2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara · 5,445 MOT tests
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitaras fail 42% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 14 Grand Vitara years (5,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Grand Vitaras: 37.4%)
- 42%
- first-time fail rate (all Suzuki Grand Vitaras: 37.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 99,595
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,445
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 18.8% of tests fail here (102% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 64% 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Fail rate by area
- Body, chassis and structure18.8%
- Lights and electrics16.1%
- Suspension15.1%
- Brakes12%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Seat belts and airbags4.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.88%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 4.92%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.47%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.43%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.4%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.07%
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 (17.58%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.03%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.54%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.62%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (7.07%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (6.24%)
Other years
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara year
The full picture: Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability. Before you pay for any Suzuki Grand Vitara, 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 Grand Vitara reliable?
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitaras fail 42% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 14 Grand Vitara years (5,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.88% of tests), position lamp not working (4.92% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.47% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara shows 99,595 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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