1998 Toyota Corolla: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Toyota Corollas, from 773 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 1998 Toyota Corollas than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usualToyota Corolla17.2% All 1998 cars5.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Anti-roll bar link joints7.6× usualToyota Corolla13.6% All 1998 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Tread depth2× usualToyota Corolla21% All 1998 cars10.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Shock absorbers2.3× usualToyota Corolla15% All 1998 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Number plates2.3× usualToyota Corolla13.2% All 1998 cars5.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 1998 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.
By area
The share of 1998 Toyota Corolla MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% 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.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes31% 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 electrics25% 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 leaks21% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints17% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,095 | Tyres 19% |
| 2022 | 19,168 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 19,981 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 19,016 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 16,473 | Tyres 24% |
| 2009 | 1,141 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 2,855 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 2007 | 3,778 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2006 | 10,838 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 2005 | 9,472 | Brakes 47% |
| 2004 | 5,977 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 4,501 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 2,946 | Brakes 47% |
| 2001 | 1,676 | Brakes 36% |
| 2000 | 896 | Suspension 41% |
| 1999 | 947 | Suspension 41% |
| 1997 | 406 | Suspension 49% |
| 1996 | 158 | Suspension 44% |
| 1995 | 109 | Suspension 44% |
| 1994 | 145 | Suspension 42% |
| 1993 | 145 | Suspension 39% |
| 1992 | 106 | Suspension 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Toyota Corollas registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score