2001 Toyota Corolla: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Toyota Corollas, from 1,676 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 2001 Toyota Corollas than on all cars registered in 2001.
- Braking performance2.2× usualToyota Corolla16.3% All 2001 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Number plates1.7× usualToyota Corolla13.1% All 2001 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.7% of all 2001 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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usualToyota Corolla6.9% All 2001 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.
- Side repeaters2.8× usualToyota Corolla4.2% All 2001 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.
- Brakes pulling to one side2× usualToyota Corolla4.7% All 2001 cars2.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Headlights: 2.1% here, against 9.1% of all 2001 cars. Ball joint: 1.6% here, against 5.8% of all 2001 cars.
By area
The share of 2001 Toyota Corolla MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Lights and electrics27% 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 leaks18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,079 | Tyres 19% |
| 2022 | 19,166 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 19,979 | 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 | Suspension 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% |
| 2000 | 896 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Toyota Corollas registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score