2002 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8L Petrol · EF51 AYZ
2002 Vauxhall Zafira (1.8L, petrol). First registered 20 Jan 2002. Recorded mileage 66,841 miles. MOT expired on 10 Nov 2023.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Nov 2023
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Dec 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,841 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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 AYZ Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/11/2022
- 66,841 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 AYZ 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 2002 Vauxhall Zafira (EF51 AYZ) between December 2021 and November 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 November 2022 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 (12 issues), Brakes (12 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 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: “Offside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen low (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen low (3.5 (a))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
EF51 AYZ Mileage History
- 06/12/202165,489 mi
- 06/12/202165,489 mi
- 11/11/202266,841 mi+1,352 mi
- 11/11/202266,841 mi
Average of roughly 1,452 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 Zafira A
Our database tracks 6 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is relatively low for the age, the MOT history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance, particularly regarding the braking system and safety-critical items like tyres and lighting.
If you consider buying this car, prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system. The history shows repeated mentions of corroded brake pipes and imbalanced rear brakes; ensure these have been replaced or repaired rather than just adjusted. You should also check the power steering system, as previous records have noted seepage from the rack boots, which can indicate an expensive steering rack ahead.
Check the service history meticulously for oil changes. Given the 'coolant light on' and 'engine MIL inoperative' flags in the past, you need to ensure the engine has been properly looked after. Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for new tyres, bulbs, and brake components, which have been flagged as recurring issues in the recent MOT tests.
The 1.8L petrol engine is relatively simple to maintain, but expect modest fuel economy around 30-35 mpg depending on driving conditions. As an older vehicle, it likely falls into a lower tax band and mid-range insurance group.
Maintenance costs are generally average for Vauxhall, but the age of the car means rubber components and plastics may fail. Estimate annual costs at roughly £900-£1,200 to cover fuel, tax, insurance, and inevitable older repairs.
Focus heavily on the underside for rust-related issues. The MOT history repeatedly lists corroded brake pipes (nearside, offside, and central), which is a significant safety concern and leads to sudden failure. Inspect the tyres for cracks or perishing, as the car has previously failed with exposed cords on multiple wheels.
Also check the lighting and visibility. The vehicle has a history of failed headlamps, registration plates, and misaligned washer jets. Finally, test the steering wheel for any unusualing noises or stiffness, referencing the reported seepage in the power steering rack noted in 2019.
This 2002 Vauxhall Zafira has covered approximately 66,841 miles, which is below the average for a 24-year-old vehicle. However, its MOT record is riddled with failures and persistent advisories concerning corroded brake pipes, worn brakes, and perishing tyres. The presence of 'DANGEROUS' failures for exposed tyre cords suggests that the vehicle has not always been maintained to a high safety standard.
The early-generation Zafira is generally a robust family MP, but these models are prone to electrical gremlins and suspension wear as they age.
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 2002 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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