2003 Volkswagen Touran petrol: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2003 Volkswagen Touran petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  64% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% 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 leaks
  21% 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.

Known faults on the 2003 Volkswagen Touran petrol

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.

• Flywheel and turbo failures

  All engines

  Flywheel failure has been reported, and some older diesels have had turbo failures.

  At the viewing: Listen for rattles at idle and when the clutch is used, and look for smoke or flat spots on acceleration.

  Source: What Car?: Volkswagen Touran (2003-2015) reliability

• Electrical and cooling fan faults

  All engines

  Electrical faults are the most common problem and can knock out the dashboard warning lights. The cooling fan can fail, and the seatbelt warning can malfunction.

  At the viewing: Check every warning light shows at start-up, and that the fan runs when the engine is hot.

  Source: What Car?: Volkswagen Touran (2003-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Volkswagen Touran petrol

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?