1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate and common faults

178 MOT tests in 2024. 65.7% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time65.7%
Failed or needed repairs34.3%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 178 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits7.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.3%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits6.2%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.5%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.9%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%
  9. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.4%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks34.8%
  2. Brakes26.4%
  3. Suspension10.1%
  4. Lights & electrics9.6%
  5. Body & chassis5.6%
  6. Tyres4.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.6%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding5.6%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible5.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 1996 Toyota MR2?

In 2024, 65.7% of 1996 Toyota MR2 cars passed their MOT first time, across 178 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Toyota MR2?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 Toyota MR2 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).