2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Steering rack inner joints5× usual
  Vauxhall Corsavan

  16.9% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% 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 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  43% 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
  37% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  22% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  22% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cambelt every 40,000 miles

  Cambelt engines

  The cambelt needs changing every 40,000 miles. If it snaps it can wreck the engine.

  At the viewing: Check the service history for cambelt changes.

  Source: What Car?: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) reliability, RAC: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) used car review

• Steering rack failures

  All engines

  There have been some reports of the power steering rack failing.

  At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for knocks or groans. Look for fluid leaks.

  Source: What Car?: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) reliability, RAC: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) used car review

• Front seat adjuster recall

  All engines

  There was a recall because the front seat adjusters could fail.

  At the viewing: Make sure both front seats lock firmly in place. Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: RAC: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) used car review

• Rear wheel bearings and exhaust

  All engines

  Rear wheel bearings wear, and the exhaust is a weak spot, especially on 1.0 cars.

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or rumble from the rear at speed, and for exhaust blows or rattles.

  Source: RAC: Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2006) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel

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

1. When was the cambelt last changed, and is there a receipt?
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Corsavan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?