Reliability

Is the Vauxhall Crossland reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Vauxhall Crossland a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 77,816 recorded MOT tests, 13.0% failed.

Vauxhall Crossland
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Vauxhall Crossland has a mixed reliability record, with later models (2018 onwards) generally performing better than earlier versions. Common issues include electrical faults and brake problems, particularly in the 2017 model. Overall, many owners report satisfaction, but potential buyers should assess specific model years carefully.

MOT Pass Rates

The Vauxhall Crossland has a varied pass rate for MOT tests. According to UK Government MOT failure data, some years show pass rates around 80%, while others dip below 70%. The 2018 and 2019 models tend to perform better, reflecting improvements in build quality and reliability.

Common Failure Modes

Common issues reported by owners include electrical faults, brake problems, and suspension wear. Electrical issues often involve the infotainment system and dashboard displays. Brake problems are particularly noted in early models, which can lead to costly repairs.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

  • 2017: The first year of production had a higher incidence of electrical faults and brake issues. Owners should be cautious with this model.
  • 2018: Improved reliability with fewer reported issues. This year is generally recommended for buyers.
  • 2019: Continued improvements in reliability. Owners report fewer problems, making it a good choice.
  • 2020 onwards: Generally strong reliability, but some reports of minor issues with the infotainment system.

Model Variants to Consider

When looking at the Vauxhall Crossland, consider the higher trim levels, such as the Crossland X Elite. These often come with better build quality and more features, which can enhance overall satisfaction.

What people are asking

Is a Vauxhall Crossland a good reliable car?

Yes, the Vauxhall Crossland can be considered a reasonably reliable car, especially the later models from 2018 onwards. However, early models have been reported to have more frequent issues, so potential buyers should carefully assess the specific model year.

How many miles will a Vauxhall Crossland last?

Many owners report that the Vauxhall Crossland can last well over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. Regular servicing and addressing minor issues early can significantly extend the vehicle’s lifespan.

What are common faults with Vauxhall?

Common faults across various Vauxhall models, including the Crossland, include electrical issues, problems with the braking system, and occasional suspension wear. Owners have also noted issues with the infotainment system and dashboard displays.

Why does Vauxhall have a bad reputation?

Vauxhall has faced criticism for reliability issues in some of its models, particularly older ones. This reputation stems from reports of frequent mechanical problems and higher-than-average repair costs, which have influenced buyer perceptions.

What owners say

Some have noted that while the car offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy, they have experienced issues such as low MPG and stalling at traffic lights, particularly with the auto-stop feature. This has led to frustrations, especially for those who expected a more reliable performance. Many owners express mixed feelings about the Vauxhall Crossland’s reliability.

For instance, owners of the 2018 model have reported fewer problems compared to the 2017 version, which had a higher incidence of electrical faults and brake issues. However, some have still encountered clutch problems, indicating that even newer models are not entirely free from faults. Several users have shared experiences related to specific model years.

Another common theme discussed in these communities is the size and practicality of the Crossland. This perception of being heavy and hard to park has led to dissatisfaction among certain drivers. While it is marketed as a small SUV, some owners have mentioned that it feels more like a small car on the inside, which can be a drawback for those looking for more space.

Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term reliability of the engine. This issue typically arises between 25,000 to 60,000 miles, making it a significant point of caution for potential buyers. Owners have highlighted the risk of wet belt failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage.

Vauxhall Crossland recall record

13 recalls have been issued for the Vauxhall Crossland, between 2018 and 2025.

  1. Emission recall – On Board Diagnostics

    R/2025/342

    Issued 18 August 2025

    Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.

    Remedy:Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.

    Affects cars built Oct 2017 to Oct 2020

  2. Vauxhall DV5R Engines Camshaft Chain.

    R/2025/245

    Issued 3 July 2025

    Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.

    Remedy:Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.

    Affects cars built Jul 2019 to Jan 2023

  3. Cross carline Engine software

    R/2024/133

    Issued 13 March 2024

    On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.

    Remedy:Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.

    Affects cars built Jan 2022 to Nov 2022

  4. Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.

    R/2023/219

    Issued 21 July 2023

    Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.

    Remedy:Check and replace the rear axle crossmember if necessary.

    Affects cars built May 2022 to Jun 2022

9 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Vauxhall Crossland MOT record

From 77,816 recorded MOT tests, 13.0% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20232175.5%14,307 mi
202213,1338.5%18,183 mi
202115,3878.6%28,953 mi
202017,87711.3%34,148 mi
201916,17314.2%37,925 mi
201812,52521.7%47,588 mi
20172,50423.5%51,183 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements26.1%
  2. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured23.2%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged23.0%
  4. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm15.7%
  5. Exhaust system leaking or insecure12.0%

Figures cover every Vauxhall Crossland tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

What are common issues with the Vauxhall Crossland?

Common issues include electrical faults, problems with the brakes, and suspension wear.

Which model years are the most reliable?

The 2018 and 2019 models generally have better reliability ratings.

Are there any serious recalls for the Crossland?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

How does the Crossland perform in MOT tests?

The Crossland has a moderate pass rate in MOT tests, with some years showing higher failure rates.

Sources