FORD MONDEO (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,276 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
4,276
Avg Mileage
116,650 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 FORD MONDEO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 68% of FORD MONDEOs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,276 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,650 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD MONDEO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD MONDEO has 116,650 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD MONDEO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2003 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2003 FORD MONDEO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD MONDEO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 80 | 54,644 mi |
| 2021 | 89% | 1,710 | 39,889 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,652 | 50,239 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 7,466 | 61,857 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 11,913 | 73,505 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 18,073 | 84,027 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 26,925 | 92,893 mi |
| 2015 | 86% | 29,704 | 100,819 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 20,850 | 117,891 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 22,767 | 125,216 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 29,196 | 125,913 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 24,537 | 131,601 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 29,714 | 132,388 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 29,480 | 135,619 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 28,655 | 139,585 mi |
| 2007 | 71% | 22,117 | 133,332 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 13,543 | 124,230 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 11,436 | 124,025 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 7,419 | 121,520 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,276 | 116,650 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 3,281 | 115,320 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 2,982 | 115,470 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 1,210 | 105,568 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,232 | 100,805 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 794 | 104,643 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 552 | 100,239 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 574 | 95,491 mi |
| 1995 | 69% | 426 | 96,846 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 255 | 97,557 mi |
| 1993 | 83% | 217 | 97,667 mi |
Checking a specific FORD MONDEO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 FORD MONDEO
The 2003 FORD MONDEO is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 4,276 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 116,650 miles at 21 years old, FORD MONDEO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 FORD MONDEO Fuel Costs
The 1999cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 FORD MONDEO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD MONDEO Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MONDEOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 FORD MONDEO
At 21 years old, the FORD MONDEO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Alternatives to the 2003 FORD MONDEO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+8%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-1%) from 18,423 tests