Does the Vauxhall Calibra fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Vauxhall Calibra records 17.98 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 22.90 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−4.92, 95% interval −6.55 to −3.30). It ranks 487 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Vauxhall Calibra by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Vauxhall Calibra is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 175 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 175 | 5.25 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 134 | 4.02 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 77 | 2.31 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 69 | 2.07 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 39 | 1.17 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,332 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Vauxhall Calibra gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
14.9% of Vauxhall Calibra MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 1,224 miles later (522 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 522 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Vauxhall Calibra by postcode area · Vauxhall Calibra body, chassis and structure failures · Vauxhall Calibra brakes failures · Vauxhall Calibra lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Vauxhall Calibra noise, emissions and leaks failures · Vauxhall Calibra seat belts and airbags failures · Vauxhall Calibra steering failures · Vauxhall Calibra tyres failures · Vauxhall Calibra visibility failures