Vauxhall

Vauxhall Ampera (2014)

507 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82% first-time pass rate

2014 Vauxhall Ampera

CarHunch analysed 507 real MOT records for the 2014 Vauxhall Ampera. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 Vauxhall Ampera passes its MOT at 82%, marginally above the UK average of 80%, but there's a serious concern: 36.5% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is far higher than typical and suggests significant reliability issues despite the decent headline pass rate. As a hybrid-electric vehicle, the Ampera's relatively high dangerous defect rate likely points to problems with the battery system, electric motors, or complex hybrid components that compound over time.

At 61,636 miles median, these cars are sitting at a typical mileage for their age, so the 2.04 average failures per test aren't down to exceptional wear and tear. The 11.4 advisories per vehicle indicate steady degradation—suspension, brakes, and trim are likely needing attention—which means budgeting for regular maintenance is essential. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically assesses the hybrid battery condition and electric drivetrain, as replacing either will be expensive.

The 2014 Vauxhall Ampera has a decent first-time pass rate (82%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
82%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
36.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.04
Over 10.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
62k
Middle half: 46k–82k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 11.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 507 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 507 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 52.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 52%
Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 26.9%
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction · Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated · Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated · …

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 507 Vauxhall Ampera cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Vauxhall Ampera

Based on MOT data from 507 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 36.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (99%) 504 81.9% 2.04

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,300 Vauxhall Ampera vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 31%
403
Silver 20.5%
267
Black 16.3%
212
Grey 13.8%
180
Blue 10.2%
132
Red 8.2%
106

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Vauxhall Ampera vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

61,636
typical
46,150
low mileage
81,726
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Vauxhall Ampera vehicles fall between 46,150 and 81,726 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 46,150 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
46,150–81,726 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Vauxhall Amperas sit.
Over 110,330 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Vauxhall Ampera — Still on the Road

Most 2014 Vauxhall Amperas are still being driven.

Strong survival — 431 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.

487 431 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.04
Avg failures per vehicle
11.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Vauxhall Ampera: All Ampera years → Which year to buy? →
2012 2013 2015

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Watch for defects — worth knowing