2009 Toyota Prius: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Toyota Priuss, from 6,614 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 2009 Toyota Priuss than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Headlamp2.2× usualToyota Prius18.2% All 2009 cars8.3%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Rigid brake pipes2× usualToyota Prius15% All 2009 cars7.5%Rough price £100–£400
At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.6× usualToyota Prius4.9% All 2009 cars3.1%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Steering rack inner joints1.6× usualToyota Prius4.1% All 2009 cars2.5%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Link ball joint covers1.5× usualToyota Prius4.7% All 2009 cars3.1%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Coil springs: 6% here, against 12.4% of all 2009 cars. Engine oil leaks: 4.1% here, against 10.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics37% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Brakes35% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork8% 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% |
| 2008 | 6,168 | Lights and electrics 42% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Toyota Priuss registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score