2012 · 12 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2012 Toyota Prius MOT pass rate and common faults

7,112 MOT tests in 2024. 72.7% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time72.7%
Failed or needed repairs27.3%
Typical mileage at test154,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,112 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  2. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    186 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    163 marked dangerous
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.2%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics21.6%
  2. Suspension8.1%
  3. Brakes7.2%
  4. Tyres5.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  7. Steering1.3%
  8. Body & chassis1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.9%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2012 Toyota Prius?

In 2024, 72.7% of 2012 Toyota Prius cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,112 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Toyota Prius?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Toyota Prius reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).