Used car guide

2013 Toyota Alphard: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Toyota Alphards, from 343 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 343 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

343MOT tests in 2025
84%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
5,300typical miles a year
19%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2013 Toyota Alphard MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    19% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    13% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    8% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Toyota Alphard?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021410Suspension 37%
2020482Suspension 36%
2019390Suspension 36%
2018397Suspension 39%
2017453Suspension 42%
2016385Suspension 42%
2015314Suspension 39%
2014237Suspension 23%
2012394Suspension 21%
2011206Suspension 25%
2010461Suspension 27%
2009342Suspension 22%
20081,182Suspension 32%
20071,637Suspension 35%
20061,421Suspension 37%
2005909Suspension 42%
2004873Suspension 42%
2003503Suspension 42%
2002185Suspension 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Toyota Alphards registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score