2003 Ford Transit Connect · 11,075 MOT tests
2003 Ford Transit Connect reliability
2003 Ford Transit Connects fail 51.9% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 20 Transit Connect years (11,075 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Transit Connects: 36%)
- 51.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Transit Connects: 36%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 142,631
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,075
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 19.3% of tests fail here (78% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 36% 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 Transit Connect
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics31.1%
- Suspension25.2%
- Brakes20%
- Body, chassis and structure19.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.8%
- Tyres9.2%
- Seat belts and airbags6.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 10.13%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Registration plate lamp not working 6.96%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.24%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 5.91%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 5.75%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 5.31%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (26.69%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (24.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (20.19%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.65%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.34%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.21%)
Other years
Every Ford Transit Connect year
The full picture: Ford Transit Connect reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Transit Connect, 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 Transit Connect reliable?
2003 Ford Transit Connects fail 51.9% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 20 Transit Connect years (11,075 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Ford Transit Connect MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (10.13% of tests), registration plate lamp not working (6.96% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.24% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Ford Transit Connect have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Ford Transit Connect shows 142,631 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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