2009 Toyota Verso: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Toyota Versos, from 1,749 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 2009 Toyota Versos than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Rigid brake pipes3× usualToyota Verso22.2% All 2009 cars7.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.
- Number plate lights1.8× usualToyota Verso16% All 2009 cars8.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.
- Headlights1.8× usualToyota Verso15% All 2009 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Link ball joint covers2.6× usualToyota Verso8.2% All 2009 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.
- Sidelights1.7× usualToyota Verso12.2% All 2009 cars7.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 6.3% of all 2009 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.
Ball joint: 2.1% here, against 6.6% of all 2009 cars. Braking performance: 1.9% here, against 6.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Toyota Verso MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Brakes45% 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 electrics41% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres31% 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 mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork8% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 838 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 2,306 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 3,480 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 3,165 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 2,889 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 3,150 | Brakes 38% |
| 2012 | 2,836 | Brakes 38% |
| 2011 | 3,692 | Suspension 38% |
| 2010 | 2,819 | Suspension 45% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Toyota Versos registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score