2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Toyota Celica MOT pass rate and common faults

935 MOT tests in 2024. 61.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time61.8%
Failed or needed repairs38.2%
Typical mileage at test116,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 935 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.4%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    40 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.2%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.0%
  2. Brakes16.9%
  3. Suspension16.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks14.1%
  5. Tyres8.0%
  6. Body & chassis7.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.3%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.8%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 2002 Toyota Celica?

In 2024, 61.8% of 2002 Toyota Celica cars passed their MOT first time, across 935 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Toyota Celica?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Toyota Celica reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).