1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate and common faults

397 MOT tests in 2024. 67.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time67.3%
Failed or needed repairs32.8%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 397 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.8%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.0%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.8%
    33 marked dangerous
  7. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.5%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.5%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.3%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes22.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks16.6%
  3. Lights & electrics14.4%
  4. Suspension11.3%
  5. Body & chassis4.8%
  6. Tyres4.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.0%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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.

← 1997 MR2All MR2 years1999 MR2 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Toyota MR2?

In 2024, 67.3% of 1998 Toyota MR2 cars passed their MOT first time, across 397 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Toyota MR2?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; service brake performance: excessively binding; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Toyota MR2 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).