2009 Toyota Corolla: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Toyota Corollas, from 1,141 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 2009 Toyota Corollas than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Number plate lights1.9× usualToyota Corolla16.7% All 2009 cars8.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.
- Rigid brake pipes2× usualToyota Corolla14.8% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Steering swivel joints6.3× usualToyota Corolla7.6% All 2009 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Number plates1.9× usualToyota Corolla10.2% All 2009 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2009 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.
- Wipers1.9× usualToyota Corolla6.7% All 2009 cars3.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
Ball joint: 1.8% here, against 6.6% of all 2009 cars. Braking performance: 2.5% here, against 6.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Toyota Corolla MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension43% 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 electrics41% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes39% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors14% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions11% 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% |
| 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% |
| 2001 | 1,676 | Brakes 36% |
| 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 2009 Toyota Corollas registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score