2012 Toyota Prius: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Toyota Priuss, from 7,821 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 2012 Toyota Priuss than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Number plate lights1.5× usualToyota Prius11.2% All 2012 cars7.3%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Headlamp1.8× usualToyota Prius8.4% All 2012 cars4.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Rear fog lamp3.3× usualToyota Prius2.6% All 2012 cars0.8%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Wipers1.6× usualToyota Prius4.5% All 2012 cars2.9%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Steering rack inner joints1.5× usualToyota Prius3.5% All 2012 cars2.3%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.
Coil springs: 2.1% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Engine oil leaks: 2.4% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension26% 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.
- Brakes26% 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.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Steering6% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Looking at a Toyota Prius?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 2011 | 7,031 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2010 | 9,326 | Suspension 35% |
| 2009 | 6,614 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 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 2012 Toyota Priuss registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score