Used car guide · 2008–2011

Toyota Yaris Mk2: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Toyota Yaris Mk2 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 244,292 MOT tests.

2009best year: 64% pass first time, 5 points above all 2009 cars
2008weakest year: 58% pass first time, 1 points above all 2008 cars
Corroded fuel pipesthe weak spot that shows up in 3 different years

Which Toyota Yaris Mk2 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Toyota Yaris Mk2, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2008: 58% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 58% 20082009: 64% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) 64% 20092010: 64% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) 64% 20102011: 69% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 69% 2011*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
200858%57% +1Rigid brake pipes 2.2× usual67,114
200964%59% +5Rigid brake pipes 2.5× usual73,387
201064%60% +4Rigid brake pipes 2.6× usual55,613
2011*69%62% +7Rigid brake pipes 2.7× usual48,178

Common Toyota Yaris Mk2 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Corroded fuel pipesup to 15.7× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2010, 2009, 2008.

    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.

  • Rigid brake pipesup to 2.6× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2010, 2009, 2008.

    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.

  • Wipersup to 1.8× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2010, 2009, 2008.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountingsup to 2.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2010, 2009.

    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.

  • Link ball joint coversup to 1.7× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2010, 2009.

    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.

What usually goes wrong with the Toyota Yaris Mk2?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Jerky MMT automatic

    The MMT automated gearbox is jerky, and owners generally don't like it. What Car? also notes some reliability issues without naming them.

    Check: If it's an automatic, drive it in traffic and feel for lurching changes.

    Source: What Car?: used Toyota Yaris (2006-2011) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Toyota Yaris?

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.