2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Toyota Previa MOT pass rate and common faults

600 MOT tests in 2024. 52.2% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time52.2%
Failed or needed repairs47.8%
Typical mileage at test142,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 600 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working6.2%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.7%
    38 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.5%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.5%
  7. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced4.3%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics47.7%
  2. Brakes24.2%
  3. Suspension21.3%
  4. Body & chassis17.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks16.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  7. Tyres8.3%
  8. Steering3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened33.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine31.3%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn21.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.8%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 PreviaAll Previa years2004 Previa →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Toyota Previa?

In 2024, 52.2% of 2003 Toyota Previa cars passed their MOT first time, across 600 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Toyota Previa?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Toyota Previa reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).