Toyota Yaris MOT Failures
An analysis of 1,727,805 real DVSA MOT tests on the Toyota Yaris — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: XP10 (1999–2005), Mk2 (2005–2011), XP90 (2005–2011), XP130 (2011–2020), Mk3 (2020–2024).
Where the Toyota Yaris fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Toyota Yaris is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 47 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 1,727,805 MOT tests, 6.25% of all Toyota Yaris 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 brake hoses perished or damaged (43x the fleet average), cable damaged or knotted (32x the fleet average), emissions failure (144x the fleet average), and exhaust system damage (18x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Toyota Yaris'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 5 categories: Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions, Bodywork, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris'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 Yaris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (144x the average) and light unit fault (76x). speedometer not working (75x) and load sensing valve linkage defective (57x) 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 Yaris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are brake hoses perished or damaged (40x the average) and cable damaged or knotted (32x). lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m... (30x) and anti-roll bar links worn (28x) 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 Yaris specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are cable damaged or knotted (23x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (21x). fuel pipe or hose damaged (20x) and emissions failure (18x) also appear frequently.
The shift from emissions failure at lower mileages to cable damaged or knotted 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 Yaris specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Wheel bearing failure (all generations) Major
MOT data shows Yaris models experience wheel bearing failure at 215.7x the fleet average rate. Affects XP10, Mk2, XP90, XP130, Mk3; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£220.
Hybrid battery degradation (XP130/Mk3) Major
The nickel-metal hydride traction battery in Yaris Hybrid models gradually loses capacity over time and mileage. Affects XP130, Mk3; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,000–£3,000.
Suspension bush and joint wear (all generations)
MOT data shows Yaris models fail suspension component tests at dramatically higher rates than the fleet average - up to 144x higher for worn bushes and joints. Affects XP10, Mk2, XP90, XP130, Mk3; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£350.
EGR issues (XP90)
The 1.4 D-4D diesel engine in XP90 generation Yaris develops EGR valve carbon build-up that causes rough idle and poor performance. Affects XP90; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Toyota Yaris common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Toyota Yaris
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Toyota Yaris:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn. Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged, cable damaged or knotted, abs fault. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about wheel bearing failure and hybrid battery degradation. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £120. 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.
Looking at a specific Toyota Yaris?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Toyota Yaris MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Toyota Yaris?
Based on 1,727,805 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 47x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include brake hoses perished or damaged and cable damaged or knotted.
Is the Toyota Yaris reliable based on MOT data?
The Toyota Yaris has 21 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag wheel bearing failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Toyota Yaris most commonly fails on cable damaged or knotted and anti-roll bar links worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and light unit fault.
How do I check a Toyota Yaris's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
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.