2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

827 MOT tests in 2024. 62.9% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time62.9%
Failed or needed repairs37.1%
Typical mileage at test121,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 827 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.2%
  8. Stop lamp: not working2.1%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.9%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.7%
  2. Brakes18.6%
  3. Suspension15.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks14.9%
  5. Body & chassis8.5%
  6. Tyres6.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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 2001 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 62.9% of 2001 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 827 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Toyota Celica?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).