2003 Vauxhall Vivaro · 8,576 MOT tests
2003 Vauxhall Vivaro reliability
2003 Vauxhall Vivaros fail 53.1% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 20 Vivaro years (8,576 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Vivaros: 43.6%)
- 53.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Vivaros: 43.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 157,181
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,576
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 12.7% of tests fail here (120% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 42% 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 Vivaro
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics30.9%
- Suspension27.4%
- Brakes26.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors14.9%
- Body, chassis and structure12.7%
- Steering12.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 8.33%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.03%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 7.01%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 6.7%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 5.54%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.92%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (23.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (16.97%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.38%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (13.29%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.9%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (10.76%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Vivaro year
The full picture: Vauxhall Vivaro reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Vivaro, 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 Vivaro reliable?
2003 Vauxhall Vivaros fail 53.1% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 20 Vivaro years (8,576 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT?
Most often track rod end ball joint excessively worn (8.33% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.03% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (7.01% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro shows 157,181 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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