2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Toyota Corolla MOT pass rate and common faults

3,638 MOT tests in 2024. 56.9% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time56.9%
Failed or needed repairs43.1%
Typical mileage at test100,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,638 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.0%
  2. Stop lamp: not working4.8%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.4%
    170 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.7%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.1%
  2. Brakes22.9%
  3. Suspension10.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  6. Tyres6.3%
  7. Body & chassis6.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.0%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible14.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 Corolla?

In 2024, 56.9% of 2002 Toyota Corolla cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,638 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

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

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; stop lamp: not working; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Toyota Corolla reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).