2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6L Petrol · KX53 UMJ
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (1.6L, petrol). First registered 30 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 147,055 miles. MOT expired on 18 Oct 2025.
- Make & Model
- SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Northampton
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 147,055 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- 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.
KX53 UMJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/10/2024
- 147,055 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KX53 UMJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (KX53 UMJ) between August 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “Front Brake pipe excessively corroded to rear both (1.1.11 (c))”; “Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded both (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (”.
KX53 UMJ Mileage History
- 02/08/2022138,709 mi
- 03/08/2023144,706 mi+5,997 mi
- 07/08/2023144,717 mi+11 mi
- 20/10/2024147,055 mi+2,338 mi
- 20/10/2024147,055 mi
Average of roughly 3,765 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Below Average
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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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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