2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Daihatsu Terios MOT pass rate and common faults

142 MOT tests in 2024. 51.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time51.4%
Failed or needed repairs48.6%
Typical mileage at test82,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 142 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.0%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.5%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.7%
  4. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting7.0%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.3%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed5.6%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.6%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.9%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.2%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Body & chassis39.4%
  2. Suspension28.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks24.6%
  4. Lights & electrics15.5%
  5. Brakes7.7%
  6. Steering5.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn21.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.2%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.8%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.7%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.3%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Terios years2004 Terios →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Daihatsu Terios?

In 2024, 51.4% of 2003 Daihatsu Terios cars passed their MOT first time, across 142 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Daihatsu Terios?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 2003 Daihatsu Terios reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).