2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito · 2,074 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz Vitos fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 Vito years (2,074 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz Vitos: 33.7%)
- 51.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz Vitos: 33.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 131,086
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,074
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 26.1% of tests fail here (150% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 56% 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 Mercedes-Benz Vito
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics28.7%
- Body, chassis and structure26.1%
- Suspension25.6%
- Brakes23.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors12.8%
- Tyres7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 12.25%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 11.38%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 8.29%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 5.79%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 5.16%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 5.11%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.96%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (16.39%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.34%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (9.74%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.18%) · Body structure corroded but rigid (6.89%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz Vito year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz Vito reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz Vito, 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 Mercedes-Benz Vito reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz Vitos fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 Vito years (2,074 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (12.25% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (11.38% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (8.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito shows 131,086 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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