2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT pass rate and common faults

1,330 MOT tests in 2024. 58.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time58.7%
Failed or needed repairs41.3%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,330 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.5%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.8%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.2%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Body & chassis25.4%
  2. Suspension20.5%
  3. Lights & electrics20.4%
  4. Brakes20.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.0%
  8. Tyres4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.7%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

In 2024, 58.7% of 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,330 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).