2019 Toyota Estima: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Toyota Estimas, from 738 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 2019 Toyota Estimas than on all cars registered in 2019.
- Headlights10.8× usualToyota Estima10.8% All 2019 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.9% of all 2019 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.
- Steering swivel jointsnull× usualToyota Estima8.7% All 2019 cars0%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0% of all 2019 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.
- Rear fog light28.5× usualToyota Estima5.7% All 2019 cars0.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.2% of all 2019 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.
- Number plate lights4.9× usualToyota Estima6.8% All 2019 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.5% of all 2019 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.
- Steering rack inner joints15.3× usualToyota Estima4.6% All 2019 cars0.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2019 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.
Tyre condition: 6.2% here, against 13.9% of all 2019 cars.
By area
The share of 2019 Toyota Estima MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension28% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Steering7% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 524 | Suspension 32% |
| 2018 | 769 | Suspension 23% |
| 2017 | 990 | Suspension 22% |
| 2016 | 1,055 | Suspension 29% |
| 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 2019 Toyota Estimas registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score