1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

430 MOT tests in 2024. 61.2% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time61.2%
Failed or needed repairs38.8%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 430 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.0%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.3%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.0%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.8%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.2%
  2. Brakes24.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks23.5%
  4. Suspension16.3%
  5. Body & chassis16.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  7. Tyres4.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.8%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.4%

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 1998 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 61.2% of 1998 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 430 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).