2016 Toyota Prius: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Toyota Priuss, from 14,615 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 2016 Toyota Priuss than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Link ball joint covers4.3× usualToyota Prius3% All 2016 cars0.7%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Ball joint dust cover1.8× usualToyota Prius3.1% All 2016 cars1.7%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Steering rack inner joints2.8× usualToyota Prius2.2% All 2016 cars0.8%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.
Tyre condition: 6.2% here, against 13.3% of all 2016 cars. Brake discs: 6% here, against 12.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Toyota Prius MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres19% 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.
- Suspension13% 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.
- Brakes12% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% 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% |
| 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% |
| 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 2016 Toyota Priuss registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score