2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

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

100About average
Passed first time57.3%
Failed or needed repairs42.7%
Typical mileage at test155,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 300 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working6.3%
  3. Headlamp: not working on main beam6.0%
  4. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam5.7%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.0%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.7%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.7%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.0%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value4.0%
    21 marked dangerous
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working4.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics59.3%
  2. Brakes49.0%
  3. Suspension17.7%
  4. Body & chassis11.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  6. Steering6.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  8. Tyres3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn9.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 57.3% of 2003 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 300 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working; headlamp: not working on main beam. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

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