2016 Toyota Proace: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Toyota Proaces, from 567 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 Proaces than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints11.2× usualToyota Proace21.3% All 2016 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 12%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Number plate lights4.8× usualToyota Proace15.5% All 2016 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Exhaust system6× usualToyota Proace12% All 2016 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Sidelights6.6× usualToyota Proace9.2% All 2016 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Engine oil leaks3.7× usualToyota Proace10.4% All 2016 cars2.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
By area
The share of 2016 Toyota Proace MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics36% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Brakes27% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints21% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Suspension18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,198 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 2,053 | Brakes 23% |
| 2020 | 1,670 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 1,828 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 1,963 | Lights and electrics 26% |
| 2017 | 1,572 | Lights and electrics 30% |
| 2015 | 1,045 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2014 | 765 | 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 Proaces registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score