1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common faults

126 MOT tests in 2024. 71.4% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time71.4%
Failed or needed repairs28.6%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 126 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.4%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.4%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.4%
  8. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.4%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.5%
  2. Suspension13.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.9%
  4. Brakes10.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Tyres3.2%
  7. Body & chassis3.2%
  8. Steering2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible7.9%

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: 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 Corolla years1993 Corolla →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Toyota Corolla?

In 2024, 71.4% of 1992 Toyota Corolla cars passed their MOT first time, across 126 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Toyota Corolla?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1992 Toyota Corolla reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).