2012 Toyota RAV4: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Toyota RAV4s, from 1,541 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 RAV4s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes1.9× usualToyota RAV410.2% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Link ball joint covers2.2× usualToyota RAV45.4% All 2012 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Anti-roll bar links7.3× usualToyota RAV42.2% All 2012 cars0.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
Engine oil leaks: 1.8% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Ball joint: 1.4% here, against 5.6% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension35% 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.
- Brakes31% 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.
- Lights and electrics21% 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 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 bodywork5% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10,279 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 12,327 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 11,662 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 8,888 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 7,371 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 7,832 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 7,645 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 5,347 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 4,631 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 4,414 | Brakes 31% |
| 2009 | 1,497 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 3,022 | Suspension 58% |
| 2007 | 2,978 | Suspension 57% |
| 2006 | 2,031 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 3,072 | Brakes 44% |
| 2004 | 2,976 | Brakes 47% |
| 2003 | 2,273 | Suspension 45% |
| 2002 | 1,603 | Brakes 46% |
| 2001 | 854 | Brakes 45% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Toyota RAV4s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score