1991 Toyota MR2: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1991 Toyota MR2s, from 242 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 242 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 1991 Toyota MR2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension37% 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.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks27% 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.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% 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.
Looking at a Toyota MR2?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 718 | Brakes 35% |
| 2005 | 776 | Brakes 36% |
| 2004 | 1,094 | Brakes 38% |
| 2003 | 1,128 | Brakes 36% |
| 2002 | 960 | Brakes 39% |
| 2001 | 803 | Brakes 37% |
| 2000 | 864 | Brakes 38% |
| 1999 | 265 | Suspension 31% |
| 1998 | 365 | Brakes 27% |
| 1997 | 248 | Brakes 31% |
| 1996 | 210 | Brakes 29% |
| 1995 | 178 | Brakes 34% |
| 1994 | 219 | Brakes 28% |
| 1993 | 293 | Suspension 33% |
| 1992 | 311 | Brakes 37% |
| 1990 | 248 | Suspension 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1991 Toyota MR2s registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score