Vauxhall Viva reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Vauxhall Viva is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 98 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 276 of 442, and 17.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (3.2% of tests).
Ranked 276 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 8 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 38,277 Vauxhall Vivas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 17.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Vauxhall Viva is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
17.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,300
Typical age at test: 7 years
Vauxhall Viva MOT failure rate by age
Most common Vauxhall Viva MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2% of tests
- Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative2.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1% of tests
What the Vauxhall Viva fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.1% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Visibility | 4.7% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 3.2% | ▼ 26% less often |
| Suspension | 3.0% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Brakes | 2.2% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.4% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Steering | 0.8% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 54% less often |
What MPG does the Vauxhall Viva do?
Official economy for the Vauxhall Viva ranges from 62.8 to 65.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2017). A typical petrol version manages 62.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Vauxhall Viva?
Any Vauxhall Viva first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Vauxhall Viva registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVauxhall Viva specs and running costs
Official figures for 3 versions sold in the UK between 2017 and 2017.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
62.8–65.7 mpg
CO2
99–104 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viva 5 Door Hatchback 1.0i 75PS SE with Eco Tyre 14'', 15'' and 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 65.7 mpg | 99g | £200 |
| Viva 5 Door Hatchback 1.0i 75PS SE with 14'', 15'' and 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 62.8 mpg | 104g | £200 |
| Viva 5 Door Hatchback 1.0i 75PS SL with 14'', 15'' and 16'' wheelsM5 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 62.8 mpg | 104g | £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.
What a Vauxhall Viva costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 62.8mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Vauxhall VivaBuying a used Vauxhall Viva?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Vauxhall Viva with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Vauxhall models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Vauxhall Viva reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Vauxhall Viva is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 98 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Vauxhall Viva?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 3.2% of tests. It fails on body and structure and visibility more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Vauxhall Viva do?
Official economy for the Vauxhall Viva ranges from 62.8 to 65.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2017). A typical petrol version manages 62.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Vauxhall Viva?
Any Vauxhall Viva first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Vauxhall Viva registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 a year.
›How many Vauxhall Vivas fail their MOT?
17.8% of Vauxhall Vivas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Vauxhall Viva 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.