1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common faults

904 MOT tests in 2024. 60.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.1%
Failed or needed repairs39.9%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 904 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.3%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.6%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.3%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.1%
  2. Lights & electrics17.6%
  3. Brakes16.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.7%
  5. Body & chassis13.4%
  6. Tyres8.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.2%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn10.1%

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 1998 Toyota Corolla?

In 2024, 60.1% of 1998 Toyota Corolla cars passed their MOT first time, across 904 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Toyota Corolla?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1998 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).