2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Suzuki Jimny MOT pass rate and common faults

1,673 MOT tests in 2024. 61.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time61.0%
Failed or needed repairs39.0%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,673 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting5.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.8%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.8%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.7%
  8. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.3%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes22.4%
  2. Lights & electrics22.1%
  3. Body & chassis17.3%
  4. Suspension16.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.9%
  8. Tyres2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.1%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.1%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded11.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.4%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.9%

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: chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting. 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 Jimny?

In 2024, 61.0% of 2003 Suzuki Jimny cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,673 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Suzuki Jimny reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).