Opel Tigra Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Opel Tigra car check
Is the Opel Tigra reliable? We analysed 1,282 real MOT tests across 144 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Opel Tigra? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Opel Tigra is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid and direction indicator incorrect colour. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Opel Tigra.
Opel Tigra Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Opel Tigra. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Opel Tigra MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Opel Tigra to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Opel Tigra Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Opel Tigra fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Opel Tigra Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Opel Tigra owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Opel Tigra MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Opel Tigra year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 66 | 71.2% | 28,883 | 42,134 | 73,000 |
| 2000 | 519 | 65.1% | 43,866 | 65,294 | 80,934 |
| 1999 | 353 | 66.0% | 46,053 | 62,613 | 84,741 |
| 1998 | 51 | 70.6% | 88,140 | 100,691 | 112,662 |
| 1997 | 50 | 70.0% | 41,914 | 52,558 | 76,600 |
| 1996 | 80 | 66.3% | 65,841 | 83,716 | 113,676 |
How Long Does a Opel Tigra Last?
Based on 144 Opel Tigra vehicles on UK roads.
Opel Tigra Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Opel Tigra MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Opel Tigra
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
71.2% MOT pass rate from 66 tests
65.1% MOT pass rate from 519 tests
The best year to buy a used Opel Tigra is 2006, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 71.2% across 66 tests. The 2000 model year has the lowest pass rate at 65.1% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Opel Tigra Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opel Tigra THIS CAR | 66.0% | 1,282 | 65,442 mi | 30 yrs |
| Opel Zafira | 68.5% | 30,915 | 93,196 mi | 27 yrs |
| Opel Astra | 69.2% | 26,435 | 84,472 mi | 28 yrs |
| Opel Corsa | 65.8% | 19,398 | 69,011 mi | 33 yrs |
| Ajs Flight | 68.2% | 488 | 6,679 mi | 12 yrs |
Compared to the Opel Zafira (68.5% pass rate) and the Opel Astra (69.2% pass rate), the Opel Tigra trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Opel Tigra you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Opel TigraShould you buy a used Opel Tigra?
The Opel Tigra has an overall MOT pass rate of 66.0% across 1,282 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Opel Tigra are tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (73 recorded failures), windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (55), and direction indicator incorrect colour (51). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Opel Tigra owner drives around 4,299 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Opel Tigra models stay on UK roads for around 30 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.