2001 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8L Petrol · EF51 AZD
2001 Vauxhall Zafira (1.8L, petrol). First registered 06 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 191,844 miles. MOT expired on 01 Nov 2022.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 01 Nov 2022
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 191,844 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
This vehicle has not had an MOT in the past 5 years. Mechanical analysis was skipped.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EF51 AZD Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/11/2021
- 191,844 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 AZD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2001 Vauxhall Zafira (EF51 AZD) between November 2021 and November 2021.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Vauxhall Vauxhall Zafira A
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This high-mileage Zafira shows signs of long-term wear and deferred maintenance, with recurring mechanical issues and structural concerns suggesting it may be nearing the end of practical life.
When viewing a vehicle of this age and mileage, the primary focus must be structural integrity and mechanical health. Given the history of corroded brake pipes and steering rack seepage, check the chassis thoroughly for rust and ensure the steering is smooth and free of play. Ask for a full service history to see if the timing belt has ever been replaced, as this is critical for the 1.8L engine.
Negotiate based on the recurring issues noted in the MOT history, such as the uneven tyre wear, which indicates potential alignment issues or suspension wear that requires expensive attention. If the gearbox mounting mentioned in 2020 hasn't been replaced, use this as leverage, as it can cause significant vibrations and further damage.
Running costs for this 1.8-litre petrol model are relatively high for modern standards. Expect 30-35 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance will likely fall into a mid-to-high group depending on the driver profile, and road tax is standard for its era.
Maintenance costs will be the primary concern due to the high mileage. You should budget for frequent consumables. Estimate annual costs around £1,200-£1,500 including fuel, tax, and the likelihood of unexpected repairs.
Pay close attention to the braking system; the MOT history shows multiple failures and advisories regarding corroded and leaking brake pipes, which is a serious safety concern. You should also inspect the steering rack for leaks, as 'slight seepage' has been a recurring advisory since at least 2018.
Examine the tyres and suspension components. The history frequently notes inner-edge wear and uneven tread patterns, suggesting worn bushes, shocks, or incorrect tracking geometry that needs addressing. Additionally, check the exhaust system for leaks, as a major flexi-pipe leak was noted in the past.
This 2001 Vauxhall Zafira is a high-mileage example having covered nearly 192,000 miles. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a persistent pattern of brake pipe corrosion, steering rack leaks, and uneven tyre wear. The combination of its age and extreme mileage makes it a high-risk purchase suitable only for a budget-buyer prepared for significant mechanical repairs.
The early Zafira A-era Vauxhall models are generally robust but high-mileage examples are prone to electrical gremlin and suspension fatigue.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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VAUXHALL ZAFIRA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Cambelt failure on 1.6 and 1.8 petrol enginesSerious
The Zafira A's Z16XE and Z18XE petrol engines are interference engines driven by a cambelt that also runs the water pump, so a belt that snaps or skips teeth bends the valves and destroys the bottom end. GetCarWise's fault data puts the change interval at roughly 80,000 miles or five years, prices a belt-and-pump job at £350-£450 and values engine damage at £3,000-£5,000 - far more than the car is worth. BreakerLink's Zafira guide gives the same warning, that the belt needs regular replacement or the resulting damage is extensive and expensive. Most cars on the market are now past either limit and a service stamp is not proof the job was done.
- Rear-door and tailgate central locking wiring failuresModerate
Zafira A owners report the rear doors and tailgate locking circuit dropping out because the flexible loom between body and door cracks internally, a fault both BreakerLink and BreakerYard list for the 1999-2005 car. BreakerLink notes the Zafira is known to suffer an issue with the central locking in the back doors due to the electrics, with locks sticking so a door is hard to open; BreakerYard adds that the boot locking switch in the driver's door fails, so the tailgate refuses to release. Rear doors on a family MPV get slammed harder than any other part of the car, which is why the loom goes first.
- Front brake caliper gas accumulation causing spongy pedalSerious
Zafira A models manufactured between 1999 and 2005 were produced with defective front brake calipers that allowed hydrogen gas to accumulate inside the hydraulic calipers, causing a spongy and unresponsive brake pedal even after routine bleeding. BreakerYard notes that between 1999 and 2005 Zafiras suffered from faulty calipers that let gas enter the hydraulic system, requiring replacement calipers on both sides and a full system pressure flush. BreakerLink confirms that buyers of 1999 to 2005 cars must check for spongy, unresponsive brakes caused by manufacturing faults in the calipers. If neglected, braking efficiency is compromised, leading to MOT failure and extended stopping distances.
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