The Vauxhall Mokka arrived in 2012 at exactly the right moment. Buyers wanted small SUVs, and the Mokka gave them a raised driving position, chunky looks and a practical cabin at a price that undercut most rivals. It sold in huge numbers, and the used market is full of them.
The first-generation Mokka (and the facelifted Mokka X) is a sensible, comfortable car, but it was never the most polished in its class, and it shares some well-known weaknesses with the Astra J it's closely related to. The second-generation Mokka, launched in 2021, is a completely different car built by Stellantis — and brings a different set of questions. Here's how to choose the right one.
The big one: the M32 six-speed manual gearbox (2012–2016)
If you've read our Vauxhall Astra guide, this will sound familiar. The M32 six-speed manual gearbox, used across many Vauxhall models of this era, has a well-documented bearing weakness. As the bearings wear, the gearbox starts to whine, then the gear lever moves around under load, and eventually the gearbox can jump out of gear or fail completely. A rebuild or replacement typically costs £1,000–£1,800.
Which cars were affected: First-generation Mokkas with the six-speed manual gearbox, mainly paired with the 1.4 Turbo petrol and the 1.7 CDTi diesel, from 2012 to around 2016. The five-speed manual fitted to the 1.6 petrol is a different gearbox and isn't affected. Later Mokka X models are reported to be less affected, but any six-speed manual Mokka is worth checking carefully.
How to identify it on a test drive: Drive at a steady speed in fifth and sixth gear and listen for a whine that changes with road speed but disappears when you press the clutch. Accelerate and then lift off the throttle in sixth — if the gear lever moves noticeably, or the car jumps out of gear, the bearings are worn. Ask whether the gearbox has been rebuilt; a rebuild with upgraded bearings is a positive sign.
The safe approach: Look for evidence of a gearbox rebuild, choose a 1.6 petrol five-speed manual, or consider the automatic (a six-speed torque converter unit, which is more robust but can be slow-witted and thirsty).
The 1.4 Turbo petrol: PCV valve and oil
The 1.4 Turbo petrol (140ps) was the most popular Mokka engine, and it's a good fit for the car — punchy, smooth and reasonably economical. But it shares the same weak PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve as the Astra J's 1.4 Turbo. When the diaphragm in the cam cover splits, the engine can run roughly, whistle at idle, use oil and trigger engine warning lights. The fix is a replacement cam cover, typically £150–£300 fitted.
In the facelifted Mokka X, some versions moved to a newer 1.4 Turbo direct-injection engine. As with the Astra K, a small number of these engines have suffered piston damage linked to low-speed pre-ignition, and using oil of the correct specification (dexos1 Gen 2 or later) is important.
How to identify it on a viewing: With the engine idling, try to remove the oil filler cap. If there's strong suction or the engine note changes dramatically, the PCV valve has likely failed. Check the dipstick and look for oil leaks around the cam cover. Ask what oil the car has been serviced with.
The 1.7 CDTi diesel: noisy and DPF-prone
The 1.7 CDTi diesel was the main diesel option in early Mokkas. It's economical, but it's noisy and unrefined, and like many diesels it suffers from DPF and EGR problems when used for short trips. Dual-mass flywheel wear is also common at higher mileages. Combined with the M32 gearbox, a high-mileage 1.7 CDTi is the riskiest Mokka to buy.
The 1.6 CDTi "Whisper Diesel", which replaced the 1.7 from 2015, is much quieter and more refined. If you want a diesel Mokka, that's the one to target.
Early Mokka electrics and infotainment
Early Mokkas are known for a range of electrical niggles: infotainment that freezes or reboots, Bluetooth problems, faulty sensors and warning lights. The pre-facelift dashboard is also cluttered with buttons, and the original infotainment lacks smartphone mirroring. The 2016 Mokka X facelift introduced a cleaner dashboard and the IntelliLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a big improvement.
The second-generation Mokka (2021 onwards): the PureTech question
The new Mokka is a completely different car, built on Stellantis's CMP platform, shared with the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Corsa. It's stylish, well made and better to drive than the original. But the petrol versions use the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine, which has a "wet" timing belt running in engine oil. On many engines, this belt has degraded early, shedding material that can block the oil pump pickup and starve the engine of oil.
Which cars were affected: Second-generation Mokkas with the 1.2 Turbo (PureTech) petrol, from 2021 onwards.
How to identify it on a viewing: Check that every service was done on time, using oil that meets the correct Stellantis specification. Ask whether the timing belt has been inspected or replaced. A Vauxhall dealer or specialist can check the belt's condition through the oil filler cap with a gauge. Ask whether the car qualifies for Stellantis's extended goodwill cover for belt-related failures.
The safe approach: Buy a petrol Mokka with a full, on-time service history and evidence of belt checks, or choose the electric Mokka Electric (originally badged Mokka-e), which avoids the issue completely.
The Mokka to actually buy
Mokka X (2016–2019) 1.4 Turbo or 1.6 CDTi — the budget pick. The facelift brought a much better interior, IntelliLink with smartphone mirroring, and updated styling. A 1.4 Turbo manual with a quiet gearbox and a fixed PCV valve, or a 1.6 CDTi for high-mileage drivers, is a comfortable and practical small SUV for not much money.
