Most Reliable Toyota Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 1,637,457 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Toyota models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
1,637,457 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Toyota model from 1986-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Toyota C-HR
86.4% pass rate
Best Single Year
ESTIMA 2009 Hybrid Electric
83.6% pass rate
Toyota vs National Average
73.8% vs 71.4%
+2.3% above average
Proven Durability Champion
VELLFIRE
+23.5% at 15-17 years
How reliable are Toyotas really? We analysed 1,637,457 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out which Toyota models pass most often and which years are worth buying.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Toyota models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Toyota Compares to Rivals
Toyota ranks #115 out of 180 manufacturers with a 73.8% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia | 73.9% | #114 | 886,268 |
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Hyundai | 73.2% | #118 | 859,247 |
| Suzuki | 73.0% | #120 | 432,580 |
| Honda | 72.1% | #126 | 939,496 |
| Mazda | 71.9% | #128 | 534,605 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
The verdict: Kia maintains a lead among competitors, while Toyota sits at #115.
Best Toyota Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Toyota's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-HR | 86.4% | +15.0% | 68,273 | 1995-2023 |
| GT86 | 85.9% | +14.5% | 6,734 | 1986-2020 |
| VELLFIRE | 84.4% | +13.0% | 1,702 | 2004-2023 |
| VITZ | 84.4% | +12.9% | 1,145 | 1998-2023 |
| VOXY | 82.8% | +11.4% | 1,078 | 2002-2023 |
| RAV4 | 79.0% | +7.6% | 91,615 | 1994-2023 |
| IQ | 76.6% | +5.2% | 17,206 | 2008-2021 |
| ALPHARD | 74.4% | +3.0% | 9,808 | 1993-2023 |
| AURIS | 74.0% | +2.6% | 157,660 | 2006-2022 |
| VERSO | 72.4% | +1.0% | 28,770 | 2002-2018 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The C-HR leads Toyota's lineup with an 86.4% pass rate.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Toyota Models Age Best?
These Toyota models show solid long-term reliability based on 11+ years of MOT data. Here's how they compare to the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VELLFIRE | - | All | +23.5% | 15-17 years | 81.4% |
| ALPHARD | - | All | +21.9% | 15-17 years | 79.7% |
| VITZ | - | All | +21.3% | 11-14 years | 85.9% |
| VELLFIRE | - | All | +20.9% | 11-14 years | 85.5% |
| ESTIMA | - | All | +19.4% | 15-17 years | 77.2% |
| SUPRA | - | All | +19.2% | 21+ years | 80.2% |
| ALPHARD | - | All | +18.9% | 18-20 years | 75.1% |
| GT86 | - | All | +18.9% | 11-14 years | 83.5% |
| ALPHARD | - | All | +18.1% | 11-14 years | 82.7% |
| UNCLASSIFIED | - | All | +18.0% | 15-17 years | 75.9% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The VELLFIRE outperforms the average 15-17 years-old car by 24 percentage points, with 553 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Toyota models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ | - | All | +11.3% | 8-10 years | 86.8% |
| GT86 | - | All | +10.2% | 8-10 years | 85.7% |
| LAND | - | All | +10.1% | 8-10 years | 85.5% |
| CAMRY | - | All | +8.1% | 3-7 years | 92.9% |
| RAV4 | - | All | +8.1% | 8-10 years | 83.5% |
| AYGO | - | All | +6.6% | 8-10 years | 82.0% |
| PRIUS | - | All | +6.2% | 8-10 years | 81.7% |
| RAV-4 | - | All | +6.2% | 8-10 years | 81.6% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Toyota AURIS: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The AURIS has 157,660 tests in our database with an overall 74.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 83.4% | -2.8% | 1,225 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.4% | +2.2% | 1,193 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 82.3% | -2.0% | 12,638 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 86.7% | +5.0% | 2,701 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 81.3% | -0.3% | 11,142 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 85.0% | +6.4% | 3,447 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.5% | +1.9% | 1,600 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 79.9% | +1.3% | 10,860 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 82.7% | +7.2% | 4,348 |
| 2015 | Hybrid Electric | 80.0% | +4.5% | 11,023 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 76.0% | +0.5% | 2,211 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 80.9% | +9.2% | 5,400 |
| ... | ||||
| 2008 | Diesel | 59.4% | +2.0% | 2,475 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 56.9% | -0.1% | 2,491 |
AURIS verdict: Avoid the 2008 diesel (59.4%).
Avoid 2008 and 2007 AURISs
The 2008 diesel AURIS has a 59.4% pass rate, well below the national average.
