2008 · 16 years old at test · Mixed fuel mostly

2008 Toyota Prius MOT pass rate and common faults

6,424 MOT tests in 2024. 63.6% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time63.6%
Failed or needed repairs36.4%
Typical mileage at test144,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,424 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.9%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    190 marked dangerous
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    145 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.4%
  2. Suspension11.3%
  3. Body & chassis9.3%
  4. Brakes8.4%
  5. Tyres7.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  8. Steering1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  3. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced10.8%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2008 Toyota Prius?

In 2024, 63.6% of 2008 Toyota Prius cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,424 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Toyota Prius?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Toyota Prius reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).