2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Toyota RAV4 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,420 MOT tests in 2024. 60.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time60.6%
Failed or needed repairs39.4%
Typical mileage at test116,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,420 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.4%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.8%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    132 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.2%
  2. Suspension19.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.0%
  4. Brakes12.8%
  5. Body & chassis8.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  7. Tyres4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.6%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.2%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 Toyota RAV4?

In 2024, 60.6% of 2003 Toyota RAV4 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,420 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Toyota RAV4?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Toyota RAV4 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).