2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Porsche Cayenne MOT pass rate and common faults

509 MOT tests in 2024. 70.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time70.1%
Failed or needed repairs29.9%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 509 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.9%
  3. Individual direction indicators: not working2.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  9. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.3%
  2. Brakes12.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks7.3%
  4. Tyres6.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  6. Suspension5.1%
  7. Body & chassis4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.4%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.1%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.1%

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.

All Cayenne years2004 Cayenne →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Porsche Cayenne?

In 2024, 70.1% of 2003 Porsche Cayenne cars passed their MOT first time, across 509 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; individual direction indicators: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Porsche Cayenne reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).