Toyota Auris MOT Failures

An analysis of 826,632 real DVSA MOT tests on the Toyota Auris — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: E150 (2006–2012).

Where the Toyota Auris fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Toyota Auris is axle or kingpin wear — this model is 37 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 826,632 MOT tests, 0.05% of all Toyota Auris tests recorded this as a failure.

Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.

Other notable weak points include emissions failure (26x the fleet average), mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi... (24x the fleet average), fuel pipe or hose damaged (12x the fleet average), and coil springs broken (97x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Toyota Auris's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 4 categories: Suspension, Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics, Bodywork. If you're inspecting a Toyota Auris before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Toyota Auris's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Toyota Auris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are indicator or hazard warning switch does not ope... (66x the average) and mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators or... (46x). coil springs broken (27x) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (19x) also appear frequently.

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Toyota Auris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (26x the average) and mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators or... (24x). hazard warning lamp tell-tale is not a flashing... (24x) and mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi... (24x) also appear frequently.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Toyota Auris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or... (65x the average) and mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators or... (28x). mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi... (23x) and emissions failure (16x) also appear frequently.

The shift from indicator or hazard warning switch does not ope... at lower mileages to obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or... at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Toyota Auris specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Subframe corrosion and structural weakness (E150) Dangerous

The E150 Auris suffers from severe corrosion of the rear subframe mounting points and load-bearing structure within 30cm of suspension component attachments. Affects E150; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£2,000.

Brake pipe corrosion (E150) Dangerous

First-generation Auris models suffer from accelerated brake pipe corrosion, particularly affecting the rear brake lines that run along the corroding subframe. Affects E150; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.

DPF issues Major

Diesel Auris models suffer from diesel particulate filter blockage, particularly when used predominantly for short urban journeys that prevent the DPF reaching the temperature required for passive regeneration. Affects E150, E150/E180; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£1,200.

Injector failure Major

Diesel injectors on Auris models are prone to failure due to contamination from poor fuel quality and carbon build-up from DPF regeneration cycles. Affects E150, E150/E180; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£800.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Toyota Auris common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Toyota Auris

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Toyota Auris:

Suspension — check for axle or kingpin wear, coil springs broken, anti-roll bar links worn. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi..., headlight fault, mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators or.... Bodywork — check for fuel pipe or hose damaged.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe corrosion and structural weakness and brake pipe corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.