1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Astra Merit models manufactured in 1998, based on 51 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Astra Merit cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit vintage page → (36.7% current pass rate)1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit MOT Analysis
The 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit has an MOT pass rate of 37.3% based on 51 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,434 miles on the odometer. With a 62.7% failure rate, the 1998 Astra Merit is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit is Registration Plates and VIN, responsible for 2.0% of failures. Registration Plates and VIN issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs range from £100–400. Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems is the second most common issue at 2.0%. Steering follows at 2.0%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Astra Merit page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registration Plates And Vin | 2.0% | 1 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 2.0% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 2.0% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 2.0% | 1 |
| 5 | Brakes | 2.0% | 1 |
| 6 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 98,434 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.20 | 2.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit has an MOT pass rate of 37.3% based on 51 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,434 miles on the odometer. With a 62.7% failure rate, the 1998 Astra Merit is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to registration plates and vin: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights. With an average mileage of 98,434 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Registration Plates and VIN — 2.0% of failures
Registration Plates and VIN issues account for 2.0% of MOT failures on 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit models. Registration Plates and VIN issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 2.0% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 2.0% of MOT failures on 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Steering — 2.0% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.0% of MOT failures on 1998 Vauxhall Astra Merit models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.