2003 · 21 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2003 Toyota Prius MOT pass rate and common faults

136 MOT tests in 2024. 66.9% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time66.9%
Failed or needed repairs33.1%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 136 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.9%
    11 marked dangerous
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.2%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  10. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.1%
  2. Brakes16.9%
  3. Suspension16.9%
  4. Body & chassis8.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  6. Tyres4.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.7%
  3. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced14.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.0%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.5%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Prius years2004 Prius →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Toyota Prius?

In 2024, 66.9% of 2003 Toyota Prius cars passed their MOT first time, across 136 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Toyota Prius reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).