2014 Toyota Alphard: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Toyota Alphard?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Toyota Alphard than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Steering swivel joints10.1× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  7.1% All 2014 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  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 leaks2.7× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  9.3% All 2014 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Headlights2.5× usual
  Toyota Alphard

  6.7% All 2014 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 2.2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2014 Toyota Alphard MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Toyota Alphard MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  27% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• Brakes
  19% 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 electrics
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Toyota Alphard

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 10.1× as often on the 2014 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2014 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2014 Toyota Alphard as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?