Toyota Vellfire common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Toyota Vellfire?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Toyota Vellfire in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Toyota Vellfire MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Rear fog light

  up to 6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 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.

• Steering swivel joints

  up to 6.1× usual

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

  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.

Toyota Vellfire MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2008 Toyota Vellfire did best (81% passed first time, 24 points above all 2008 cars) and the 2011 did worst (81%, 19 points above all 2011 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Toyota Vellfire

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

1. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the Toyota Vellfire as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the Toyota Vellfire as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?