2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Citroen Saxo MOT pass rate and common faults

765 MOT tests in 2024. 58.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time58.4%
Failed or needed repairs41.6%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 765 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle7.2%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.1%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  6. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.3%
  2. Brakes26.4%
  3. Body & chassis20.5%
  4. Suspension14.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.9%
  7. Steering6.3%
  8. Tyres5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases9.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake imbalance: across an axle. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 SaxoAll Saxo years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Citroen Saxo?

In 2024, 58.4% of 2003 Citroen Saxo cars passed their MOT first time, across 765 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Citroen Saxo?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Citroen Saxo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).