2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Toyota Avensis MOT pass rate and common faults

1,929 MOT tests in 2024. 57.2% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time57.2%
Failed or needed repairs42.8%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,929 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working9.6%
  2. Stop lamp: not working6.0%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.4%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    66 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.5%
  2. Brakes15.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.0%
  4. Suspension12.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.3%
  6. Tyres6.5%
  7. Body & chassis5.7%
  8. Steering1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.3%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.4%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened12.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 Toyota Avensis?

In 2024, 57.2% of 2003 Toyota Avensis cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,929 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Toyota Avensis?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; stop lamp: not working; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Toyota Avensis reliable at MOT time?

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