2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6L Petrol · NJ03 VXF
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 134,105 miles. MOT valid until 18 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 134,105 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.
NJ03 VXF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/08/2026
- 134,105 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
NJ03 VXF 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 (NJ03 VXF) between June 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 20 August 2026 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 (14 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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: “Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength o”; “Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength in”; “Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stre”.
NJ03 VXF Mileage History
- 27/06/2024130,734 mi
- 26/06/2025132,801 mi+2,067 mi
- 26/06/2025132,801 mi
- 25/06/2026134,221 mi+1,420 mi
- 20/08/2026134,105 mi-116 mi
Average of roughly 1,570 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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: 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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