2016 Toyota Estima: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Toyota Estimas, from 1,055 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 2016 Toyota Estimas than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Steering swivel joints17.8× usualToyota Estima8.9% All 2016 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.1% of all 2016 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.
- Headlights4.8× usualToyota Estima8.2% All 2016 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.4% of all 2016 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.
- Number plate lights2.4× usualToyota Estima7.7% All 2016 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.
- Rear fog light11.3× usualToyota Estima4.5% All 2016 cars0.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Link ball joint covers6.6× usualToyota Estima4.6% All 2016 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.4% of all 2016 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.
By area
The share of 2016 Toyota Estima MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension29% 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 electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Brakes17% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks6% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 524 | Suspension 32% |
| 2019 | 738 | Suspension 28% |
| 2018 | 769 | Suspension 23% |
| 2017 | 990 | Suspension 22% |
| 2015 | 938 | Suspension 28% |
| 2014 | 1,404 | Suspension 26% |
| 2013 | 1,709 | Suspension 27% |
| 2012 | 1,895 | Suspension 27% |
| 2011 | 1,311 | Suspension 32% |
| 2010 | 1,722 | Suspension 32% |
| 2009 | 1,642 | Suspension 31% |
| 2008 | 1,310 | Suspension 38% |
| 2007 | 946 | Suspension 39% |
| 2006 | 884 | Suspension 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Toyota Estimas registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score