2003 Suzuki Alto · 1,670 MOT tests
2003 Suzuki Alto reliability
2003 Suzuki Altos fail 53.7% of first MOT tests, 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 11 Alto years (1,670 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Altos: 33.4%)
- 53.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Altos: 33.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 52% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 53,848
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,670
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 7.1% of tests fail here (196% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- 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 Suzuki Alto
Fail rate by area
- Brakes22.8%
- Suspension20.6%
- Lights and electrics18.9%
- Body, chassis and structure18.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.7%
- Tyres9.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 8.44%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 6.95%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Stop lamp not working 6.23%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 6.17%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.63%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 5.57%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (28.68%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (18.62%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.11%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.04%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.68%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.84%)
Other years
Every Suzuki Alto year
The full picture: Suzuki Alto reliability. Before you pay for any Suzuki Alto, 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 Suzuki Alto reliable?
2003 Suzuki Altos fail 53.7% of first MOT tests, 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 11 Alto years (1,670 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Suzuki Alto MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (8.44% of tests), service brakes uneven across an axle (6.95% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.23% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Suzuki Alto have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Suzuki Alto shows 53,848 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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