Reliability

Is the Vauxhall Grandland reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Vauxhall Grandland 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 73,723 recorded MOT tests, 13.3% failed.

Vauxhall Grandland
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Vauxhall Grandland has a mixed reliability reputation, with 2020 and 2021 models generally performing better than earlier years. Common issues include electrical faults and suspension problems, particularly in models from 2017 to 2019. Potential buyers should consider specific model years for reliability.

MOT Pass Rates

The Vauxhall Grandland has a varied MOT pass rate. According to DVSA data, early models (2017-2019) had a significant number of failures related to electrical systems and suspension components. The 2020 and 2021 models show improved pass rates, indicating better reliability. Buyers should pay attention to the specific year of the model they are considering, as this can greatly influence the likelihood of passing the MOT.

Common Failure Modes

Common issues reported by owners include electrical faults, particularly with the infotainment system and dashboard displays. Suspension problems, especially in models from 2017 to 2019, have also been noted. These issues can lead to higher repair costs and may affect the vehicle’s overall reliability. Additionally, some owners have experienced problems with engine performance, particularly in the 1.2 turbo variants, which can raise concerns about long-term reliability.

Year-by-Year Notes

  • 2017-2019: These early models often face electrical and suspension issues. Owners should be cautious and consider a thorough inspection before purchase. Reports suggest that these models may also have higher instances of oil leaks and low oil pressure, which can be costly to rectify.
  • 2020-2021: These years show improved reliability. Reports suggest fewer common faults and better performance in MOT tests. Many owners have noted that these models have a more refined driving experience, which may contribute to their higher reliability ratings.
  • 2022 and onwards: Newer models have not yet shown significant reliability data but are expected to maintain the upward trend. Early reviews indicate that improvements have been made in both build quality and technology, which may enhance overall reliability.

Owner Insights

While many appreciate the Grandland’s comfort and practicality, others have reported frustrations with recurring issues, particularly in earlier models. Some users noted that their vehicles started experiencing significant problems after a year and a half of ownership, leading to concerns about long-term reliability. Owners have shared experiences of dealing with electrical issues, including problems with dashboard warnings and infotainment glitches.

This has raised questions about the overall value of the electric model compared to its petrol counterparts. Furthermore, several owners have flagged issues with oil consumption in the 1.2 petrol engine models, suggesting that potential buyers should be aware of the importance of regular maintenance to avoid these problems. In discussions, some owners of the electric variant of the Grandland expressed disappointment with the battery range, which often fell short of expectations.

What people are asking

Is the Vauxhall Grandland a reliable car?

Overall, the Vauxhall Grandland has a mixed reputation for reliability, with some model years performing better than others. The 2020 and 2021 models are generally seen as more reliable, while earlier models may have more common issues that could affect their long-term dependability.

What are common faults with Vauxhall?

Common faults across various Vauxhall models include electrical issues, suspension problems, and occasional engine performance concerns. Specific to the Grandland, owners have reported issues with the infotainment system and dashboard displays.

Why is Vauxhall Grandland so cheap?

The Vauxhall Grandland may be priced lower than competitors due to its mixed reliability ratings and the perception of value compared to other brands. This pricing strategy can attract budget-conscious buyers, but it is essential to consider the potential for higher maintenance costs.

Is the Opel Grandland a good car?

The Opel Grandland is similar to the Vauxhall Grandland and shares many characteristics, with reliability ratings that are comparable. Owners have noted that both vehicles offer good comfort and practicality, though they may experience similar issues.

Vauxhall Grandland recall record

34 recalls have been issued for the Vauxhall Grandland, between 2018 and 2026.

  1. VSM software Interior door handles

    R/2026/227

    Issued 3 June 2026

    Affected vehicles may experience an unexpected deactivation of the interior door handles when the key is in engine-running mode which could result in occupants being unable to exit.

    Remedy:Update the Vehicle Supervision Module software.

    Affects cars built Jun 2024 to Jul 2025

  2. Grandland EPS software update

    R/2026/199

    Issued 7 May 2026

    Due to a mechanical failure in the reducer bearing combined with a specific defect in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) software calibration affected vehicles may experience a loss of power steering which in the worst case could lead to steering lock.

    Remedy:Update the EPS software calibration to prevent the potential loss of steering assistance.

    Affects cars built May 2023 to Sept 2023

  3. Vauxhall Grandland Ball joint bracket fixation.

    R/2025/521

    Issued 25 November 2025

    On affected vehicles the front left and right control arm ball-joint bracket screws are at risk of fracture which could affect the vehicle's controllability.

    Remedy:Inspect the marking on the left and right front ball-joint bracket and change if necessary.

    Affects cars built May 2024 to Feb 2025

  4. Vauxhall Mokka BCM software Stop /Start System.

    R/2025/416

    Issued 29 September 2025

    On affected vehicles the engine will run all the time and will not shut off in start/stop mode due to incorrect Body Control Module coding.

    Remedy:Update the Body Control Module software.

    Affects cars built Feb 2024 to Nov 2024

30 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 Grandland MOT record

From 73,723 recorded MOT tests, 13.3% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20234098.3%19,234 mi
20226,9859.4%22,191 mi
202110,4549.1%33,577 mi
202017,84811.7%37,494 mi
201922,12513.6%44,535 mi
201815,90219.1%53,840 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements45.8%
  2. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm17.5%
  3. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured15.4%
  4. A tyre seriously damaged13.6%
  5. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn7.7%

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

Vauxhall Grandland official figures

Median across 8 variants on sale, electricity, petrol electric.

Combined economy
44.7 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
132.5 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate
Electric range
326.5 miles
Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Vauxhall Grandland?

Common faults include issues with the electrical system, suspension components, and problems with the infotainment system.

Which model years are the most reliable?

The 2020 and 2021 models tend to have better reliability ratings compared to earlier versions.

How does the Grandland perform on MOT tests?

The Grandland has a mixed MOT pass rate, with some years showing higher failure rates due to various common issues.

Is the Vauxhall Grandland a good family car?

Yes, it offers ample space and comfort, making it suitable for families.

Is the Vauxhall Grandland a reliable car?

Overall, the Vauxhall Grandland has a mixed reputation for reliability, with some model years performing better than others.

What are common faults with Vauxhall?

Common faults across various Vauxhall models include electrical issues, suspension problems, and occasional engine performance concerns.

Why is Vauxhall Grandland so cheap?

The Vauxhall Grandland may be priced lower than competitors due to its mixed reliability ratings and the perception of value compared to other brands.

Is the Opel Grandland a good car?

The Opel Grandland is similar to the Vauxhall Grandland and shares many characteristics, with reliability ratings that are comparable.

Sources