2002 Toyota Previa: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Toyota Previas, from 386 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 386 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 2002 Toyota Previas than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Coil springs3.3× usualToyota Previa34.7% All 2002 cars10.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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.
- Headlights2.9× usualToyota Previa30.8% All 2002 cars10.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usualToyota Previa23.3% All 2002 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Engine oil leaks1.8× usualToyota Previa30.6% All 2002 cars17.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Brake pads2.8× usualToyota Previa17.4% All 2002 cars6.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
By area
The share of 2002 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension65% 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 electrics53% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes48% 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 leaks32% 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.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Rust and bodywork20% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 461 | Suspension 60% |
| 2005 | 577 | Suspension 62% |
| 2004 | 647 | Suspension 65% |
| 2003 | 550 | Suspension 64% |
| 2001 | 360 | Suspension 63% |
| 2000 | 132 | Suspension 71% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Toyota Previas registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score