1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Toyota RAV4 MOT pass rate and common faults

287 MOT tests in 2024. 54.0% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

82Well below average
Passed first time54.0%
Failed or needed repairs46.0%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 287 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.8%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.1%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.8%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.8%
  2. Suspension22.3%
  3. Emissions & leaks20.9%
  4. Body & chassis16.7%
  5. Brakes11.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.6%
  8. Tyres2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine33.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.9%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.5%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.5%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 RAV4?

In 2024, 54.0% of 1996 Toyota RAV4 cars passed their MOT first time, across 287 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Toyota RAV4?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; 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. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Toyota RAV4 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 82, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).