1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Toyota RAV4 MOT pass rate and common faults

403 MOT tests in 2024. 55.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time55.8%
Failed or needed repairs44.2%
Typical mileage at test116,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 403 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.9%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.2%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.7%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.0%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.7%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension28.0%
  2. Lights & electrics21.3%
  3. Body & chassis18.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks18.1%
  5. Brakes14.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.2%
  7. Tyres5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags5.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.1%
  3. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened13.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.7%

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 1997 Toyota RAV4?

In 2024, 55.8% of 1997 Toyota RAV4 cars passed their MOT first time, across 403 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Toyota RAV4?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).