Used car guide

2003 Toyota Landcruiser: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Toyota Landcruisers, from 522 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

522MOT tests in 2025
66%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
7,200typical miles a year
3.8×the usual rate for chassis rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Toyota Landcruisers than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Chassis rust or damage3.8× usual
    Toyota Landcruiser
    15.3% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, 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.

  • Wheel bearings2.2× usual
    Toyota Landcruiser
    8.2% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Body structure rust or damage2× usual
    Toyota Landcruiser
    7.1% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, 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.

Better than most

Tyre condition: 7.3% here, against 14.8% of all 2003 cars.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    42% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    33% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    23% 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.

  • Tyres
    15% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    12% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Toyota Landcruiser?

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

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005524Suspension 42%
2004638Suspension 42%

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