2003 Vauxhall Meriva · 1,684 MOT tests
2003 Vauxhall Meriva reliability
2003 Vauxhall Merivas fail 52.9% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 15 Meriva years (1,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Merivas: 37.1%)
- 52.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Merivas: 37.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 89,433
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,684
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 9.7% of tests fail here (155% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 39% 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 Meriva
Fail rate by area
- Suspension24.1%
- Lights and electrics21.3%
- Brakes18.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.3%
- Body, chassis and structure11.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.1%
- Steering9.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 7.78%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 6.18%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 5.94%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.29%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Exhaust has major gas leak 5.29%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Stop lamp not working 4.57%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (27.91%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.41%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.22%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (16.03%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (14.85%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.12%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Meriva year
The full picture: Vauxhall Meriva reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Meriva, 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 Meriva reliable?
2003 Vauxhall Merivas fail 52.9% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 15 Meriva years (1,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Vauxhall Meriva MOT?
Most often rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (7.78% of tests), position lamp not working (6.18% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (5.94% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Vauxhall Meriva have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Vauxhall Meriva shows 89,433 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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