second seat row may separate from seat connector under load.
Fix: Check all seat-belt buckles of the second seat row according to the following rework instruction and install a new seat-belt buckle if necessary
Recalled models: VIVARO · 63 vehicles
Handbrake may fail
Risk that the primary handbrake cable end - piece crimping may not conform so the handbrake cable may become detached.
Fix: Check crimping at cable end. Replace cable if not within tolerance.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 1,768 vehicles
Steering may fail
It has been identified that the welds to the left front suspension-strut turret many not be to specification. This could lead to detachment of the suspension-strut turret detachment and subsequent loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and apply additional weld seams to the turret.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 15 vehicles
Seat belts may become insecure
The bolt securing the outer seat belt buckles may become loose on the 2nd and if fitted 3d row seats
Fix: Recall affected vehicles remove bolt remove washer clean and refit bolt applying thread lock
Recalled models: VIVARO · 508 vehicles
Possible failure of parking brake
It has been identified that the parking brake cable connector situated between the primary and intermediate parking brake cables may fracture. Should this occur the parking brake function would be lost.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject cable connector replaced.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 45,330 vehicles
Possible detachment of brake pedal linkage retaining clip.
A brake pedal linkage retaining clip may become detached after high mileage. Although no incidents have been reported in the worst case a pedal link could become detached and render the footbrake ineffective.
Fix: Fit modified brake pedal linkage retaining clips.
Recalled models: VIVARO · 1,148 vehicles
Checking a Vauxhall Vivaro 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.