Used car guide

2021 Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCB: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCBs, from 927 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

927MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
11,500typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for wipers

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCBs than on all cars registered in 2021.

  • Wipers2.3× usual
    Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCB
    8.6% All 2021 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Shock absorbers2.6× usual
    Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCB
    4.4% All 2021 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 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.

By area

The share of 2021 Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCB MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    17% 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.

  • Brakes
    14% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    11% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    10% 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
    8% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    2% 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.

Looking at a Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCB?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022741Tyres 17%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Toyota Hilux Active D-4D 4WD DCBs registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score