Used car guide

2003 Toyota Camry: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Toyota Camry first registered in 2003: we looked at the 117 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 117 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

117MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
69%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
5,400typical miles a year
33%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Toyota Camry MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Suspension
    33% 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.

  • Tyres
    25% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Toyota Camry

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Toyota Camry?

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 Toyota Camry compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022–Too few tests
2021581Tyres 17%
20201,107Tyres 18%
20191,330Tyres 19%
2004–Too few tests
2002334Suspension 35%
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1998180Suspension 33%
1997238Suspension 41%
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–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 Toyota Camry cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score