Used car guide

2003 Ford Maverick: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Ford Maverick first registered in 2003: we looked at the 209 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 209 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

209MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
60%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
5,000typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Ford Maverick?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Ford Maverick than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Engine oil leaks2× usual
    Ford Maverick
    29.7% All 2003 cars
    14.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
    Ford Maverick
    19.1% All 2003 cars
    6.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2003 Ford Maverick MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Ford Maverick MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    56% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    30% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Brakes
    28% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    23% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Ford Maverick

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Ford Maverick as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2003 Ford Maverick as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Ford Maverick?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Ford Maverick compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004–Too few tests
2002256Suspension 63%
2001103Suspension 53%
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997130Brakes 48%
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ford Maverick cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score