2003 Vauxhall Frontera diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Wheel bearings4.4× usual
  Vauxhall Frontera

  16.8% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.7× usual
  Vauxhall Frontera

  17.5% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Chassis rust or damage3.6× usual
  Vauxhall Frontera

  12.9% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.4× usual
  Vauxhall Frontera

  10.8% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Vauxhall Frontera diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  49% 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
  47% 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
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  25% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  18% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

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

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Frontera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Frontera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Frontera diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?