Toyota Vitz MOT pass rate and common problems
92.3% of 5,116 Toyota Vitz MOT tests pass.
The Vitz passes its MOT 92.3% of the time — well above the average across all Toyota models, which sits at 82.3%.
The Toyota Vitz passes its MOT 92.3% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Toyota Vitz?
This is the average across every Toyota Vitz 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 declines noticeably with age, from 92.7% at 0–3 years to 84.3% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 92.7% | 82 | 45,992 miles |
| 3–6 years | 95.6% | 473 | 46,476 miles |
| 6–10 years | 94.0% | 596 | 47,285 miles |
| 10–15 years | 92.0% | 3,735 | 43,631 miles |
| 15+ years | 84.3% | 230 | 72,117 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Toyota Vitz
The most common reason the Toyota Vitz fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 79.8% | Not working |
| Suspension | 34.1% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 21.1% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Tyres | 14.9% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 8.5% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.2% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.6% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.4% | Insecure |
| Road Wheels | 0.7% | More than one fixing loose |
Buying a used Toyota Vitz: what to check
These checks follow the Toyota Vitz’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 Vitz comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 92.0% to 84.3%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 91.7% down to 77.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 79.8% of failed Toyota Vitz MOTs. 28.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.4% 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. Suspension
Recorded in 34.1% of failed Toyota Vitz MOTs.
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.
3. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.1% of failed Toyota Vitz MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 14.9% of failed Toyota Vitz 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.
5. Brakes
Recorded in 8.5% of failed Toyota Vitz MOTs. 4.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.2% at 0–3 years.
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.
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 Vellfire — 92.4% pass rate
- Toyota GR Yaris — 96.0% pass rate
- Toyota Urban Cruiser — 77.3% pass rate
- Toyota Yaris Cross — 97.6% pass rate
- Toyota Voxy — 92.4% pass rate
- Toyota Supra — 92.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Toyota Vitz?
- 92.3% of Toyota Vitz MOT tests pass, based on 5,116 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Toyota Vitz?
- The most common reason the Toyota Vitz fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 79.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Toyota Vitz?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Toyota Vitz are lights and electrics; suspension; windscreen and wipers. 28.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.4% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Toyota Vitz?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; windscreen and wipers; tyres; brakes. 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 Vitz'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.