2013 Toyota Yaris: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Toyota Yariss, from 28,980 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 2013 Toyota Yariss than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Side repeaters3.9× usualToyota Yaris3.9% All 2013 cars1%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rigid brake pipes1.6× usualToyota Yaris7.5% All 2013 cars4.7%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.
- Front struts5.8× usualToyota Yaris2.9% All 2013 cars0.5%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Position lamp1.6× usualToyota Yaris6.2% All 2013 cars4%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Link ball joint covers1.7× usualToyota Yaris3.4% All 2013 cars2%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Engine oil leaks: 0.8% here, against 5.8% of all 2013 cars. Ball joint: 0.8% here, against 5% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Toyota Yaris MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension30% 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.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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.
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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% |
| 2012 | 27,335 | Suspension 34% |
| 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 2013 Toyota Yariss registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score