Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common problems
82.5% of 170,060 Toyota Corolla MOT tests pass.
The Corolla's pass rate of 82.5% is in line with the average across all Toyota models, at 82.3%.
The Toyota Corolla has a pass rate of 82.5%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Toyota Corolla?
This is the average across every Toyota Corolla in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Toyota’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Toyota Corolla tested at 0–3 years pass 94.5% of the time, compared with just 70.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.5% | 30,268 | 32,500 miles |
| 3–6 years | 93.5% | 57,956 | 48,391 miles |
| 6–10 years | 90.1% | 284 | 77,129 miles |
| 10–15 years | 75.5% | 890 | 110,040 miles |
| 15+ years | 70.1% | 80,662 | 106,699 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Toyota Corolla
The most common reason the Toyota Corolla fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 66.0% | Not working |
| Brakes | 41.6% | Excessively binding |
| Suspension | 23.3% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Visibility | 22.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 21.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.3% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.8% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.9% | Inscription illegible |
| Steering | 1.7% | Ball joint has excessive play |
Buying a used Toyota Corolla: what to check
These checks follow the Toyota Corolla’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Toyota Corolla comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 90.1% to 75.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 90.0% down to 80.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 66.0% of failed Toyota Corolla MOTs. 31.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.0% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 41.6% of failed Toyota Corolla MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 20.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 23.3% of failed Toyota Corolla MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 22.9% of failed Toyota Corolla MOTs. 7.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 3.1% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 21.2% of failed Toyota Corolla MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Toyota service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Toyota models
- Toyota Prius — 88.5% pass rate
- Toyota Auris — 81.2% pass rate
- Toyota RAV4 — 83.1% pass rate
- Toyota C-HR — 92.0% pass rate
- Toyota Hilux — 77.3% pass rate
- Toyota Avensis — 74.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Toyota Corolla?
- 82.5% of Toyota Corolla MOT tests pass, based on 170,060 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Toyota Corolla?
- The most common reason the Toyota Corolla fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Toyota Corolla?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Toyota Corolla are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 31.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.0% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Toyota Corolla?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; windscreen and wipers; tyres. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Toyota Corolla's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Toyota service history guide for how to check and keep one.