2003 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · WF03 NBK
2003 Vauxhall Zafira (1.6L, petrol). First registered 30 Apr 2003. Recorded mileage 144,461 miles. MOT expired on 11 May 2023.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 May 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,461 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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WF03 NBK Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/05/2022
- 144,461 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WF03 NBK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Vauxhall Zafira (WF03 NBK) between May 2022 and May 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 13 May 2022 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: Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm o/s and n/s (5.2.3 (e))”; “Front Horn not working (7.7 (a))”; “Nearside Front Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))”.
WF03 NBK Mileage History
- 10/05/2022144,460 mi
- 13/05/2022144,461 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 117 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Vauxhall Vauxhall Zafira A
Our database tracks 6 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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VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 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.
- Cambelt failure on 1.6 and 1.8 petrol enginesSerious
The Zafira A's Z16XE and Z18XE petrol engines are interference engines driven by a cambelt that also runs the water pump, so a belt that snaps or skips teeth bends the valves and destroys the bottom end. GetCarWise's fault data puts the change interval at roughly 80,000 miles or five years, prices a belt-and-pump job at £350-£450 and values engine damage at £3,000-£5,000 - far more than the car is worth. BreakerLink's Zafira guide gives the same warning, that the belt needs regular replacement or the resulting damage is extensive and expensive. Most cars on the market are now past either limit and a service stamp is not proof the job was done.
- Rear-door and tailgate central locking wiring failuresModerate
Zafira A owners report the rear doors and tailgate locking circuit dropping out because the flexible loom between body and door cracks internally, a fault both BreakerLink and BreakerYard list for the 1999-2005 car. BreakerLink notes the Zafira is known to suffer an issue with the central locking in the back doors due to the electrics, with locks sticking so a door is hard to open; BreakerYard adds that the boot locking switch in the driver's door fails, so the tailgate refuses to release. Rear doors on a family MPV get slammed harder than any other part of the car, which is why the loom goes first.
- Front brake caliper gas accumulation causing spongy pedalSerious
Zafira A models manufactured between 1999 and 2005 were produced with defective front brake calipers that allowed hydrogen gas to accumulate inside the hydraulic calipers, causing a spongy and unresponsive brake pedal even after routine bleeding. BreakerYard notes that between 1999 and 2005 Zafiras suffered from faulty calipers that let gas enter the hydraulic system, requiring replacement calipers on both sides and a full system pressure flush. BreakerLink confirms that buyers of 1999 to 2005 cars must check for spongy, unresponsive brakes caused by manufacturing faults in the calipers. If neglected, braking efficiency is compromised, leading to MOT failure and extended stopping distances.
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