2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Vauxhall Astravan MOT pass rate and common faults

144 MOT tests in 2024. 48.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time48.6%
Failed or needed repairs51.4%
Typical mileage at test140,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 144 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.1%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect10.4%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.9%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.3%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.3%
  6. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn6.3%
  7. Position lamp: not working4.9%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.9%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.9%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes41.0%
  2. Lights & electrics41.0%
  3. Suspension34.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)16.0%
  5. Body & chassis13.2%
  6. Tyres11.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks9.0%
  8. Steering2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded45.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak18.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.4%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Astravan years2004 Astravan →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Vauxhall Astravan?

In 2024, 48.6% of 2003 Vauxhall Astravan cars passed their MOT first time, across 144 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Vauxhall Astravan?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Astravan reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).