2012 Toyota Yaris: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Toyota Yariss, from 27,335 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 Yariss than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes1.9× usualToyota Yaris10.6% All 2012 cars5.5%Rough price £100–£400
At 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.
- Swivel pins and bushes4.3× usualToyota Yaris3.4% All 2012 cars0.8%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Side repeaters3× usualToyota Yaris3.6% All 2012 cars1.2%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension arm1.8× usualToyota Yaris4.6% All 2012 cars2.6%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usualToyota Yaris2.7% All 2012 cars1%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.
Engine oil leaks: 1.3% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Ball joint: 0.8% here, against 5.6% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Toyota Yaris MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension34% 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.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes26% 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 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.
- 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.
- Exhaust and emissions3% 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.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Recalls on early cars
Early cars had recalls for brake fluid leaks, power steering, rear hubs, airbags and suspension.
At the viewing: Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm all recall work was done.
- CVT automaticAutomatic (not hybrid)
The Multidrive automatic is rated as less reliable than the manual.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, check it drives smoothly from a standstill and at low speed.
- Corrosion behind the number plate
The rear number plate trim can make the tailgate corrode.
At the viewing: Look closely around the rear number plate.
Looking at a Toyota Yaris?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14,844 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 28,082 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 28,032 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 26,882 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 28,569 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 30,835 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 29,188 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 28,980 | Suspension 30% |
| 2011 | 15,920 | Suspension 35% |
| 2010 | 18,148 | Suspension 40% |
| 2009 | 23,837 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 21,082 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Toyota Yariss registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score