2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Ford Transit Connect MOT pass rate and common faults

2,361 MOT tests in 2024. 49.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time49.1%
Failed or needed repairs50.9%
Typical mileage at test142,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,361 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.1%
  2. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps6.6%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.6%
  5. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.3%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.2%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working4.7%
  10. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics52.2%
  2. Suspension36.2%
  3. Brakes33.4%
  4. Body & chassis23.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.6%
  6. Tyres9.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags6.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded29.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm24.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.9%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Ford Transit Connect?

In 2024, 49.1% of 2003 Ford Transit Connect cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,361 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Ford Transit Connect?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Ford Transit Connect reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).