2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

2,174 MOT tests in 2024. 54.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time54.7%
Failed or needed repairs45.3%
Typical mileage at test125,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,174 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.5%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
  3. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.6%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.6%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.2%
  6. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.7%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.3%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.3%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.2%
  2. Suspension31.2%
  3. Brakes28.4%
  4. Body & chassis24.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.4%
  6. Steering5.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded26.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.1%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn13.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.3%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.2%

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?

In 2024, 54.7% of 2003 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,174 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).