Used car guide · 1999–2026

Toyota Yaris common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Toyota Yaris, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 1,354,543 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Toyota Yaris

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Toyota Yaris as a whole.

19,852registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Petrol hybridmost common fuel (also petrol)
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999

Generation guides: Toyota Yaris Mk2 (2008–2011) · Toyota Yaris Mk3 (2011–2020)

What usually goes wrong with a Toyota Yaris?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Recalls on early cars

    Cars registered 2011–2016

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

    At the viewing: Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm all recall work was done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

  • Whining gearbox

    Cars registered 1999–2003 · All engines

    A whining gearbox is the biggest complaint about the first Yaris. Many were replaced under warranty.

    At the viewing: Listen for a whine that changes with speed, in each gear.

    Source: What Car?: Toyota Yaris (1999-2003) reliability

  • Slipping clutch

    Cars registered 1999–2003 · Manual gearbox

    Clutches can wear out early, especially on cars used mostly in town.

    At the viewing: In a high gear at low speed, press the accelerator firmly. If the revs rise but the car doesn't speed up, the clutch is slipping.

    Source: What Car?: Toyota Yaris (1999-2003) reliability

  • Hybrid system, battery and warning light faults

    Cars registered 2021–2025 · Hybrid

    Some owners have had problems with the hybrid system, with warning lights and battery faults recurring and some needing several dealer visits and waits for parts.

    At the viewing: Make sure no warning lights show, and ask about any warranty work.

    Source: What Car?: used Toyota Yaris (2020 on) reliability

  • CVT automatic

    Cars registered 2011–2020 · Automatic (not hybrid)

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

    At the viewing: 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

    Cars registered 2011–2020

    The rear number plate trim can make the tailgate corrode.

    At the viewing: Look closely around the rear number plate.

    Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

  • Uneven tyre wear

    Cars registered 1999–2003 · All engines

    Uneven tyre wear and kerbed wheels can point to suspension that is out of alignment.

    At the viewing: Look at the inner and outer edges of the front tyres, and check the wheels for kerb damage.

    Source: What Car?: Toyota Yaris (1999-2003) reliability

  • Jerky MMT automatic

    Cars registered 2006–2010 · 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.

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

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

Common Toyota Yaris MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Wheel bearings

    up to 18× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

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

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

  • Wipers

    up to 1.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

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

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 2.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

    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.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings

    up to 2.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Corroded fuel pipes

    up to 15.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 4.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    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.

Diesel

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Rigid brake pipes

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Coil springs

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Headlights

    up to 2.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Corroded fuel pipes

    up to 19.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Wheel bearings

    up to 7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2015 and 2016.

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

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

Hybrid

  • Side repeaters

    up to 4.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    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.

  • Handbrake cables

    up to 42× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

    At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

  • Wheel bearings

    up to 16× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

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

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

  • Headlights

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Wipers

    up to 1.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

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

  • Brake discs

    up to 1.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Electric

  • Handbrake cables

    up to 38× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2012.

    Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

    At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

  • Suspension arm

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 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 pipes

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 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.

Toyota Yaris MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 Toyota Yaris did best (69% passed first time, 7 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2005 did worst (55%, 2 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202395%92% +31,199
202292%89% +322,993
202192%87% +547,677
202089%87% +261,611
201987%85% +282,989
201885%83% +282,903
201783%80% +379,864
201683%77% +684,554
201580%74% +691,481
201475%70% +586,278
201371%67% +486,046
201269%64% +581,787
201169%62% +748,171
201064%60% +455,604
200964%59% +573,384
200858%57% +167,114
200756%57% -162,625
200655%56% -151,516
200555%57% -249,444
200454%57% -340,521
200354%57% -334,635
200256%58% -227,079
200156%60% -421,226
200055%61% -610,634
199954%63% -93,208

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Toyota Yaris

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

  1. Has it had any hybrid system or battery faults put right?
  2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the Toyota Yaris as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Toyota Yaris as on other cars the same age.)
  4. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 17× as often on the Toyota Yaris as on other cars the same age.)
  5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

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.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score