2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Vauxhall Astra MOT pass rate and common faults

7,294 MOT tests in 2024. 55.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time55.8%
Failed or needed repairs44.2%
Typical mileage at test98,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,294 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.4%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.9%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.8%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.9%
  2. Brakes24.4%
  3. Suspension23.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.1%
  5. Body & chassis9.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Tyres7.3%
  8. Steering2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded34.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened14.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 Vauxhall Astra?

In 2024, 55.8% of 2003 Vauxhall Astra cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,294 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Vauxhall Astra?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Astra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).