2008 Toyota Prius: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Toyota Priuss, from 6,168 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Toyota Priuss than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Headlamp2.4× usualToyota Prius26.1% All 2008 cars10.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Number plates2.1× usualToyota Prius12.2% All 2008 cars5.8%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usualToyota Prius12.9% All 2008 cars7.2%Rough price £60–£350
At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Chassis rust or damage2.4× usualToyota Prius5.7% All 2008 cars2.4%Rough 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.
- Link ball joint covers1.8× usualToyota Prius6.3% All 2008 cars3.5%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Engine oil leaks: 3.6% here, against 12.5% of all 2008 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 5.5% here, against 11.3% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics42% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension40% 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.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints13% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Rust and bodywork12% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10,124 | Tyres 16% |
| 2019 | 16,858 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | 15,181 | Tyres 17% |
| 2017 | 15,245 | Tyres 19% |
| 2016 | 14,615 | Tyres 19% |
| 2015 | 13,101 | Tyres 19% |
| 2014 | 10,662 | Tyres 22% |
| 2013 | 8,137 | Lights and electrics 25% |
| 2012 | 7,821 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2011 | 7,031 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2010 | 9,326 | Suspension 35% |
| 2009 | 6,614 | Lights and electrics 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Toyota Priuss registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score