2016 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · SE16 AAK

The Vauxhall Insigna’s most recent MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects on either attempt in December 2025. The vehicle passed cleanly in December 2024 and December 2023, yet the back-to-back failures at 51,672 and 77,294 miles—both on the same test date—suggest either a critical but intermittent fault or administrative oversight. The December 2025 tests occurred just three months before today, meaning the vehicle has not been roadworthy since then. This instability implies a latent issue that evaded detection during routine checks, warranting immediate scrutiny of components prone to sudden failure, such as braking systems, suspension linkages, or electrical faults. The recorded mileage of 77,296 miles over a decade aligns with typical usage for its age, averaging around 7,730 miles annually. However, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 MOTs—covering 7,834 miles in just under a year—suggests consistent driving rather than neglect. The absence of advisories or defects across all tests indicates no obvious deferred maintenance, but the repeated failures at the latest tests hint at a flaw that may escalate with further mileage. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records means critical wear items like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers could be approaching failure thresholds without prior warning. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly for binding calipers or warped discs, given the repeated failures. The suspension—especially rear bushes and ball joints—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these components often correlate with MOT failures. Structural integrity, including underbody corrosion and wheel bearing condition, must also be assessed, as these are common causes of intermittent test failures. The electrical system, including lights and emissions controls, should be verified, as these are frequent sources of last-minute MOT rejections. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a full fluid service (brake, clutch, power steering, and coolant) is advisable to preempt hidden degradation.