Toyota RAV4: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The RAV4 has 91,615 tests in our database with an overall 79.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 95.4% | +4.5% | 545 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 92.5% | +4.8% | 12,336 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 91.8% | +5.6% | 9,339 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 85.9% | +1.6% | 6,816 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 87.4% | +5.8% | 772 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 86.3% | +4.6% | 1,857 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 85.3% | +3.6% | 5,305 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 88.8% | +10.2% | 940 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 85.8% | +7.2% | 2,478 |
| 2016 | Hybrid Electric | 85.5% | +6.9% | 4,296 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 84.5% | +9.1% | 802 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 82.3% | +6.8% | 4,691 |
| ... | ||||
| 2006 | Diesel | 56.0% | -0.2% | 545 |
| 2003 | Diesel | 58.1% | +1.4% | 501 |
| 1999 | Petrol | 59.3% | -3.2% | 560 |
RAV4 verdict: The 2021 hybrid electric model achieves a 95.4% pass rate (24 points above average). Avoid the 2006 diesel (56.0%).
Avoid early RAV4 models
The 2006 diesel RAV4 has a 56.0% pass rate, well below the national average.
Toyota C-HR: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The C-HR has 68,273 tests in our database with an overall 86.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hybrid Electric | 93.2% | +2.4% | 756 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 90.9% | +3.2% | 16,551 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.6% | +2.4% | 2,245 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 88.5% | +2.3% | 15,628 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 83.5% | -0.7% | 2,977 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 82.7% | -1.6% | 15,538 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 82.9% | +1.3% | 10,136 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 82.9% | +1.2% | 3,837 |
C-HR verdict: The 2021 hybrid electric model achieves a 93.2% pass rate (22 points above average).
Toyota VERSO: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The VERSO has 28,770 tests in our database with an overall 72.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.7% | +0.5% | 721 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.1% | +1.4% | 1,798 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.9% | +0.3% | 515 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 82.7% | +4.1% | 1,922 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 79.6% | +0.9% | 1,627 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 80.6% | +5.2% | 1,626 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 77.0% | +1.5% | 1,599 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 76.4% | +4.7% | 1,432 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 74.6% | +2.9% | 1,578 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 74.2% | +6.0% | 1,596 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 68.9% | +0.7% | 1,677 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 70.0% | +4.3% | 1,514 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.4% | -1.1% | 1,541 |
VERSO verdict: Avoid the 2010 diesel (59.4%).
Avoid the 2010 VERSO
The 2010 diesel VERSO has a 59.4% pass rate, well below the national average.
Toyota Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Toyota. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 82.7% | +11.2% | 473,418 |
| Gas Bi-fuel | 77.6% | +6.1% | 174 |
| Petrol | 70.9% | -0.5% | 886,555 |
| Electric | 68.0% | -3.4% | 2,986 |
| Diesel | 67.8% | -3.6% | 270,117 |
| Other | 67.3% | -4.2% | 2,594 |
The hybrid advantage: Toyota hybrids pass MOTs 12% more often than petrols and 15% more often than diesels.
Toyota Models to Avoid
Not all Toyotas are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROACE | 2014 | Diesel | 50.1% | 837 |
| PROACE | 2015 | Diesel | 53.9% | 1,139 |
| PROACE | 2016 | Diesel | 59.4% | 613 |
| ALPHARD | 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 67.5% | 553 |
| PROACE | 2020 | Diesel | 75.8% | 1,575 |
| PROACE | 2019 | Diesel | 75.0% | 1,902 |
| PROACE | 2018 | Diesel | 73.6% | 2,108 |
| AYGO | 2005 | Petrol | 47.5% | 1,601 |
| YARIS | 1999 | Petrol | 54.0% | 1,356 |
| HILUX | 1998 | Diesel | 55.8% | 713 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2014-2020 diesel PROACEs are the models that drag down Toyota's average. These models have significantly higher failure rates than average.
What Goes Wrong on Toyotas?
When Toyotas fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 203,859 |
| 2. Suspension | 109,284 |
| 3. Brakes | 107,004 |
| 4. Visibility | 82,932 |
| 5. Tyres | 78,260 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 44,608 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 42,225 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Toyota owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- YARIS EXCEL HEV CVT 2020 Hybrid Electric: 95% pass rate
- C-HR ORANGE EDITION HEV CVT 2020 Hybrid Electric: 94% pass rate
- YARIS DESIGN HEV CVT 2020 Hybrid Electric: 94% pass rate
- RAV4 2019 Hybrid Electric: 92% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- VELLFIRE (15-17 years): +22% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ALPHARD (15-17 years): +20% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- VITZ (11-14 years): +21% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ESTIMA (15-17 years): +17% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Toyota Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- PREVIA (21+ years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- YARIS (21+ years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 1,637,457 tests on Toyota vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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