Vauxhall Adam reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Vauxhall Adam is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 76 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 412 of 442, and 30.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is shock absorbers (5.0% of tests).
Ranked 412 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 25 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 59,036 Vauxhall Adams aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Vauxhall Adam is 32% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
30.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,300
Typical age at test: 8 years
Vauxhall Adam MOT failure rate by age
Most common Vauxhall Adam MOT faults
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.0% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9% of tests
What the Vauxhall Adam fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11.4% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 7.1% | About average |
| Steering | 6.7% | ▲ 5.0× as often |
| Tyres | 6.1% | About average |
| Brakes | 5.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 4.9% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.5% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Body and structure | 1.8% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 26% less often |
What MPG does the Vauxhall Adam do?
Official economy for the Vauxhall Adam ranges from 47.9 to 60.1mpg across the 125 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2013–2018). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Vauxhall Adam?
Any Vauxhall Adam first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Vauxhall Adam registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVauxhall Adam specs and running costs
Official figures for 125 versions sold in the UK between 2013 and 2018.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
47.9–60.1 mpg
CO2
108–139 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback 1.2i 70PS Energised with 14'', 15'', 16'', 17'' & 18'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback 1.4i 87PS Jam with 14'', 15'' and 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.0T 115PS Ecotec UnlimitedM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 108g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.0T 115PS Ecotec SlamM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 112g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.0T 115PS Ecotec RocksM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 112g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.0T 115PS Ecotec Rocks UnlimitedM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 112g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.0T 115PS Ecotec Rocks AirM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 112g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS Stop/Start UnlimitedM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 115g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS GlamM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS EnergisedM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS Black JackM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS JamM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS UnlimitedM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS RocksM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
| Adam 3 Door Hatchback, Model Year 2018A 1.2 70PS SlamM5 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 125g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 125 versions.
What a Vauxhall Adam costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 53.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Vauxhall AdamBuying a used Vauxhall Adam?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Vauxhall Adam with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Vauxhall models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Vauxhall Adam reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Vauxhall Adam is 32% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 76 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Vauxhall Adam?
The most common MOT fault is “Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak”, found in 5.0% of tests. It fails on steering and suspension more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Vauxhall Adam do?
Official economy for the Vauxhall Adam ranges from 47.9 to 60.1mpg across the 125 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2013–2018). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Vauxhall Adam?
Any Vauxhall Adam first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Vauxhall Adam registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
›How many Vauxhall Adams fail their MOT?
30.0% of Vauxhall Adams aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Vauxhall Adam combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.