1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

289 MOT tests in 2024. 59.2% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time59.2%
Failed or needed repairs40.8%
Typical mileage at test127,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 289 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.8%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.5%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.1%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.1%
    23 marked dangerous
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics27.0%
  2. Brakes24.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks22.1%
  4. Body & chassis11.8%
  5. Suspension11.1%
  6. Tyres6.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.2%
  8. Steering1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 59.2% of 1997 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 289 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Toyota Celica?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).