2003 Volkswagen Caravelle · 1,990 MOT tests
2003 Volkswagen Caravelle reliability
2003 Volkswagen Caravelles fail 46.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 23 Caravelle years (1,990 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Caravelles: 33.5%)
- 46.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Caravelles: 33.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 184,131
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,990
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 9.6% of tests fail here (52% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 34% 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 Volkswagen Caravelle
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.6%
- Brakes17.5%
- Suspension16.8%
- Body, chassis and structure12.1%
- Steering9.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.2%
- Tyres5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.82%
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 3.87%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 3.42%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Horn not working 3.27%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.22%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rear fog lamp not working 3.17%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.05%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.43%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.12%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (10.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.2%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (6.93%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Caravelle year
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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable?
2003 Volkswagen Caravelles fail 46.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 23 Caravelle years (1,990 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.82% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.87% of tests), service brake efficiency below minimum (3.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle shows 184,131 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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