2003 SEAT Ibiza · 4,005 MOT tests
2003 SEAT Ibiza reliability
2003 SEAT Ibizas fail 51.4% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 Ibiza years (4,005 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Ibizas: 33.6%)
- 51.4%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Ibizas: 33.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 96,252
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,005
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.5% of tests fail here (108% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 9% 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 SEAT Ibiza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25.2%
- Suspension17.8%
- Body, chassis and structure15.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks13%
- Brakes12.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors11.8%
- Tyres8.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.97%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 7.57%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 7.22%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.67%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.87%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.8%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.18%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.31%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.04%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (9.51%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.29%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.22%)
Other years
Every SEAT Ibiza year
The full picture: SEAT Ibiza reliability. Before you pay for any SEAT Ibiza, 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 SEAT Ibiza reliable?
2003 SEAT Ibizas fail 51.4% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 Ibiza years (4,005 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 SEAT Ibiza MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.97% of tests), stop lamp not working (7.57% of tests), position lamp not working (7.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 SEAT Ibiza have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 SEAT Ibiza shows 96,252 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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