2013 Toyota Prius: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Toyota Priuss, from 8,137 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 2013 Toyota Priuss than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Number plate lights1.7× usualToyota Prius10.4% All 2013 cars6.1%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Headlamp2.1× usualToyota Prius7.9% All 2013 cars3.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Rear fog lamp5× usualToyota Prius3.5% All 2013 cars0.7%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.
- Link ball joint covers1.9× usualToyota Prius3.8% All 2013 cars2%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: 1.5% here, against 8.7% of all 2013 cars. Engine oil leaks: 1.5% here, against 5.8% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension23% 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.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Brakes22% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering3% 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.
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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% |
| 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% |
| 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 2013 Toyota Priuss registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score