Common Problems with the Vauxhall Mokka

Ellie Dyer-Brown, 8 days ago

5 min read

  • Vauxhall
  • Common problems
A grey Vauxhall Mokka

FixMyCar covers the most common Vauxhall Mokka faults, discussing overall reliability and repair costs.

The Vauxhall Mokka is a generously equipped small SUV with a range of efficient engine options, a reasonable price tag, and a handy 350-litre boot. It’s also comfortable and quiet, though it isn’t quite as practical as some rivals.

Overall, the Mokka is an appealing option in the small SUV segment. But before you decide whether it’s the model for you, it’s worth delving into the common problems you might experience if you buy one.

Known issues with the Vauxhall Mokka include:


What’s wrong with the Vauxhall Mokka?

Mokka owners often search for information about the following problems.

Vauxhall Mokka clutch problems

Like any car, the Mokka isn’t immune to clutch problems, which can develop over time with excessive wear. This guide explains how to tell if you need a new clutch.

Clutch replacement

Changing the clutch fluid at the recommended intervals is important because it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. When this happens, it causes components to rust from the inside out. Regularly servicing your car is an excellent way to ensure fluids are topped up and replaced as required.

Replacing the clutch of a Vauxhall Mokka costs £794.01 on average, according to FixMyCar’s data.

Vauxhall Mokka head gasket problems

High mileage and poor maintenance can lead to head gasket failure. When this happens, your engine will likely overheat, and you will notice milky discolouration in the engine oil.

A car gasket.

Find out more about head gasket failure, including the signs to look for, here.

According to FixMyCar’s data, replacing the head gasket of a Mokka costs £573.59 on average.

Vauxhall Mokka electrical problems

Some Mokkas experience electrical issues, often resulting in components working intermittently. Common causes include faulty wiring and damaged fuses. Fortunately, these types of problems are rarely expensive or difficult to fix.

The average Vauxhall Mokka electrical fault repair price on FixMyCar is £57.19.


Vauxhall Mokka 2015 to 2019 problems

The first-generation Mokka has a few known issues.

Vauxhall Mokka

Faulty AC compressor

The compressor pumps refrigerant around your vehicle and turns it from a gas to a liquid before sending it to the condenser. Some early Mokka models have a faulty air conditioning compressor that allows the refrigerant to leak. 

Find out about other reasons why your aircon might not be cold.

What repair is needed for a faulty AC compressor, and how much is it likely to cost?

The compressor needs replacing. Unfortunately, this can be expensive, often costing £300 or more.

Seized rear brakes

Close up of mechanic repairing car brakes.

Some Mokkas suffer from seized rear brakes, which often happen due to excessive corrosion. As a result, the car may pull to one side and feel less powerful than it should. 

Here are five brake problems you shouldn’t ignore.

What repair is needed for seized rear brakes, and how much is it likely to cost?

The callipers and calliper guides need removing, cleaning and lubricating, and a new brake pad set needs fitting. According to FixMyCar’s data, the average price of brake repairs for a Vauxhall Mokka is £152.67.

Leaking oil

In some first-gen Mokkas, poorly tapped holes for the flywheel can lead to a puddle of oil under the car. This guide explains how to identify and fix leaks.

What repair is needed for an oil leak, and how much is it likely to cost?

The flywheel needs removing, and the oil needs cleaning up. Then, it should be re-attached using new bolts secured by a thread-locking compound. The average price of a leak repair for a Vauxhall Mokka is £77.17, according to FixMyCar’s data.

Excessive engine noise

A woman covering her ears in the driver's seat.

A metallic ringing sound from inside the engine usually indicates a problem with the dual-mass flywheel. Find out what a flywheel is and how it works here.

What repair is needed for excessive engine noise, and how much is it likely to cost?

Unfortunately, the flywheel needs replacing, which is an expensive job. The dual-mass flywheel and clutch are often replaced together to save money in the long run, as similarly extensive labour is required to access them. 

This guide explains what happens when your clutch is replaced.

On average, a clutch and dual-mass flywheel replacement costs £1,036.49 for a Mokka when booked through FixMyCar.


Vauxhall Mokka 2015 to 2019 recalls

Recall dateReason
24-Aug-15Front seat lap belt pre-tensioner may not function as intended.
01-Jul-16Risk of fire.
09-Nov-16Tail lights may fail if rear bicycle carrier is folded back incorrectly.
17-Mar-17Front seat side airbag may deploy incorrectly.

Vauxhall Mokka 2020 to present problems

Less information about the second-generation Mokka is available because it is still a relatively recent model.

2023 red Vauxhall Mokka

Water pump failure

Some Mokka owners have experienced water pump failure, often identifiable by visible coolant leaks and the engine overheating.

What repair is needed for water pump failure, and how much is it likely to cost?

The water pump needs replacing, which costs £250.18 on average for a Mokka, according to FixMyCar’s data.

Faulty windscreen wipers

Checking wiper blades on a car.

Vauxhall issued a recall for some models due to a lack of windscreen wiper functionality at ambient temperatures. Learn how to clean and change your windscreen wipers in this guide.

What repair is needed for faulty windscreen wipers, and how much is it likely to cost?

Since this problem was identified in a recall, affected models can be repaired for free at a Vauxhall dealership.

Worn suspension

The shock absorber struts from a car's suspension.

A common area for Mokka warranty claims is the suspension, which can wear prematurely. 

Find out how to keep your warranty valid.

What repair is needed for worn suspension, and how much is it likely to cost?

The cost of a suspension repair depends on which components need replacing. However, the average price according to FixMyCar’s data is £192.26.


Vauxhall Mokka 2020 to present recalls

Recall dateReason
30-Jun-21The bolts and nuts of the control arms might be incorrectly tightened.
08-Dec-21Windscreen wipers might not function correctly at low temperatures.
18-Feb-22Front suspension springs may not be correctly positioned in the strut assembly.
20-May-22The vehicles may have the wrong VIN printed on the “B Pillar” VIN sticker.

If you’re having trouble with your Vauxhall Mokka, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price, whatever you need.

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