2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0L Petrol · BF53 KSN
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (2.0L, petrol). First registered 05 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 63,022 miles. MOT expired on 20 Oct 2023.
- Make & Model
- SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 63,022 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BF53 KSN Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 11/10/2023
- 63,022 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BF53 KSN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (BF53 KSN) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 October 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Towbar obstructing the registration plate so that it is unreadable (6.1.6 (f) (ii))”; “Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit (4.13 (a) (ii))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
BF53 KSN Mileage History
- 13/10/202259,492 mi
- 14/10/202259,498 mi+6 mi
- 11/10/202363,022 mi+3,524 mi
Average of roughly 3,554 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Suzuki Suzuki Grand Vitara (Mk2/FT)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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DISCOVERY
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Camshaft Rattle (2.5 & 2.7 V6)Serious
The 2.5-litre (H25A) and 2.7-litre (H27A) all-aluminium 24-valve V6 engines utilize a complex multi-chain timing system with hydraulic tensioners and plastic-lined guides. Infrequent oil changes or using incorrect oil viscosity causes carbon sludge to restrict oil supply ports to the hydraulic chain tensioners. This leads to collapsed tensioners, severe chain slap against the timing cover on cold starts, guide disintegration, and potential catastrophic valve-to-piston contact if the chain jumps timing teeth.
- Front Brake Caliper Seizure and Disc WarpingModerate
A well-documented weakness on the second-generation Grand Vitara is the tendency for front brake calipers to seize, particularly if the vehicle has been subjected to farm work, deep water splashes, or periods of inactivity. The rubber slider pin dust boots degrade, allowing road grit and corrosive salt to enter the sliding channels. The resulting brake pad drag overheats the ventilated front discs, resulting in disc warping, severe steering wheel vibration under braking, and MOT test failure for braking efficiency imbalance.
- Rear Chassis Rail and Body Mounting Outrigger CorrosionSerious
Despite its rugged ladder-frame chassis construction, the steel box sections on the Grand Vitara lack adequate factory internal wax protection. Mud, silt, and moisture accumulate inside the rear section of the chassis rails above the fuel tank and around the rear spring perches and body mounting brackets. Over British winters, severe rust develops from the inside out, causing structural metal thinning, chassis perforation, and immediate failure on the annual UK MOT test.
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