2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Transit 280 Swb models manufactured in 2003, based on 545 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Transit 280 Swb cars tested in 2003. Want to see how cars built in 2003 hold up over time?
View 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb vintage page → (57.1% current pass rate)2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb MOT Analysis
The 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb has an MOT pass rate of 55.2% based on 545 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 118,615 miles on the odometer. With a 44.8% failure rate, the 2003 Transit 280 Swb is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb is Body, Structure and General Items, responsible for 1.1% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Non-component advisories is the second most common issue at 0.4%. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment follows at 0.4%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall Transit 280 Swb 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 | Body, Structure And General Items | 1.1% | 6 |
| 2 | Non-component Advisories | 0.4% | 2 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.4% | 2 |
| 4 | Registration Plates And Vin | 0.4% | 2 |
| 5 | Tyres | 0.4% | 2 |
| 6 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.2% | 1 |
| 7 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.2% | 1 |
| 8 | Steering | 0.2% | 1 |
| 9 | Brakes | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 118,615 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.09 | 1.1% | 6 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.03 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.03 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.03 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.03 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb has an MOT pass rate of 55.2% based on 545 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 118,615 miles on the odometer. With a 44.8% failure rate, the 2003 Transit 280 Swb is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, structure and general items: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. With an average mileage of 118,615 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Body, Structure and General Items — 1.1% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Non-component advisories — 0.4% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 0.4% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 2003 Ford Transit 280 Swb 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.