Mokka Electric (2021 onwards) — the smart town car. The electric Mokka has a real-world range of around 150–180 miles on early cars, depending on season, and more on later versions with the updated battery and motor. Used prices have fallen sharply, so if you can charge at home it costs very little to buy and even less to run. Check the charging port works and the car charges at the expected rate on a public rapid charger.
Mokka (2021 onwards) 1.2 Turbo with full history. A well-maintained petrol Mokka with the right paperwork is a stylish, comfortable small SUV, and the eight-speed automatic is smooth and reliable.
Common problems across both generations
Suspension knocks: Worn drop links and top mounts can cause knocking over bumps. Inexpensive to fix.
Heater blower resistor (first generation): If the fan only works on the highest setting, the resistor has failed. A cheap repair.
Four-wheel-drive coupling: First-generation 4x4 Mokkas use a rear coupling that needs fluid changes. Listen for whining or clunking from the rear.
Brakes: Rear calipers can stick on cars that aren't used often. Check each wheel for heat after the test drive.
Trim levels: what's worth paying for
First-generation Mokka trims run Exclusiv, Tech Line, SE, Elite and Design Nav. Tech Line and Design Nav are good value, adding navigation and other useful kit. Elite brings leather, heated seats and more driver assistance features. On the second generation, trims include SE, SRi, Elite and Ultimate — SRi is the best all-rounder, with sportier styling and better equipment.
Four-wheel drive was only offered on some first-generation versions. It's useful if you live somewhere rural, but adds weight, cost and complexity. Most buyers are better off with front-wheel drive.
Viewing checklist
- Gearbox whine in fifth and sixth — on any six-speed manual first-generation Mokka
- Gear lever movement on lift-off — another M32 warning sign
- Oil filler cap test — for PCV failure on the 1.4 Turbo
- Oil specification — dexos1 Gen 2 on later 1.4 Turbos; Stellantis spec on 1.2 Turbos
- Timing belt checks — on second-generation petrols
- DPF warnings — on 1.7 CDTi and 1.6 CDTi diesels
- Charging and range — on Mokka Electric
- MOT history — look for suspension, brake and emissions advisories
What to pay in 2026
- Mokka 1.4 Turbo SE, 2014, 70,000 miles: £4,000–£5,500
- Mokka X 1.6 CDTi Elite, 2017, 65,000 miles: £6,500–£8,500
- Mokka X 1.4 Turbo Design Nav, 2018, 45,000 miles: £7,000–£9,000
- Mokka 1.2 Turbo SRi, 2021, 30,000 miles: £12,000–£14,500
- Mokka Electric SRi, 2021, 25,000 miles: £11,000–£14,000
Mokka or a rival?
The Mokka's main rivals include the Nissan Juke, Ford Puma, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq. The first-generation Mokka is roomier than the original Juke and usually cheaper than the Captur, but it's not as good to drive as the Puma or as well built as the Kamiq. The second-generation Mokka is much more competitive, especially in style and quality, but shares the 1.2 PureTech question with the Peugeot 2008. If you want the lowest-risk small SUV, a Skoda Kamiq or Toyota Yaris Cross may suit you better; if you want style and value, a carefully chosen Mokka is a strong choice.
Running costs
The Mokka is cheap to run. Parts are widely available and inexpensive, almost every garage knows the car, and insurance groups are low. The 1.4 Turbo returns around 38–42mpg in real-world driving, the 1.6 CDTi around 50–55mpg, and the second-generation 1.2 Turbo around 45mpg. The Mokka Electric is very cheap to run if you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff. Servicing at an independent typically costs £130–£250. Budget for a gearbox check on early cars and a belt inspection on later ones, and the Mokka should be an affordable car to own.
The Mokka as a first car or family runabout
The Mokka's raised driving position and light controls make it popular with new drivers and with parents who want an easy car for school runs. Insurance groups on the 1.6 petrol and 1.4 Turbo are reasonable, and the boot is big enough for a pushchair and a weekly shop. Rear legroom is fine for children, but adults will find it tight on longer trips in the first-generation car.
For a first car, the 1.6 petrol with the five-speed manual is the lowest-risk choice: slow, but simple, and free of both the M32 gearbox and turbo-related problems. For families, a Mokka X 1.4 Turbo with a checked gearbox and a full history offers a good balance of performance, space and cost. If most of your journeys are local and you can charge at home, a used Mokka Electric is quiet, smooth and very cheap to run, and makes an excellent second car. On a first-generation car, it's worth paying a local garage £60–£100 to put it on a ramp before you buy — gearbox noise and corrosion are both far easier to judge from underneath.
Is a used Mokka a good buy?
A carefully chosen one is. A first-generation Mokka X with a quiet gearbox and a full history is a practical, affordable small SUV, and the electric Mokka is one of the best-value used EVs on the market right now. Walk away from high-mileage 1.7 CDTis, any six-speed manual that whines in the higher gears, and second-generation petrols with gaps in their service history. Get that right and the Mokka does what most people buy it for — a higher seat than a hatchback, room for the family, and running costs that won't keep you up at night.
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Search Vauxhall Mokka on AllCarsUK →Also see: Used Vauxhall Mokka Buying Guide | Vauxhall Astra: Years to Avoid | Peugeot 208: Years to Avoid