Used car guide

2001 Toyota Hiace: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Toyota Hiaces, from 349 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 349 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

349MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
5,700typical miles a year
2.7×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2001 Toyota Hiaces than on all cars registered in 2001.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    20.9% All 2001 cars
    7.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 13.2%, against 4.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Wheel bearings3.1× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    13.5% All 2001 cars
    4.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Chassis rust or damage2.6× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    12.9% All 2001 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Ball joint2.3× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    13.5% All 2001 cars
    5.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 2.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Body structure rust or damage2.7× usual
    Toyota Hiace
    11.5% All 2001 cars
    4.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

By area

The share of 2001 Toyota Hiace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    56% 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 electrics
    37% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    31% 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.

  • Tyres
    24% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    17% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Toyota Hiace?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011134Lights and electrics 37%
2010205Lights and electrics 40%
2009183Suspension 32%
2008387Suspension 40%
2007399Suspension 36%
2006882Suspension 44%
2005788Suspension 48%
2004663Suspension 50%
2003542Suspension 48%
2002488Suspension 55%
2000303Suspension 57%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Toyota Hiaces registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score