Used Vauxhall Astra 2015-2021 reliability
Category: Family car
Well equipped and spacious inside, the Vauxhall Astra is great value but let down by a mixed reliability record
What should I look for in a used Vauxhall Astra hatchback?
The Vauxhall Astra is the kind of car that often attracts high-mileage users, so it’s always advisable to check any service history carefully, as well as examining closely the general condition of the interior and the tyres, and checking for any unwelcome or unusual noises.
What are the most common problems with a used Vauxhall Astra hatchback?
Front seat side and front passenger airbags
The side airbags in the front might not deploy correctly in a collision on Astras made between 25 August 2016 and 1 December 2016 and will require a new module to be fitted. The recall for the front passenger airbag will also need a new module to be fitted and relates to examples made from 19 June 2016 to 9 November 2016.
Manual gearbox on diesel equipped models
According to the Vauxhall website, 1.6-litre diesel Astras with a manual gearbox and that were constructed between 2016 and 2018 could suffer from a problem with extended brake pedal travel under gentle deceleration. This recall is a two-step process, the first including a check of the braking system and a brake fluid change that should take three hours. Step two requires more intensive work to replace all affected parts and will require the car to be at the dealership for two days. Speak to your local Vauxhall dealer for further information.
Is a used Vauxhall Astra hatchback reliable?
According to our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey the Astra (in petrol form) finished in 23rd place out of 29 cars in the class of family cars, with an overall score of 83.5%. This placed it above the latest Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, but below the BMW 1 Series, the Ford Focus and the Seat Leon.
Vauxhall as a brand came 30th out of 32 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 86.9%. Only Alfa Romeo and Cupra did worse.
Used Vauxhall Astra: the owners' view
It seems Astra owners have mixed feelings about its reliability and dealer services. A recurring theme was the frustration with electronic faults, particularly with the infotainment system and engine warning lights. These issues have led to several trips to the dealers for a significant number of owners.
However, feedback on how these situations were handled varied greatly. Some readers praised their local dealers for prompt and efficient service, often resolving problems quickly under warranty. Others, however, reported less satisfactory encounters, citing slow response times and, in some cases, disputes over warranty coverage for repairs.
Despite these challenges, a portion of the feedback was positive, with owners finding their Astras generally reliable for daily use, appreciating the car's dependability despite the electronic glitches. Overall, the Astra's reliability seems to hinge significantly on the luck of the draw, with dealer service experiences playing a crucial role in customer satisfaction.
