2004 Toyota Avensis: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Toyota Avensiss, from 2,084 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Toyota Avensiss than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Suspension arm4.1× usualToyota Avensis16.9% All 2004 cars4.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Brake pads1.7× usualToyota Avensis12.1% All 2004 cars7.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Number plates1.7× usualToyota Avensis11.1% All 2004 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.6% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Side repeaters2.8× usualToyota Avensis5.6% All 2004 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Other suspension component2.8× usualToyota Avensis3.3% All 2004 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.5% here, against 9.5% of all 2004 cars. Ball joint: 1.7% here, against 6.6% of all 2004 cars.
By area
The share of 2004 Toyota Avensis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% 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 electrics40% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes36% 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.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,138 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 2,423 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 3,484 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 3,062 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 2,903 | Suspension 33% |
| 2013 | 2,993 | Suspension 35% |
| 2012 | 4,509 | Suspension 38% |
| 2011 | 4,129 | Suspension 42% |
| 2010 | 5,053 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 4,696 | Suspension 50% |
| 2008 | 4,497 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 4,215 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 3,746 | Suspension 47% |
| 2005 | 2,887 | Suspension 49% |
| 2003 | 1,569 | Suspension 40% |
| 2002 | 679 | Brakes 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Toyota Avensiss registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score