1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

272 MOT tests in 2024. 63.6% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time63.6%
Failed or needed repairs36.4%
Typical mileage at test124,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 272 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.6%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.1%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working4.4%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed4.4%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks30.9%
  2. Brakes25.0%
  3. Lights & electrics21.3%
  4. Body & chassis13.6%
  5. Suspension12.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.5%
  7. Tyres3.7%
  8. Steering2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.3%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.8%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 63.6% of 1996 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 272 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Toyota Celica?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).