Toyota Celica MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,862 MOT tests on the Toyota Celica carried out in 2023. 39% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Celicas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1990 to 2007. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2007 models did best (77% passed, +19.7 points against the average for 16-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (60%, −4.0 points). Tested cars had covered 115,859 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 18.1% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,862
- First-time pass rate
- 61%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −10.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 115,859
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Celica?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Celica MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 107 | 77% | 57% | +19.7 points | 128,671 |
| 2006 | 1,065 | 63% | 56% | +6.5 points | 102,046 |
| 2005 | 1,486 | 59% | 56% | +3.1 points | 110,722 |
| 2004 | 1,695 | 60% | 56% | +3.8 points | 113,999 |
| 2003 | 1,549 | 57% | 57% | +0.6 points | 118,944 |
| 2002 | 1,185 | 63% | 58% | +5.0 points | 117,801 |
| 2001 | 1,004 | 61% | 59% | +2.2 points | 119,712 |
| 2000 | 522 | 58% | 61% | −2.5 points | 117,031 |
| 1999 | 391 | 63% | 62% | +0.2 points | 119,158 |
| 1998 | 490 | 61% | 64% | −3.3 points | 125,291 |
| 1997 | 329 | 60% | 64% | −4.0 points | 129,074 |
| 1996 | 272 | 63% | 65% | −2.7 points | 124,844 |
| 1995 | 149 | 65% | 66% | −1.4 points | 120,034 |
| 1994 | 110 | 68% | 66% | +1.8 points | 125,399 |
| 1992 | 66 | 77% | 68% | +9.3 points | 119,829 |
| 1991 | 53 | 68% | 70% | −2.0 points | 111,151 |
| 1990 | 60 | 68% | 71% | −2.6 points | 128,336 |
Why the Toyota Celica fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Celica | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.1% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 13.5% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 12.7% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.2% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 8.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 5.5% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.3% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.9% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.8%
- 2projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.9%
- 3Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
- 5has a major leak of exhaust gases3.6%
- 6fractured or broken3.2%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
- 8efficiency below requirements2.9%
- 9across an axle2.5%
- 10carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
Common Celica MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Celica, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 12.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 12.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 12.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.4% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.9% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 8.2% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 7.2% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 5.9% |
Tips to help your Celica pass
Based on where Celicas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.1% of Celica tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 13.5% of Celica tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Celica ULEZ compliant? See the Toyota Celica ULEZ check, or view all Toyota models.
Other Toyota models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,862 first MOT tests of the Toyota Celica carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 10,862 first MOT tests of the Toyota Celica.
What is the Toyota Celica MOT failure rate?
In our data, 39% of 10,862 first MOT attempts on the Toyota Celica ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Toyota Celica fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (18.1% of tests), brakes (13.5% of tests), suspension (12.7% of tests).
Which Celica year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2007 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +19.7 points against the average for 16-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 60% (−4.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Toyota Celica covered at its MOT?
The average was 115,859 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2007 cars averaged 128,671 miles and 1990 cars 128,336.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Toyota Celica?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 13.3% of tests, in the brakes area. 13.5% of Celicas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Celica's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,862 Celicas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 57% to 77% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Celica's MOT history
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