Vauxhall Vivaro (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,974
£165/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1499cc Diesel
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1,974/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.
72% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vivaros from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 45,587 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
45,587
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro had 45,587 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2021 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Vauxhall Vivaro by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72% | 46 | 45,587 mi | |
| 2020 | 88% | 110 | 64,426 mi | |
| 2019 | 80% | 10,390 | 73,912 mi | |
| 2018 | 78% | 21,445 | 80,253 mi | |
| 2017 | 75% | 23,658 | 92,795 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 36,778 | 98,379 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 43,156 | 111,832 mi | |
| 2014 | 72% | 25,467 | 120,046 mi | |
| 2013 | 70% | 20,902 | 134,523 mi | |
| 2012 | 69% | 18,679 | 140,447 mi | |
| 2011 | 68% | 22,513 | 146,048 mi | |
| 2010 | 67% | 13,971 | 150,285 mi | |
| 2009 | 68% | 8,688 | 148,183 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 18,188 | 155,883 mi | |
| 2007 | 68% | 18,054 | 152,481 mi | |
| 2006 | 67% | 15,910 | 153,447 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 12,438 | 155,550 mi | |
| 2004 | 67% | 8,241 | 159,253 mi | |
| 2003 | 67% | 4,409 | 160,741 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 1,580 | 157,468 mi | |
| 2001 | 73% | 153 | 157,483 mi |
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About the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro
The 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro is a van. Our records list a 1499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 1% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 45,587 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Vivaro owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Vauxhall Vivaro Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,974 (£165/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Vauxhall Vivaro Reliability Trend
Newer Vauxhall Vivaros pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro
At 5 years old, the Vauxhall Vivaro offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Questions about the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro
Is the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2021 Vauxhall Vivaros ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,974 a year (£165 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro?
72% of 46 MOT tests on the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3328th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 1%).
Which year Vauxhall Vivaro has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro is 45,587 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Vauxhall Astra
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Vauxhall Mokka
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
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