1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common faults

1,148 MOT tests in 2024. 60.5% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time60.5%
Failed or needed repairs39.5%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,148 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.3%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.7%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.3%
  2. Brakes23.3%
  3. Suspension17.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.8%
  5. Body & chassis9.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.6%
  7. Tyres6.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.3%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible13.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 Corolla?

In 2024, 60.5% of 1999 Toyota Corolla cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,148 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Toyota Corolla reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).