2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · YM12 AAY
2012 Vauxhall Insignia (2.0L, diesel). First registered 25 Jul 2012. Recorded mileage 115,955 miles. MOT expired on 28 Nov 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL INSIGNIA
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Sheffield
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 28 Nov 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 115,955 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
YM12 AAY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 15/11/2023
- 115,955 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YM12 AAY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Vauxhall Insignia (YM12 AAY) between November 2021 and November 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 November 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
YM12 AAY Mileage History
- 17/11/2021101,103 mi
- 29/11/2022110,081 mi+8,978 mi
- 29/11/2022110,081 mi
- 15/11/2023115,955 mi+5,874 mi
- 15/11/2023115,955 mi
Average of roughly 7,452 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Vauxhall Insignia Mk1 pre-facelift
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 Vauxhall Insignia presents mixed signals. While the recent MOT history shows no defects, the repeated failures raise concerns about potential underlying issues.
Inspect the service history to confirm if the MOT failures were resolved. Check for any unresolved issues in the vehicle's logbook. Negotiate the price to account for the MOT failures, even though no defects were recorded. Be cautious of potential hidden costs associated with diesel engine maintenance. Verify the vehicle's history for any accident reports or outstanding recalls.
Diesel fuel economy for the 1.956cc engine is moderate, with estimated costs of £1.30-£1.50 per litre. Road tax applies at £140 annually for diesel vehicles registered before 2017. Insurance group is likely in the mid-range for a 2012 family saloon. Maintenance costs may be higher due to diesel-specific components like the DPF. Estimated annual running costs: £1,200-£1,500.
Check for signs of repeated MOT failures, such as recurring light faults or emissions issues. Inspect the diesel particulate filter (DPF) for clogging or damage, a common issue in older diesels. Verify the condition of the exhaust system and emissions control components. Review the service history for any repairs related to the MOT failures. Test the vehicle's performance to ensure no hidden mechanical issues.
The 2012 Vauxhall Insignia has a clean MOT history in its most recent test but shows two MOT failures within 18 months. With 115,955 miles, the mileage is slightly above average for a 14-year-old vehicle. No aggregate reliability data is available for the Insignia model, making it harder to assess broader trends.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Vauxhall Insignia model, limiting broader reliability insights.
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 INSIGNIA 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 2012 model year cars.
- Oil pump pickup seal failure (2.0 CDTi)Serious
This is the Mk1 Insignia's signature horror story: the pickup seal hardens, the engine sucks air instead of oil, and a briefly ignored warning can destroy the engine.
- M32 manual gearbox bearing wearSerious
Some lower-torque manual Insignias use the same M32 family gearbox that whines and wears its bearings when servicing and oil quality have been ignored.
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) failureModerate
Pre-facelift cars are prone to faults with the switch, module or rear caliper motors, which can leave the handbrake dragging or stuck on.
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