2007 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4L Petrol · KH07 AEO
2007 Vauxhall Meriva (1.4L, petrol). First registered 31 May 2007. Recorded mileage 106,083 miles. MOT expired on 14 Dec 2024.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL MERIVA
- Year / Origin
- 2007 · Borehamwood (Luton)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 14 Dec 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,083 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
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.
KH07 AEO Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/12/2023
- 106,083 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KH07 AEO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2007 Vauxhall Meriva (KH07 AEO) between December 2021 and December 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 December 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (10 issues), Brakes (10 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 26 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Emissions unable to be completed due to exh blow (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases flex (6.1.2 (a))”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps x 2 (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
KH07 AEO Mileage History
- 01/12/202193,072 mi
- 02/12/202299,624 mi+6,552 mi
- 01/12/2023105,776 mi+6,152 mi
- 15/12/2023106,083 mi+307 mi
Average of roughly 6,385 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Vauxhall Vauxhall Meriva
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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
Caution: This Vauxhall Meriva has a history of frequent and serious MOT failures, particularly concerning brake and exhaust issues, making it a high‑risk purchase despite its relatively low mileage for its age. Potential buyers should be prepared for costly repairs.
Start by reviewing the full MOT test reports, paying close attention to any major or dangerous failures listed, especially those concerning the brake system, steering rack, and exhaust. Inspect the condition of all brake pipes for corrosion, verify that the steering rack shows no excessive free play, and check the tyre tread depth and condition, as the recent advisories indicate worn tyres close to the legal limit. Look for evidence of recent brake or exhaust repairs, and confirm that any previously flagged issues have been fully resolved with receipts or service records. Given the high number of advisories, negotiate a significant discount to cover anticipated remedial work or consider a different vehicle with a cleaner history.
Check the service history for regular maintenance, particularly oil changes and brake fluid flushes, as the recurring oil leak advisories suggest possible neglect. Verify that the suspension components, including shock absorbers, bushes and pins, are in good condition, since worn parts can affect handling and safety. Finally, have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough pre‑purchase inspection focusing on the identified weak points to confirm the current state before committing.
The 1.4‑litre petrol engine typically delivers around 45‑50 mpg combined, resulting in modest fuel expenses for a vehicle of this size. Its annual road tax is likely in the 13% band, amounting to roughly £130‑£150 per year, while insurance groups for this model generally fall between 13 and 15, translating to premiums of approximately £500‑£650 annually. Routine maintenance, including tyre replacement, brake service and occasional oil changes, is expected to cost around £200‑£300 per year, leading to an estimated total running cost of £800‑£1,000 per year.
First, examine the brake system thoroughly: look for signs of corrosion on all brake pipes, check the condition of the brake discs and pads, and verify that the steering rack exhibits no excessive free play, as the MOT records show repeated failures in these areas. Next, inspect the tyres for tread depth and uneven wear, especially the near‑side front and off‑side front tyres which have repeatedly been noted as worn close to the legal limit. Also assess the suspension components, including the shock absorbers, suspension arm bushes and pins, and the condition of the exhaust system for any leaks or cracks, since the history shows recurring exhaust and suspension advisories. Finally, ensure that any child seat installations do not impede the inspection of adult seat belts, as this was a recurring advisory point.
The 2007 Vauxhall Meriva has accumulated 106,083 miles since its first registration in May 2007, with a recent MOT in December 2023 showing only advisory items after a pass. However, the vehicle's MOT history reveals repeated major failures, including dangerous brake deficiencies, excessive steering rack play, and persistent exhaust leaks, indicating underlying mechanical concerns. While the recent tyre wear and oil leak advisories are not critical, the cumulative effect of multiple serious faults suggests the car may require substantial remedial work. Overall, the Meriva offers limited value given its condition and the likelihood of expensive repairs.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Vauxhall Meriva, but its history shows frequent brake and suspension issues, suggesting mixed reliability.
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
Common Problems: VAUXHALL MERIVA
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Front-end knocking from worn steering rack, joints and dampers(Moderate)
BreakerYard's Meriva fault page describes a knocking noise from the suspension over uneven surfaces that is actually caused by the steering rack, and warns that leaving a worn rack unreplaced damages the surrounding suspension. GetCarWise's Meriva MOT data backs up the front-end story with the numbers: ball joint dust cover failures at close to 40 times the fleet average, shock absorber failures at around 32 times, with joints quoted at £100-£300 per corner and damper pairs at £200-£400. On a tall, front-heavy MPV built on supermini parts, these are the consumables that decide whether a cheap Meriva stays cheap.
