2017 Toyota Hilux: common problems and what to check

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Toyota Hiluxs than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Chassis rust or damage45× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4.5% All 2017 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0% of all 2017 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.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4.6% All 2017 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Shock absorbers1.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  6.3% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Transmission oil leaks6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.4% All 2017 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2017 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  21% 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
  18% 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.

• Suspension
  18% 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
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  6% 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.

Known faults

What Car? lists great reliability as a strength and reports no common faults. Check the load bed and underside for work or off-road damage.

Source: What Car?: used Toyota Hilux (2016 on) review