2003 Vauxhall Frontera petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Vauxhall Frontera first registered in 2003 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 121 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 121 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Vauxhall Frontera petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Vauxhall Frontera petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes46% 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.
- Suspension36% 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 electrics28% 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 bodywork23% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions21% 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 an engine warning light.
- Oil and fluid leaks17% 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 Vauxhall Frontera petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Vauxhall Frontera?
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Other years
Every year of the Vauxhall Frontera compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2004 | 208 | Suspension 42% |
| 2002 | 294 | Brakes 46% |
| 2001 | 131 | Suspension 53% |
| 2000 | 188 | Suspension 48% |
| 1999 | 173 | Suspension 47% |
| 1998 | 166 | Brakes 42% |
| 1997 | 123 | Brakes 41% |
| 1996 | 147 | Brakes 47% |
| 1995 | 111 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 1994 | 100 | Brakes 44% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | 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 Vauxhall Frontera cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score