Toyota Iq MOT Failures

An analysis of 118,321 real DVSA MOT tests on the Toyota Iq — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: KGJ10 (2008–2016).

Where the Toyota Iq fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Toyota Iq is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 17 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 118,321 MOT tests, 1.23% of all Toyota Iq 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 headlight fault (21x the fleet average), brake hoses perished or damaged (8.4x the fleet average), light unit fault (13x the fleet average), and abs fault (9.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Toyota Iq'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, Lights & Electrics, Brakes, Bodywork. If you're inspecting a Toyota Iq 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 Iq'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 Iq specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (17x the average) and headlight fault (11x). light unit fault (10x) and abs fault (8.6x) 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 Iq specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (6.8x the average) and headlight fault (5.2x).

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 Iq specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (9.7x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (7.7x). emissions failure (5.7x) and emissions failure also appear frequently.

The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to abs fault 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 Iq specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Suspension mounting area structural weakness Dangerous

MOT data shows this model fails at 10.1x the fleet average for load-bearing structure weakness within 30cm of suspension mounting points. Affects KGJ10.

Suspension joint dust cover deterioration Major

MOT data shows this model fails at 22.2x the fleet average for suspension joint dust cover deterioration, with 2,502 recorded failures. Affects KGJ10.

Brake hose ferrule corrosion Major

MOT data shows this model fails at 8.5x the fleet average for brake hose ferrule corrosion, with 3,879 recorded failures across all mileage bands including very low mileage cars. Affects KGJ10.

Coil spring fracture Major

MOT data shows this model fails at 5.8x the fleet average for spring fracture, with failures occurring even on very low mileage cars. Affects KGJ10.

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

What to check before buying a Toyota Iq

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

Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, abs fault, suspension component damaged or corroded. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault, light unit fault. Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about suspension mounting area structural weakness and suspension joint dust cover deterioration. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — 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.