2003 Daihatsu Copen — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 571 MOT tests, the 2003 Daihatsu Copen recorded a 72.9% pass rate. All cars of a similar age fail at 27.6%, so the 2003 Copen sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and emissions & environmental.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (10.5%) and suspension (10.5%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are component mounting prescribed areas, catalyst emissions and prescribed areas — component mounting prescribed areas alone was recorded 114 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 12.1% in the 0-30k band and 31.3% in the 90-120k band, a 19.2-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 33.5% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 22.8% of tests failed in 2021 against 29.2% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 10.5% | 60 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.5% | 60 |
| 3 | Emissions & environmental | 9.1% | 52 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 8.4% | 48 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.6% | 32 |
| 6 | Brakes | 5.4% | 31 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 114 |
| 2 | Catalyst emissions | 64 |
| 3 | Prescribed areas | 45 |
| 4 | Integral vehicle structure condition | 33 |
| 5 | Wipers | 28 |
| 6 | Headlamp | 26 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 33.5% | 191 |
| 2 | Suspension | 23.6% | 135 |
| 3 | Tyres | 16.5% | 94 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 15.9% | 91 |
| 5 | Other defects | 6.3% | 36 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 5.4% | 31 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 33 | 12.1% |
| 30-60k | 258 | 25.2% |
| 60-90k | 202 | 30.2% |
| 90-120k | 67 | 31.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 123 | 22.8% |
| 2022 | 128 | 30.5% |
| 2023 | 120 | 25.8% |
| 2024 | 104 | 27.9% |
| 2025 | 96 | 29.2% |
What to check before buying a 2003 Copen
On a 2003 Copen, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 10.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (10.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (10.5% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Emissions & environmental (9.1% of tests): More common on older diesels (DPF/EGR) — can be expensive; check for warning lights and smoke. Typical repair: £100–£600.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2003 Daihatsu Copens pass their MOT?
72.9% of the 571 2003 Daihatsu Copen MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2003 Daihatsu Copen?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 10.5% of tests, followed by suspension (10.5%).
Does the 2003 Copen get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.1% in the 0-30k band to 31.3% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 571 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.