Used car guide

2003 Ford Galaxy: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Ford Galaxys, from 474 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 474 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

474MOT tests in 2025
55%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
6,200typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Ford Galaxys than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.9× usual
    Ford Galaxy
    19.4% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
    Ford Galaxy
    18.6% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Body structure rust or damage3.4× usual
    Ford Galaxy
    12% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

  • Chassis rust or damage2.8× usual
    Ford Galaxy
    11.2% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Steering rack4.8× usual
    Ford Galaxy
    8.2% All 2003 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2003 Ford Galaxy MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    57% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    46% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    39% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    36% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    26% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    19% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Ford Galaxy?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023169Tyres 16%
20221,229Tyres 26%
20211,422Tyres 27%
20201,673Tyres 27%
20192,587Tyres 27%
20183,498Tyres 29%
20175,199Tyres 31%
20164,685Tyres 33%
20152,397Tyres 36%
20144,129Lights and electrics 39%
20133,709Suspension 45%
20124,173Suspension 51%
20114,042Suspension 52%
20103,809Suspension 54%
20093,320Suspension 56%
20082,822Suspension 62%
20072,570Suspension 65%
20061,250Suspension 63%
2005982Suspension 64%
2004579Suspension 65%
2002245Suspension 62%
2001137Suspension 58%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Ford Galaxys registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score