2002 Caterham Seven (s3) MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Seven (s3) models manufactured in 2002, based on 1,332 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Seven (s3) cars tested in 2002. Want to see how cars built in 2002 hold up over time?
View 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) vintage page → (95.7% current pass rate)2002 Caterham Seven (s3) MOT Analysis
The 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) has an MOT pass rate of 81.7% based on 1,332 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 24,038 miles on the odometer. With a 18.3% failure rate, the 2002 Seven (s3) is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 0.3% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Steering follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 2002 models only. The overall Seven (s3) page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.3% | 4 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.2% | 3 |
| 3 | Steering | 0.1% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 24,038 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.12 | 0.3% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.09 | 0.2% | 3 |
| Steering | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) has an MOT pass rate of 81.7% based on 1,332 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 24,038 miles on the odometer. With a 18.3% failure rate, the 2002 Seven (s3) is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2002 Caterham Seven (s3), you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. With relatively low average mileage of 24,038 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.3% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.2% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Steering — 0.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 2002 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.