Toyota IQ MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 17,206 MOT tests on the Toyota IQ carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 IQ models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2014. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (87% passed, +15.0 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2011 models fared worst (76%, +13.4 points). Tested cars had covered 65,673 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 9.6% of tests (slightly below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 17,206
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 65,673
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular IQ?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
IQ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 836 | 87% | 72% | +15.0 points | 43,054 |
| 2013 | 1,302 | 82% | 68% | +14.1 points | 48,392 |
| 2012 | 2,340 | 80% | 66% | +14.3 points | 57,215 |
| 2011 | 2,519 | 76% | 63% | +13.4 points | 63,373 |
| 2010 | 3,830 | 75% | 60% | +14.3 points | 70,338 |
| 2009 | 6,344 | 74% | 59% | +15.0 points | 73,450 |
Why the Toyota IQ fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | IQ | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.6% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 6.1% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 4.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 3.6% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.3% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.3%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
- 4excessively corroded1.9%
- 5provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
- 8not working on dipped beam1.3%
- 9projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.2%
- 10inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.0%
Common IQ MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used IQ, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.0% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 10.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.1% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.4% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.1% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 2.6% |
| ferrule excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.4% |
Tips to help your IQ pass
Based on where IQ models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 9.6% of IQ 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.
Visibility · 6.1% of IQ tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Brakes · 5.9% of IQ 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 IQ ULEZ compliant? See the Toyota IQ ULEZ check, or view all Toyota models.
Other Toyota models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 17,206 first MOT tests of the Toyota IQ 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 17,206 first MOT tests of the Toyota IQ.
What is the Toyota IQ MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 17,206 first MOT attempts on the Toyota IQ ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Toyota IQ fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (9.6% of tests), visibility (6.1% of tests), brakes (5.9% of tests).
Which IQ year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 87% passed first time, +15.0 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2011, at 76% (+13.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Toyota IQ covered at its MOT?
The average was 65,673 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2014 cars averaged 43,054 miles and 2009 cars 73,450.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Toyota IQ?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 12.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 3.6% of IQ models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific IQ's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 17,206 IQ models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 74% to 87% 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
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