1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

319 MOT tests in 2024. 62.4% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time62.4%
Failed or needed repairs37.6%
Typical mileage at test119,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 319 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits5.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.4%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.4%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.4%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.5%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks22.9%
  2. Lights & electrics19.1%
  3. Brakes16.9%
  4. Suspension12.9%
  5. Body & chassis12.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  7. Tyres4.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.0%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. 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 1999 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 62.4% of 1999 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 319 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Toyota Celica?

The most common failure reasons were 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; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).