- Power steering assistance failure and rack or column wear(Serious)
BreakerYard lists power steering failure as a known Meriva problem, saying the assist can go and make the car very hard to manoeuvre, that in some cases the steering has jammed, and that the repair is a new steering rack and column rather than a component rebuild. GetCarWise's Meriva buying guide prices the assist-side hardware at £300-£600 for a pump and £150-£300 for hoses, which is why a car with heavy steering in the forecourt test is rarely worth the advertised price. Loss of assistance at parking speeds is a safety issue as well as a bill.
- Brake hose ferrule excessive corrosion and hydraulic leakage(Serious)
The first-generation Meriva exhibits one of the highest failure rates in the UK vehicle fleet for brake hose ferrule corrosion, failing MOT inspections at up to 67 times the national average according to GetCarWise. The crimped steel ferrules connecting the flexible rubber brake hoses to the rigid steel brake pipes suffer severe galvanic corrosion from road salt and moisture spray in the wheel arches. As the metal scales and expands, it weakens the hose connection, eventually causing brake fluid seepage or sudden hose separation under heavy braking, resulting in partial or total loss of hydraulic braking.
- Underside solid steel brake pipe corrosion(Serious)
Rigid steel brake lines running along the underside floor pan and over the rear axle beam of the Meriva A suffer accelerated corrosion. The original factory plastic coating cracks and traps winter road salt and water against the bare steel tubing. According to DVSA MOT statistics tracked by GetCarWise, the Meriva fails brake pipe inspections at 28 to 32 times the fleet average. Corroded sections can pinhole or rupture under sudden emergency braking pressure, causing immediate loss of brake fluid and catastrophic loss of stopping power. Complete replacement with cupro-nickel (Kunifer) pipes is standard practice.
- Suspension ball joint and CV joint dust cover splits(Moderate)
The rubber boots and dust covers protecting front lower suspension ball joints, track rod ends, and constant velocity (CV) driveshaft joints perish and tear prematurely on the Meriva A. GetCarWise reports MOT failure rates for split dust covers on this model approaching 40 times the UK fleet benchmark. Once the rubber split occurs, grease is flung out and road spray, grit, and abrasive sand penetrate the precision ball pin or CV joint races. This causes rapid metal-to-metal wear, play, steering shudder, and clicking on lock, necessitating complete joint replacement.
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VAUXHALL MERIVA 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 2007 model year cars.
- Front-end knocking from worn steering rack, joints and dampersModerate
BreakerYard's Meriva fault page describes a knocking noise from the suspension over uneven surfaces that is actually caused by the steering rack, and warns that leaving a worn rack unreplaced damages the surrounding suspension. GetCarWise's Meriva MOT data backs up the front-end story with the numbers: ball joint dust cover failures at close to 40 times the fleet average, shock absorber failures at around 32 times, with joints quoted at £100-£300 per corner and damper pairs at £200-£400. On a tall, front-heavy MPV built on supermini parts, these are the consumables that decide whether a cheap Meriva stays cheap.
- Power steering assistance failure and rack or column wearSerious
BreakerYard lists power steering failure as a known Meriva problem, saying the assist can go and make the car very hard to manoeuvre, that in some cases the steering has jammed, and that the repair is a new steering rack and column rather than a component rebuild. GetCarWise's Meriva buying guide prices the assist-side hardware at £300-£600 for a pump and £150-£300 for hoses, which is why a car with heavy steering in the forecourt test is rarely worth the advertised price. Loss of assistance at parking speeds is a safety issue as well as a bill.
- Brake hose ferrule excessive corrosion and hydraulic leakageSerious
The first-generation Meriva exhibits one of the highest failure rates in the UK vehicle fleet for brake hose ferrule corrosion, failing MOT inspections at up to 67 times the national average according to GetCarWise. The crimped steel ferrules connecting the flexible rubber brake hoses to the rigid steel brake pipes suffer severe galvanic corrosion from road salt and moisture spray in the wheel arches. As the metal scales and expands, it weakens the hose connection, eventually causing brake fluid seepage or sudden hose separation under heavy braking, resulting in partial or total loss of hydraulic braking.
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