Does the Vauxhall Nova fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Vauxhall Nova records 14.09 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.23 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−5.14, 95% interval −6.27 to −4.00). It ranks 492 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 Nova by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Vauxhall Nova 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 437 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 | 437 | 7.61 |
| A wheel bearing excessively rough | 85 | 1.48 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 52 | 0.91 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 40 | 0.70 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 35 | 0.61 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 5,740 (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 Nova gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
11.6% of Vauxhall Nova MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 644 miles later (567 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 567 (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 Nova by postcode area · Vauxhall Nova body, chassis and structure failures · Vauxhall Nova brakes failures · Vauxhall Nova lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Vauxhall Nova noise, emissions and leaks failures · Vauxhall Nova seat belts and airbags failures · Vauxhall Nova steering failures · Vauxhall Nova tyres failures · Vauxhall Nova visibility failures