2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Toyota Yaris MOT pass rate and common faults

11,284 MOT tests in 2024. 53.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time53.8%
Failed or needed repairs46.2%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 11,284 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.9%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.4%
  3. Stop lamp: not working5.1%
  4. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.7%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    438 marked dangerous
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics47.0%
  2. Brakes21.9%
  3. Suspension19.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.3%
  6. Body & chassis7.9%
  7. Tyres6.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.6%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.8%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2003 Toyota Yaris?

In 2024, 53.8% of 2003 Toyota Yaris cars passed their MOT first time, across 11,284 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Toyota Yaris?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; position lamp: not working; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Toyota Yaris reliable at MOT time?

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