2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Vauxhall Meriva MOT pass rate and common faults

352 MOT tests in 2024. 46.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

81Well below average
Passed first time46.6%
Failed or needed repairs53.4%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 352 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.2%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.5%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  4. Stop lamp: not working5.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working4.8%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.8%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.4%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    20 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics32.1%
  2. Suspension31.5%
  3. Brakes31.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  5. Body & chassis11.6%
  6. Tyres11.1%
  7. Steering10.8%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded32.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)17.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.6%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Meriva years2004 Meriva →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Vauxhall Meriva?

In 2024, 46.6% of 2003 Vauxhall Meriva cars passed their MOT first time, across 352 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Meriva reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 81, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).