2003 Vauxhall Corsa · 31,514 MOT tests
2003 Vauxhall Corsa reliability
2003 Vauxhall Corsas fail 51.5% of first MOT tests, 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 25 Corsa years (31,514 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Corsas: 36.4%)
- 51.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Corsas: 36.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 27% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 79,509
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 31,514
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 7.1% of tests fail here (104% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 37% 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 Vauxhall Corsa
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22%
- Suspension21.7%
- Brakes18.6%
- Body, chassis and structure16.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.8%
- Tyres8.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 8.95%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.7%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.9%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 4.58%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.23%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.01%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.03%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.53%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.18%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (11.69%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (10.31%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Corsa year
The full picture: Vauxhall Corsa reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Corsa, 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 Vauxhall Corsa reliable?
2003 Vauxhall Corsas fail 51.5% of first MOT tests, 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 25 Corsa years (31,514 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Vauxhall Corsa MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (8.95% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.7% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.9% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Vauxhall Corsa have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Vauxhall Corsa shows 79,509 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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