Vauxhall Zafira

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 363,295 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests

363,295

Highest Pass Rate

2018 (86%)

Years Covered

About the Vauxhall Zafira

The Vauxhall Zafira was MOT tested 363,295 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (1999 to 2018), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol and lpg versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 86% from 7,948 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 21 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Zafiras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1999) averages 123,366 miles, while the newest (2018) averages 48,589 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Vauxhall brand average of 84%, the Zafira is 11 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Vauxhall models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1364cc)

£1,401

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,006

Per month£167/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2018 details

How reliable is the Vauxhall Zafira?

vs average of all models-9% (82% avg)

vs Vauxhall brand average-11% (84% avg)

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Vauxhall Zafira by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	86%	7,948	48,589 mi
2017	84%	19,182	57,186 mi
2016	83%	19,435	69,725 mi
2015	81%	24,364	79,658 mi
2014	79%	47,163	87,407 mi
2013	78%	47,851	91,885 mi
2012	76%	28,728	96,866 mi
2011	73%	23,998	106,807 mi
2010	72%	32,021	108,515 mi
2009	70%	18,589	107,690 mi
2008	69%	27,404	113,639 mi
2007	68%	22,972	114,567 mi
2006	69%	15,366	117,052 mi
2005	69%	10,501	117,280 mi
2004	70%	8,351	117,412 mi
2003	69%	4,657	117,922 mi
2002	71%	2,799	121,379 mi
2001	71%	1,295	121,885 mi
2000	66%	452	133,027 mi
1999	65%	219	123,366 mi

Questions about the Vauxhall Zafira

Is the Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (1999 to 2018), the Vauxhall Zafira averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 363,295 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2018 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 86%.

Which year Vauxhall Zafira has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Vauxhall Zafira has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.