2003 Ford Mondeo · 9,989 MOT tests
2003 Ford Mondeo reliability
2003 Ford Mondeos fail 46.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 23 Mondeo years (9,989 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Mondeos: 33.3%)
- 46.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Mondeos: 33.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 111,974
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,989
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 20.6% of tests fail here (44% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 48% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Ford Mondeo
Fail rate by area
- Brakes20.6%
- Suspension19.7%
- Lights and electrics17.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8.4%
- Tyres7.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 6.34%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.57%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 4.41%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.26%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 3.87%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.13%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (23.89%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.61%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.91%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.11%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (8.67%)
Other years
Every Ford Mondeo year
The full picture: Ford Mondeo reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Mondeo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Ford Mondeo reliable?
2003 Ford Mondeos fail 46.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 23 Mondeo years (9,989 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Ford Mondeo MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (6.34% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.57% of tests), position lamp not working (4.41% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Ford Mondeo have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Ford Mondeo shows 111,974 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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