Common Problems with the Vauxhall Astra
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 8 days ago
5 min read
- Vauxhall
- Common problems
FixMyCar explores the most common Vauxhall Astra faults, discussing overall reliability and repair costs.
The Vauxhall Astra has been around since 1980, so there’s plenty of information available about common faults. Some of the most frequently reported issues for the Astra include:
Camshaft sensor
Coolant temperature sensor
Mass air flow sensor
Since there have been numerous iterations of this popular model over the years, these problems vary depending on the car's specs and when it was made.
Vauxhall Astra Estate problems
Vauxhall Astra 2008 and 2010 faults
Here are four common faults found in the 2008 and 2010 Astra models, including how much a repair is likely to cost.
1. Suspension issues
The front suspension bushes often wear faster than expected and subsequently require repairs.
Suspension repairs for a Vauxhall Astra cost £162.03 on average according to FixMyCar data.
2. Electrical faults
Electrical faults are extremely common with the instrument cluster often giving incorrect readings. Likewise, electric windows sometimes fail.
The average cost of repairing electrical faults according to our data is £68.73, while the cost of repairing electric window problems is £130.
3. Clutch problems
It can be difficult to pull away smoothly in 2008 and 2010 Vauxhall Astras thanks to clutch issues which can be resolved through the use of modified parts.
The average price of a clutch repair for the Astra is £526.32, but in reality fitting a modified part would likely be cheaper than this.
It's also worth checking whether you can spot any oil on the ground beneath your car; if there's a leak, this could indicate a problem with the crankshaft.
4. Engine problems
This primarily relates to the 1.9-litre diesel engine which is one of the least reliable. Engine issues are often accompanied by excessive smoke from the exhaust, and the water pump system has also been known to fail.
Engine and cooling faults cost £198.44 on average to repair for the Vauxhall Astra.
5. Gear linkage issues
In older Astra models you might struggle to change between first gear, second gear, and reverse. If this is the case it indicates there is a gear linkage issue.
Particularly in older Astra models this is usually due to the fact that the plastic ball joint has popped out of place.
Gear linkage issues cost £160.62 on average to repair.
Vauxhall Astra 2015 to 2020 faults
Most owners of 2015-2020 Vauxhall Astras are generally pretty satisfied with their cars. However, there are a few common problems to be aware of.
1. Electrical issues
The Intellilink infotainment system is a common pain point for owners, particularly of the 2019 Vauxhall Astra model, with many reporting faults.
Moreover, engine management lights sometimes appear unnecessarily, indicating there is a problem when that isn’t actually the case.
Electrical repairs cost £68.73 on average.
2. ECU
Another common problem is a faulty ECU which has been reported by a number of Astra drivers. The ECU, or engine control unit, is responsible for controlling the electronic components within a car.
ECU repairs cost £161.01 on average for a Vauxhall Astra.
3. MAF sensor
Dirt often builds up around the mass air flow sensor in Vauxhall Astras, causing it to give out incorrect readings.
Typically, sensor repairs cost £53.75 on average for an Astra.
Vauxhall Astra Estate Problems
The same common faults listed above apply to the Vauxhall Astra estate, with the most common being related to electric components.
Fortunately, when it comes to safety you don’t have to worry; experts at Euro NCAP rated the Astra estate car a full five stars when it was tested in 2015.
Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTI problems
ECU problems are commonly reported in the 1.7 CDTI Astra. Symptoms may include:
Car won't start
Car starts but the engine cuts out shortly after
The issue stems from a faulty part, specifically the engine control unit (number: 16267710). You can find the ECU bolted to the back of the diesel pump.
Are Vauxhall Astras reliable?
Vauxhall is one of the most popular car manufacturers in the UK with a reputation for building reliable cars. However, in the 2021 WhatCar? Reliability Survey, the Astra finished 23rd out of 24 family cars with a score of 86.6%, suggesting it isn’t as dependable as some other Vauxhall models.
CarBuyer also ranked the Astra 24th place out of 29 in its reliability table for 2021.
With an all new Astra arriving soon, only time will tell if Vauxhall has improved the reliability of this popular model.
Vauxhall Astra recalls
| Recall date | Issue | Affected model dates |
|---|---|---|
| March 17th 2017 | Front seat side bag may deploy incorrectly | Aug 25th 2016-Dec 1st 2016 |
| December 28th 2016 | Front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly | July 19th 2016-Nov 9th 2016 |
| March 4th 2016 | Possibility of vehicle fire | May 19th 2009-April 5th 2011 |
| February 6th 2015 | Short circuit, possibility that fire could occur | Feb 27th 2009-Dec 1st 2010 |
Having problems with your Vauxhall Astra? FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.