Model Reports 8 min read Updated 11 Sep 2026 DVSA open data · 838 tests analysed

Vauxhall Insignia 2021: reliability & common MOT faults

139 first-attempt MOT failures were recorded on the 2021 Vauxhall Insignia in 2025. Figures are among first-attempt failed MOT tests, not among all tests.

First-attempt pass rate 83.4% across 838 tests in 2025. On 838 tests that is too small a sample to separate this year from the Insignias either side of it — treat the recorded failures as a checklist, not as a verdict on the year.

First-attempt pass

83.4%

of 838 first tests (2025)

First tests

838

test year 2025

Failed first attempts

139

failed first-attempt tests

MOT pass rates

First-attempt and official-style rates among class 4 first tests of the year.

First-attempt pass

83.4%

of 838 first tests (2025)

Official-style pass

87.1%

incl. same-day PRS fixes

First tests

838

class 4 · first MOT of the year

Typical age 4.0 yrs · median mileage 42,509 mi

vs 2024: -0.7 pp first-attempt

Note:

  • Class 4 cars · first MOT of the year per vehicle · P/PRS/F outcomes (2025 data).
  • PRS (fixed at the station the same day) counts as a fail in the first-attempt rate.
  • Raw outcomes for this cohort — not adjusted for age, mileage, or peer mix.
  • MOT doesn't test engine or gearbox internals.

Wear patterns

Usage and mileage effects that often track road use rather than model design.

These patterns look like wear or usage effects rather than model-specific design faults. Tyres, brake friction material, and alignment-related defects often track mileage and road use.

Pattern Location Failures vs similar cars Share of fails Confidence
Brake pads (rear)
Brakes > Mechanical brake components > Brake linings and pads > Brake pads
 Rear 21 ×2.8 15.1% Wear
Note: These patterns are not treated as a model design fault in our common-faults ranking.

If you are buying one

What this year's MOT record means for the decision in front of you.

There are too few 2021 Insignias in the data to call this year good or bad. Judge the individual car, not the year.

Other Insignia years worth knowing about

Newer cars always pass more often, so a plain "best year" list would just rank by age. These are the years that beat or miss the trend their own neighbouring years set — the only age-adjusted signal this data supports.

Year vs the years either side First-attempt pass (rises with newer cars) First tests
2017 Insignia +2.1 pp better 75.3% 14,418

Every figure here is a first-attempt MOT rate from DVSA open data for this model line. MOTs do not test engine or gearbox internals, so this is a pre-purchase checklist, not a full reliability score.

FAQs

Short answers about how to read this model-year guide.

On 838 tests that is too small a sample to separate this year from the Insignias either side of it — treat the recorded failures as a checklist, not as a verdict on the year. In 2025, 83.4% of 838 first MOTs on the 2021 Vauxhall Insignia passed first time (PRS — items fixed at the station the same day — counted as a fail). The official-style rate including PRS is 87.1%. Among 139 failed first-attempt MOT tests (test…
This page highlights MOT failure patterns for the 2021 Vauxhall Insignia (registration year) using UK DVSA open data for the selected test year. Patterns are compared with cars of a similar age and mileage. It is a buyer checklist from MOT defect statistics — not a full service history or manufacturer service-bulletin list.
No. MOT tests do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronic modules. Patterns here come from MOT defect statistics only and should not be read as engine or gearbox reliability scores.

About this data

How this page is built and what it can (and can't) say.

These figures come from UK MOT open data for this model year. We surface common failure patterns against similar cars — not a full reliability score, and not a pass/fail verdict on any individual vehicle.

2024 2025

What we include

UK Class 4 cars only. Normal MOT tests (not retests); first test per vehicle per calendar year; results pass, PRS, or fail.

Same-day repairs

PRS means the car failed items that were fixed at the test station and then passed the same day. We count PRS as a first-attempt fail in headline rates so same-day repairs do not hide problems.

How we compare

We compare this model year with other Class 4 cars of similar age and mileage in the same test year. This model family is left out of the peer group so the car is not measured against itself.

What this does not cover

  • MOTs do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronics — this is not a full reliability score.
  • Common faults come from MOT defect stats, not manufacturer TSBs or recalls.
  • Age and mileage matching reduces — but does not remove — differences in how cars were used and maintained.
  • We never invent pass rates, star scores, or ranks when those data marts are missing.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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