2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser MOT pass rate and common faults

182 MOT tests in 2024. 53.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time53.3%
Failed or needed repairs46.7%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 182 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.7%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.0%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.9%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.4%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.4%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.8%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.3%
  10. Headlamp: lens seriously defective3.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension39.6%
  2. Lights & electrics31.9%
  3. Brakes15.9%
  4. Body & chassis11.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.4%
  6. Steering7.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.0%
  8. Tyres6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn22.5%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened22.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 Pt CruiserAll Pt Cruiser years2004 Pt Cruiser →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser?

In 2024, 53.3% of 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser cars passed their MOT first time, across 182 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).