1987 Vauxhall Carlton MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Carlton models manufactured in 1987, based on 241 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Carlton cars tested in 1987. Want to see how cars built in 1987 hold up over time?
View 1987 Vauxhall Carlton vintage page → (44.1% current pass rate)1987 Vauxhall Carlton MOT Analysis
The 1987 Vauxhall Carlton has an MOT pass rate of 57.3% based on 241 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 95,222 miles on the odometer. With a 42.7% failure rate, the 1987 Carlton is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 1.7% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 0.8%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 0.8%.
Top failures specific to 1987 models only. The overall Carlton 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.7% | 4 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.8% | 2 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.8% | 2 |
| 4 | Non-component Advisories | 0.8% | 2 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.8% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 95,222 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.17 | 1.7% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.09 | 0.8% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.09 | 0.8% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.09 | 0.8% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.09 | 0.8% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1987 Vauxhall Carlton has an MOT pass rate of 57.3% based on 241 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 95,222 miles on the odometer. With a 42.7% failure rate, the 1987 Carlton is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1987 Vauxhall Carlton, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. With an average mileage of 95,222 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 1.7% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 1.7% of MOT failures on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.8% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.8% of MOT failures on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.8% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.8% of MOT failures on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.