2003 Rover 45 1.4L Petrol · ML53 RRX
2003 Rover 45 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 27 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 105,409 miles. MOT expired on 13 Aug 2025.
- Make & Model
- ROVER 45
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Aug 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 105,409 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- 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.
ML53 RRX Key Findings
- 29 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 30/09/2026
- 105,409 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 10 historical MOT failures
- 21 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (43 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ML53 RRX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
29 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Rover 45 (ML53 RRX) between October 2006 and September 2026.
The record contains 19 passes and 10 failures.
The most recent test on 30 September 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (43 issues), Tyres (27 issues), Lighting (21 issues), Bodywork (20 issues), Suspension (16 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 131 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 Front Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
ML53 RRX Mileage History
- 26/10/200621,095 mi
- 25/10/200727,519 mi+6,424 mi
- 30/09/200832,105 mi+4,586 mi
- 17/04/200935,141 mi+3,036 mi
- 17/04/200935,141 mi
- 19/04/201041,406 mi+6,265 mi
- 15/04/201147,916 mi+6,510 mi
- 16/04/201255,139 mi+7,223 mi
- 16/04/201255,139 mi
- 18/04/201363,024 mi+7,885 mi
- 18/04/201363,024 mi
- 11/04/201469,945 mi+6,921 mi
- 14/04/201470,015 mi+70 mi
- 13/04/201577,075 mi+7,060 mi
- 17/04/201577,137 mi+62 mi
- 11/04/201682,465 mi+5,328 mi
- 11/04/201785,134 mi+2,669 mi
- 03/04/201886,608 mi+1,474 mi
- 03/04/201886,608 mi
- 02/04/201987,719 mi+1,111 mi
- 02/04/201987,719 mi
- 16/07/202089,546 mi+1,827 mi
- 02/07/202191,458 mi+1,912 mi
- 06/07/202294,524 mi+3,066 mi
- 06/07/202294,524 mi
- 03/07/202398,090 mi+3,566 mi
- 07/08/2024103,332 mi+5,242 mi
- 15/08/2024103,332 mi
- 30/09/2026105,409 mi+2,077 mi
Average of roughly 4,231 miles per year across 29 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Rover Rover 45
Our database tracks 4 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.
Common Problems: ROVER 45
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- K-Series Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)(Moderate)
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)(Moderate)
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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ROVER 45 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.
- K-Series Head Gasket FailureSerious
Applies to 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 models. Standard K-Series symptoms and fixes apply.
- Water Ingress (Bulkhead Seam Failure)Moderate
The seam sealer on the bulkhead cracks with age, allowing water into the front passenger footwell. Leaks under the carpet are usually from seam failure, while leaks on top enter through the heater blower inlet.
- VIS Motor Failure (V6)Moderate
The 2.0 V6 uses Variable Intake System motors that fail, leading to reduced performance and a rattling intake manifold.
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