1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common faults

463 MOT tests in 2024. 61.1% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time61.1%
Failed or needed repairs38.9%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 463 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    36 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.8%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.9%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.4%
  2. Suspension14.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.5%
  4. Brakes12.1%
  5. Body & chassis11.4%
  6. Tyres7.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.6%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak15.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.7%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.4%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 Corolla?

In 2024, 61.1% of 1997 Toyota Corolla cars passed their MOT first time, across 463 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

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

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Toyota Corolla reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).