1997 Toyota Hilux: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Toyota Hiluxs, from 321 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 321 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1997 Toyota Hiluxs than on all cars registered in 1997.
- Wheel bearings2.3× usualToyota Hilux15.6% All 1997 cars6.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 1.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Chassis rust or damage2.3× usualToyota Hilux14.3% All 1997 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
By area
The share of 1997 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics42% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension39% 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.
- Brakes37% 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.
- Rust and bodywork22% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions17% 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.
- Tyres15% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,270 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 4,645 | Brakes 17% |
| 2020 | 4,787 | Brakes 17% |
| 2019 | 4,996 | Brakes 19% |
| 2018 | 5,280 | Brakes 19% |
| 2017 | 4,866 | Brakes 21% |
| 2016 | 4,346 | Brakes 27% |
| 2015 | 5,369 | Brakes 33% |
| 2014 | 4,697 | Brakes 35% |
| 2013 | 3,774 | Brakes 36% |
| 2012 | 3,662 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 3,469 | Brakes 41% |
| 2010 | 2,243 | Suspension 42% |
| 2009 | 1,608 | Suspension 45% |
| 2008 | 1,760 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 1,606 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 883 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 1,002 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 1,221 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2003 | 847 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 809 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2001 | 530 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2000 | 527 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 1999 | 537 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 1998 | 574 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 373 | Suspension 40% |
| 1995 | 214 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 1994 | 152 | Suspension 34% |
| 1993 | 121 | Brakes 34% |
| 1992 | 103 | Lights and electrics 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Toyota Hiluxs registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score