Used car guide · 2011–2020

Toyota Yaris Mk3: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Toyota Yaris Mk3 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 785,684 MOT tests.

2015best year: 80% pass first time, 6 points above all 2015 cars
2018weakest year: 85% pass first time, 2 points above all 2018 cars
Side repeatersthe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Which Toyota Yaris Mk3 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Toyota Yaris Mk3, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

50%75%100%2011: 69% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 69% 2011*2012: 69% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) 69% 20122013: 71% pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%) 71% 20132014: 75% pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%) 75% 20142015: 80% pass first time (all 2015 cars: 74%) 80% 20152016: 83% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%) 83% 20162017: 83% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) 83% 20172018: 85% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%) 85% 20182019: 87% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 85%) 87% 20192020: 89% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 87%) 89% 2020*
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
2011*69%62% +7Rigid brake pipes 2.7× usual48,171
201269%64% +5Rigid brake pipes 1.9× usual81,787
201371%67% +4Side repeaters 3.7× usual86,046
201475%70% +5Side repeaters 3.8× usual86,278
201580%74% +6Side repeaters 4.1× usual91,481
201683%77% +6Suspension arm 8.2× usual84,554
201783%80% +3Wheel bearings 15.5× usual79,864
201885%83% +2Wheel bearings 17× usual82,903
201987%85% +2Wheel bearings 13.5× usual82,989
2020*89%87% +2Wipers 1.6× usual61,611

Common Toyota Yaris Mk3 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.

  • Side repeatersup to 4.7× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 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.

  • Wheel bearingsup to 17× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Front strutsup to 10× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2014, 2013.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Suspension armup to 8.2× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2012.

    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.

  • Rigid brake pipesup to 1.9× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2013, 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 coversup to 1.7× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2013, 2012.

    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 Mk3?

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

  • Recalls on early cars

    Early cars had recalls for brake fluid leaks, power steering, rear hubs, airbags and suspension.

    Check: Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm all recall work was done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

  • CVT automatic

    The Multidrive automatic is rated as less reliable than the manual.

    Check: If it’s an automatic, check it drives smoothly from a standstill and at low speed.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

  • Corrosion behind the number plate

    The rear number plate trim can make the tailgate corrode.

    Check: Look closely around the rear number plate.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

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.