1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate and common faults

215 MOT tests in 2024. 73.5% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time73.5%
Failed or needed repairs26.5%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 215 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.6%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.7%
  3. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.7%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.7%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  6. Washers: not working3.3%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.3%
    10 marked dangerous
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.0%
  2. Lights & electrics20.0%
  3. Suspension15.8%
  4. Body & chassis8.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks7.0%
  7. Tyres2.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.4%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.9%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.5%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.0%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All MR2 years1991 MR2 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Toyota MR2?

In 2024, 73.5% of 1990 Toyota MR2 cars passed their MOT first time, across 215 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Toyota MR2?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; service brake performance: excessively binding; parking brake performance: inoperative on one side. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1990 Toyota MR2 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).