2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Vauxhall Zafira MOT pass rate and common faults

2,302 MOT tests in 2024. 51.9% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time51.9%
Failed or needed repairs48.1%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,302 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.9%
  3. Position lamp: not working5.2%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.7%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.0%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.7%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.6%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.5%
  2. Brakes27.1%
  3. Suspension24.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks18.2%
  5. Body & chassis13.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Tyres7.8%
  8. Steering5.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded28.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.7%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened15.2%

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: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. 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 Zafira?

In 2024, 51.9% of 2003 Vauxhall Zafira cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,302 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira 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).