Used car guide · 2006–2019

Toyota Auris common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Toyota Auris, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 457,585 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

457,585MOTs done in 2023–2025, all years of this model
147,546on the UK register
10known faults across all years
2013best year at its MOT

Pick the year

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006

What usually goes wrong with a Toyota Auris?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Recalls: brake calipers, window wiring fire risk, suspension, accelerator

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    Recalls covered rear brake calipers that could come off (built Jan 2008), electric window wiring that could short and catch fire (built before Dec 2008), rear suspension (built Feb 2007 to Mar 2011) and the accelerator pedal.

    At the viewing: Ask a Toyota dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Toyota Auris buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Turbo oil recall (1.4 diesel)

    Cars registered 2012–2013 · 1.4 D-4D diesel

    Diesels built up to September 2013 could collect oil in the turbo, which could then damage the engine. Toyota recalled them.

    At the viewing: Look for blue smoke and ask a Toyota dealer to check the VIN.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Auris review

  • Hybrid recalls: inverter and software

    Cars registered 2012–2018 · 1.8 hybrid

    Hybrids built between May 2013 and May 2014 could overheat their inverter and go into limp mode, and later software recalls covered cars up to 2018.

    At the viewing: Check for warning lights and ask a Toyota dealer to confirm all hybrid recalls are done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Auris review

  • Particulate filter (diesel)

    Cars registered 2012–2018 · Diesel

    Diesels need a fast motorway run every few weeks to clean their particulate filter.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning.

    Source: What Car?: used Toyota Auris (2013-2019) reliability

  • Early clutch failure

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · Manual gearbox

    Clutches can fail early, and some early gearboxes were replaced for noise.

    At the viewing: Check the clutch bites cleanly and the gearbox is quiet.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Toyota Auris buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Jerky or stuck MultiMode automatic

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · MultiMode automatic

    The MultiMode automatic (1.6 petrol and 1.4 diesel) is often jerky, and some refuse to change gear.

    At the viewing: Drive it in traffic and through all the gears.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Toyota Auris buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Water in the spare wheel well

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    Water can collect in the spare wheel well, from the rear air outlets or tail-light seals.

    At the viewing: Lift the boot floor and look for water.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Toyota Auris buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Flat battery from the hazard switch (2012–2014 cars)

    Cars registered 2013–2014 · Cars built 2012 to 2014

    Brushing the hazard switch so it's half-pressed can drain the battery overnight. A software update fixes it.

    At the viewing: Ask whether the battery has gone flat, and whether the update was done.

    Source: What Car?: used Toyota Auris (2013-2019) reliability

  • Water in the boot

    Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines

    Failed seals on the rear lights and tailgate can let water into the boot and mist up the windows.

    At the viewing: Lift the boot floor and feel the carpet for damp.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Auris review

  • Weak handbrake and squealing brakes

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    The handbrake may not hold on a hill without adjustment, and brake dust can make the brakes squeal.

    At the viewing: Test the handbrake on a slope.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Toyota Auris buying guide (2007-2012)

Common Toyota Auris MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    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.

  • Link ball joint covers

    up to 2.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Brake lights

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Flexible brake hoses

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 3.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Diesel

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 4.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    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.

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 3.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Link ball joint covers

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Brake lights

    up to 3.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Suspension arm

    up to 2.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Hybrid

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 2.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Number plate lights

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Headlights

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

  • Side repeaters

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

  • Brake lights

    up to 11.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    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 covers

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Electric

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    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.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 3.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

  • Sidelights

    up to 2.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Horn

    up to 9.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Toyota Auris MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Toyota Auris did best (77% passed first time, 10 points above all 2013 cars) and the 2019 did worst (81%, 4 points below all 2019 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
201981%85% -43,694
201882%83% -141,137
201781%80% +142,377
201680%77% +347,048
201579%74% +552,043
201477%70% +750,746
201377%67% +1041,166
201268%64% +425,104
201165%62% +328,047
201064%60% +428,528
200963%59% +432,234
200860%57% +333,710
200759%57% +231,593
200662%56% +6158 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Toyota Auris

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

  1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Toyota dealer confirm from the VIN?
  2. Has the turbo recall been done?
  3. Has all the recall work been done?
  4. Has the boot ever been wet?
  5. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Toyota Auris as on other cars the same age.)
  6. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the Toyota Auris as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Toyota Auris?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score