Toyota Previa MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,243 MOT tests on the Toyota Previa carried out in 2023. 44% 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 Previas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1995 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2012 models did best (72% passed, +6.6 points against the average for 11-year-old cars), while 1995 models fared worst (53%, −13.6 points). Tested cars had covered 138,924 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 24.9% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 13.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,243
- First-time pass rate
- 56%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −15.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 138,924
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Previa?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Previa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 53 | 79% | 75% | +3.8 points | 132,608 |
| 2013 | 56 | 66% | 68% | −2.2 points | 90,575 |
| 2012 | 54 | 72% | 66% | +6.6 points | 98,523 |
| 2006 | 590 | 56% | 56% | +0.1 points | 140,542 |
| 2005 | 744 | 56% | 56% | −0.4 points | 139,416 |
| 2004 | 810 | 55% | 56% | −0.9 points | 141,323 |
| 2003 | 739 | 53% | 57% | −3.5 points | 141,271 |
| 2002 | 535 | 56% | 58% | −1.8 points | 142,709 |
| 2001 | 523 | 54% | 59% | −4.1 points | 145,870 |
| 2000 | 211 | 56% | 61% | −4.2 points | 147,874 |
| 1999 | 75 | 53% | 62% | −9.2 points | 134,946 |
| 1998 | 115 | 60% | 64% | −3.9 points | 132,655 |
| 1997 | 123 | 59% | 64% | −5.1 points | 126,505 |
| 1996 | 124 | 60% | 65% | −5.5 points | 126,396 |
| 1995 | 87 | 53% | 66% | −13.6 points | 130,800 |
Why the Toyota Previa fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Previa | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 24.9% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 13.6% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 12.8% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.1% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 10.6% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 8.5% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 6.6% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 1.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working13.0%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively5.7%
- 3projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.7%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.5%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.9%
- 6ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
- 7efficiency below requirements3.3%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
- 9has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
- 10Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
Common Previa MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Previa, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 24.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 23.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 22.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 19.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 11.0% |
| has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced | Lights and electrics | 9.0% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 8.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.9% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 7.9% |
Tips to help your Previa pass
Based on where Previas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 24.9% of Previa 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 · 12.8% of Previa 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 Previa ULEZ compliant? See the Toyota Previa ULEZ check, or view all Toyota models.
Other Toyota models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,243 first MOT tests of the Toyota Previa 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 5,243 first MOT tests of the Toyota Previa.
What is the Toyota Previa MOT failure rate?
In our data, 44% of 5,243 first MOT attempts on the Toyota Previa ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Toyota Previa fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (24.9% of tests), suspension (13.6% of tests), brakes (12.8% of tests).
Which Previa year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2012 cars performed best: 72% passed first time, +6.6 points against the average for 11-year-old cars. The weakest was 1995, at 53% (−13.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Toyota Previa covered at its MOT?
The average was 138,924 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 132,608 miles and 1995 cars 130,800.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Toyota Previa?
"corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened" was recorded on 24.5% of tests, in the suspension area. 13.6% of Previas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Previa's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,243 Previas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 79% 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 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
- 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
Check any Previa's MOT history
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