1990 Toyota Corolla: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota Corolla first registered in 1990: we looked at the 177 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 177 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1990 Toyota Corolla MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1990 Toyota Corolla 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% 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.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions18% 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.
- Tyres17% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Toyota Corolla
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota Corolla?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Corolla compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 5,947 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 23,838 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 40,845 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 55,784 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 48,385 | Tyres 24% |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 145 | Lights and electrics 23% |
| 2010 | 272 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2009 | 3,861 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2008 | 9,957 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2007 | 13,759 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2006 | 37,752 | Brakes 44% |
| 2005 | 33,913 | Brakes 47% |
| 2004 | 21,999 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 16,496 | Brakes 48% |
| 2002 | 11,020 | Brakes 46% |
| 2001 | 6,048 | Brakes 38% |
| 2000 | 3,498 | Suspension 38% |
| 1999 | 3,556 | Suspension 41% |
| 1998 | 2,856 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 1,456 | Suspension 47% |
| 1996 | 557 | Suspension 39% |
| 1995 | 426 | Suspension 41% |
| 1994 | 514 | Suspension 40% |
| 1993 | 512 | Suspension 40% |
| 1992 | 379 | Suspension 37% |
| 1991 | 195 | Suspension 34% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota Corolla cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score