2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

6,833 MOT tests in 2024. 53.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time53.7%
Failed or needed repairs46.3%
Typical mileage at test170,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,833 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working3.7%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.1%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.0%
  10. Horn: not working3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.9%
  2. Brakes28.8%
  3. Suspension21.8%
  4. Body & chassis16.2%
  5. Steering10.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.8%
  7. Tyres6.2%
  8. Emissions & leaks6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.4%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 Transporter?

In 2024, 53.7% of 2003 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,833 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).