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2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · BJ16 TFY

BJ16 TFY

2016 Vauxhall Zafira (1.4L, petrol). First registered 15 Apr 2016. Recorded mileage 113,833 miles. MOT valid until 16 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
Year / Origin
2016 · Birmingham
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Valid until 16 Nov 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
Recorded Mileage
113,833 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.4L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official 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.

MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 16 Nov 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Nov 2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2016
Engine
1364cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A pattern of intermittent electrical, visibility, and suspension component failures characterizes this vehicle's recent inspection history, though the most recent test on 17 November 2025 shows a pass with no recorded defects. The record indicates a period of instability between July 2024 and August 2024, where multiple major failures were noted regarding the engine malfunction indicator lamp, windscreen wiper effectiveness, and the tyre pressure monitoring system. While the 2025 result suggests these specific issues have been addressed, the preceding failures in the Macpherson strut top bushes and tyre monitoring systems highlight a history of component wear and sensor malfunctions that require careful verification. The recorded mileage of 113,833 miles over a ten-year period represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 11,383 miles, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. This steady mileage profile suggests the vehicle has not been subject to extreme high-speed motorway running or excessive short-trip urban cycles, but it does mean that mechanical components such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and engine seals have been subjected to a decade of regular operational wear. The absence of significant gaps in the testing timeline suggests a consistent annual inspection cycle, which provides a relatively continuous view of the vehicle's degradation. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and steering components given the previous failures and advisories regarding the front upper shock absorber bushes and the nearside Macpherson strut top bush. During a test drive, listen for any knocking, clunking, or hollow thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, and check for any wandering or pulling sensations through the steering wheel that could indicate worn bushings or bearing play. The history of an oil leak, noted as not excessive in 2023 and 2024, warrants a visual inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage for any signs of fresh weeping or staining that could indicate the leak has persisted or worsened despite the recent clean MOT. Further attention should be directed toward the electrical and visibility systems following the previous major failures of the engine malfunction indicator lamp and the windscreen wipers. Verify that the engine management light operates correctly during the initial ignition cycle and that the wipers clear the screen thoroughly without streaking or skipping. Additionally, while the tyre pressure monitoring system was flagged as inoperative in August 2024, ensure that all sensors are currently communicating correctly with the dashboard to avoid a recurrence of this failure. Check the condition of the tyres for any cuts or damage similar to the advisory noted in 2024 to ensure the current rubber is free from structural compromises.
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BJ16 TFY Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/11/2025
  • 113,833 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

BJ16 TFY MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 23 Sept 2026, 12:50
MOT Analysis

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 2016 Vauxhall Zafira (BJ16 TFY) between June 2023 and November 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 17 November 2025 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: Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 12 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: “Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative (5.2.3 (h))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

BJ16 TFY Mileage History

  1. 15/06/202370,850 mi
  2. 29/07/202488,348 mi+17,498 mi
  3. 05/08/202488,371 mi+23 mi
  4. 05/08/202488,372 mi+1 mi
  5. 17/11/2025113,833 mi+25,461 mi

Average of roughly 17,718 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
68
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
48/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,400
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 113,833 is signi...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution and thorough inspec

Given the high mileage and the cluster of failures recorded in 2024, you should prioritise verifying the service history. Specifically, check if the oil leak noted in 2023 and 2024 was professionally rectified and if the engine management light (MIL) issue was addressed with a diagnostic repair rather than just a code reset.

Negotiate based on the high mileage and the recent history of suspension component wear. Ensure that the shock absorbers and Macpherson strut top bushes, which were flagged as worn or having excessive play in 2024, have been replaced with quality parts. A thorough test drive is essential to ensure no residual suspension noise or engine hesitation remains.

As a 1.36L petrol model, this Zafira should sit in a relatively moderate insurance group and tax band for a family MPV. Fuel economy will depend heavily on load and driving style, but the smaller engine size is generally more efficient than larger petrol variants of this model.

Maintenance costs may be influenced by the high mileage; components like suspension, brakes, and tyres will likely require more frequent attention. Expect typical annual running costs to be slightly higher than average due to the vehicle's age and mileage-related wear and tear.

Pay close attention to the engine bay for any signs of the oil leak mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 MOT records. You should also verify that the engine management light is fully functional and that no warning lights appear on the dashboard during a cold start.

Inspect the suspension components thoroughly. The MOT history shows a pattern of issues with shock absorber bushes, Macpherson strut top bearings, and misting oil on the rear shocks. Check for any knocking or creaking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces. Finally, check the condition of the windscreen wipers and the tyre pressure monitoring system, as these were flagged as defective in previous tests.

This 2016 silver Vauxhall Zafira has covered 113,833 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,550 miles per year. The MOT history shows a period of concern in mid-2024, where the vehicle failed multiple tests due to a wide range of issues including engine management lights, oil leaks, and suspension wear. Although it passed its most recent test in November 2025 without defects, the high mileage and previous failure patterns warrant careful consideration.

Aggregate data for this model shows a 75% MOT pass rate, with common failures related to headlamps, coil springs, and tyres.

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

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA Model Intelligence & Reliability

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