2020 Toyota Yaris: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Toyota Yariss, from 14,844 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 2020 Toyota Yariss than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Shock absorbers1.6× usualToyota Yaris3.1% All 2020 cars2%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Brake pads: 3.5% here, against 9.3% of all 2020 cars.
By area
The share of 2020 Toyota Yaris MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres24% 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.
- Brakes11% 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.
- Suspension6% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 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 2020 Toyota Yariss registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score