1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota Avensis MOT pass rate and common faults

273 MOT tests in 2024. 58.2% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time58.2%
Failed or needed repairs41.8%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 273 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working7.0%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.0%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits4.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.7%
  8. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.6%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks22.3%
  2. Lights & electrics22.3%
  3. Suspension20.5%
  4. Brakes13.2%
  5. Body & chassis10.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.8%
  7. Tyres4.8%
  8. Steering3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)15.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.8%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Avensis years1999 Avensis →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Toyota Avensis?

In 2024, 58.2% of 1998 Toyota Avensis cars passed their MOT first time, across 273 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Toyota Avensis?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1998 Toyota Avensis reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).