2012 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Chassis rust or damage24× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  16.8% All 2012 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Rigid brake pipes3.6× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  19.7% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  10.7% All 2012 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings6.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  6.7% All 2012 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  10% All 2012 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2012 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  18% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Toyota Hilux

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 24× as often on the 2012 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2012 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?