2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Vauxhall Vivaro MOT pass rate and common faults

1,976 MOT tests in 2024. 48.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time48.8%
Failed or needed repairs51.2%
Typical mileage at test158,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,976 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn9.2%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play9.0%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.3%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.7%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.6%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault5.6%
  7. Position lamp: not working5.3%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid5.2%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements5.2%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes53.1%
  2. Lights & electrics51.0%
  3. Suspension40.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)17.3%
  5. Body & chassis14.5%
  6. Steering13.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags7.0%
  8. Tyres6.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine27.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened21.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.3%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)16.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.6%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 VivaroAll Vivaro years2004 Vivaro →

Questions

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

In 2024, 48.8% of 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,976 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Vivaro reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).