2003 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · MF53 VUM
2003 Toyota RAV4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 22 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 139,279 miles. MOT valid until 02 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA RAV4
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,279 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- 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.
MF53 VUM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/07/2026
- 139,279 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MF53 VUM 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 Toyota Rav4 (MF53 VUM) between June 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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: “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken BROKEN (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.
MF53 VUM Mileage History
- 28/06/2023112,973 mi
- 11/06/2024122,988 mi+10,015 mi
- 04/07/2025133,700 mi+10,712 mi
- 04/07/2026139,279 mi+5,579 mi
- 04/07/2026139,279 mi
Average of roughly 8,717 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 Toyota Toyota RAV4 Mk2 (XA20)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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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TOYOTA RAV4 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.
- Automatic Transmission Engine Control Module ECU Solder FailureSerious
2000–2003 RAV4 automatic models equipped with the 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE engine suffer from cracked surface-mount solder joints on the circuit board of the engine control unit (ECU). The cracked connections disrupt output signals to the transmission shift solenoids, causing harsh banging shifts between 1st and 2nd gear, delayed reverse engagement, slipping gears, and false diagnostic trouble codes (P0750, P0753, P0755). If ignored, the violent shifts strip clutch pack linings and damage internal planetary gears.
- Front Suspension Coil Spring Salt Corrosion FractureSerious
The front MacPherson suspension coil springs are prone to corrosion fatigue and sudden cracking, accelerated by winter road grit and moisture accumulating in the lower spring perches. If the lower coil fractures, the broken spring end can foul the inner wing or puncture the front tyre sidewall at speed, posing a severe safety danger. Toyota issued UK safety recall campaign R/2004/048 to inspect and replace affected springs.
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