2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

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

100About average
Passed first time57.3%
Failed or needed repairs42.7%
Typical mileage at test155,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 300 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working6.3%
  3. Headlamp: not working on main beam6.0%
  4. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam5.7%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.0%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.7%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.7%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working4.0%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value4.0%
    21 marked dangerous
  10. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics59.3%
  2. Brakes49.0%
  3. Suspension17.7%
  4. Body & chassis11.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  6. Steering6.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  8. Tyres3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn9.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.7%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2003 Volkswagen Lt cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 20)58.2%306 tests
2024 pass rate (age 21)57.3%300 tests
Change in one year−0.8 pointsaverage car: +0.6 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2003 Volkswagen Lt is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 57.3% of 2003 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 300 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working; headlamp: not working on main beam. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

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

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Lt getting worse with age?

In 2023, 58.2% passed first time. In 2024, 57.3% passed (−0.8 points). An average car that age changed by +0.6 points, so the 2003 Volkswagen Lt is ageing worse than average.