2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Vauxhall Vectra MOT pass rate and common faults

655 MOT tests in 2024. 55.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time55.4%
Failed or needed repairs44.6%
Typical mileage at test106,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 655 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.3%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.4%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.5%
  6. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.4%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.2%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes29.5%
  2. Lights & electrics23.1%
  3. Suspension22.7%
  4. Body & chassis14.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks11.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Tyres7.2%
  8. Steering4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.1%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)17.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.3%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 Vectra?

In 2024, 55.4% of 2003 Vauxhall Vectra cars passed their MOT first time, across 655 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; coil spring: fractured or broken; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Vectra reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).