2003 Vauxhall Zafira · 10,945 MOT tests
2003 Vauxhall Zafira reliability
2003 Vauxhall Zafiras fail 49.9% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 19 Zafira years (10,945 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Zafiras: 38.5%)
- 49.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Zafiras: 38.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 113,693
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,945
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 13.4% of tests fail here (68% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 54% 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 Zafira
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.6%
- Suspension19.2%
- Brakes18.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks13.4%
- Body, chassis and structure11.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.9%
- Tyres7.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.13%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 5.77%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Exhaust has major gas leak 5.48%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.45%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 4.92%
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 4.66%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (26.44%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.9%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (14.76%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (12.68%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.79%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Zafira year
The full picture: Vauxhall Zafira reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Zafira, 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 Zafira reliable?
2003 Vauxhall Zafiras fail 49.9% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 19 Zafira years (10,945 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.13% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (5.77% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (5.48% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Vauxhall Zafira shows 113,693 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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