1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate and common faults

274 MOT tests in 2024. 64.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time64.2%
Failed or needed repairs35.8%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 274 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits6.2%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits4.0%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.9%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.6%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.2%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks31.4%
  2. Brakes22.6%
  3. Lights & electrics20.8%
  4. Suspension12.8%
  5. Body & chassis6.9%
  6. Tyres4.4%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.6%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.2%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 MR2?

In 2024, 64.2% of 1999 Toyota MR2 cars passed their MOT first time, across 274 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Toyota MR2?

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

Is the 1999 Toyota MR2 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).