What are the most common problems with a 2003 Iveco Daily?

The biggest MOT weak spot is braking performance: flagged on 18.1% of tests, 2.4× the rate for all 2003 cars, followed by body structure rust or damage (12.8%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2003 Iveco Daily?

Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2003 Iveco Daily: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Iveco Daily first registered in 2003: we looked at the 415 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 415 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

415MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025

51%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)

5,200typical miles a year

2.4×the usual rate for braking performance

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Iveco Daily?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Iveco Daily than on all cars registered in 2003.

Braking performance2.4× usual

Iveco Daily
18.1% All 2003 cars
7.4%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 3.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Body structure rust or damage4.1× usual

Iveco Daily
12.8% All 2003 cars
3.1%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
Chassis rust or damage3.5× usual

Iveco Daily
12.8% All 2003 cars
3.7%

Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Number plate lights1.9× usual

Iveco Daily
14.9% All 2003 cars
7.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Better than most

Tread depth: 6.7% here, against 18.3% of all 2003 cars. Headlights: 5.8% here, against 11.8% of all 2003 cars.

Common 2003 Iveco Daily MOT failures and advisories

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

Brakes

49% 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.
Lights and electrics

42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

30% 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.
Rust and bodywork

27% 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.
Oil and fluid leaks

19% 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.
Wipers, windscreen and mirrors

15% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Iveco Daily

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

Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2003 Iveco Daily as on other cars the same age.)
Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an Iveco Daily?

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 Iveco Daily compared

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2020	918	Tyres 7%
2019	231	Lights and electrics 10%
2018	150	Tyres 19%
2017	227	Brakes 20%
2016	371	Brakes 21%
2015	365	Brakes 24%
2014	210	Lights and electrics 26%
2013	213	Lights and electrics 38%
2012	174	Lights and electrics 32%
2011	451	Lights and electrics 34%
2010	240	Suspension 35%
2009	375	Lights and electrics 35%
2008	728	Suspension 36%
2007	766	Lights and electrics 38%
2006	918	Lights and electrics 38%
2005	868	Brakes 43%
2004	584	Brakes 46%
2002	312	Brakes 53%
2001	357	Brakes 50%
2000	248	Brakes 55%

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