2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Vauxhall Combo MOT pass rate and common faults

1,514 MOT tests in 2024. 45.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

80Well below average
Passed first time45.8%
Failed or needed repairs54.2%
Typical mileage at test132,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,514 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.2%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.0%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.5%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.0%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.9%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.7%
  8. Position lamp: not working5.5%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.5%
  2. Suspension40.8%
  3. Brakes37.2%
  4. Body & chassis18.8%
  5. Steering14.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.1%
  7. Tyres12.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks9.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded33.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.8%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)16.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.1%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 Vauxhall Combo?

In 2024, 45.8% of 2003 Vauxhall Combo cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,514 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; coil spring: fractured or broken; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Combo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 80, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).