2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Porsche 911 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,550 MOT tests in 2024. 80.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

140Well above average
Passed first time80.3%
Failed or needed repairs19.7%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,550 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.0%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working1.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases0.9%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    42 marked dangerous
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics14.2%
  2. Brakes5.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks4.7%
  4. Body & chassis4.1%
  5. Tyres3.1%
  6. Suspension2.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.0%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. 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 Porsche 911?

In 2024, 80.3% of 2003 Porsche 911 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,550 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Porsche 911?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Porsche 911 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 140, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).