2014 Toyota Avensis: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Toyota Avensiss, from 2,903 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 2014 Toyota Avensiss than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualToyota Avensis16.3% All 2014 cars8.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1.7% of all 2014 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.
- Engine oil leaks2× usualToyota Avensis8.2% All 2014 cars4.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Sub-frame2.1× usualToyota Avensis5.2% All 2014 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Headlights1.8× usualToyota Avensis5.3% All 2014 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Side repeaters2.6× usualToyota Avensis2.3% All 2014 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 2014 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.
Shock absorbers: 2.5% here, against 5.7% of all 2014 cars. Ball joint: 2% here, against 4.2% of all 2014 cars.
By area
The share of 2014 Toyota Avensis MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension33% 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.
- 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Looking at a Toyota Avensis?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
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% |
| 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% |
| 2004 | 2,084 | Suspension 45% |
| 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 2014 Toyota Avensiss registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score