2019 Toyota Hilux: common problems and what to check

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 Toyota Hiluxs than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Braking performance3.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4.1% All 2019 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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.

• Number plate lights2.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  3.6% All 2019 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.5% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Transmission oil leaks11× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.2% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2019 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.

• Coil springs2.9× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.6% All 2019 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.7% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

By area

The share of 2019 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  19% 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
  15% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  12% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  10% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% 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.

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