1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Toyota RAV4 MOT pass rate and common faults

697 MOT tests in 2024. 60.6% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time60.6%
Failed or needed repairs39.4%
Typical mileage at test116,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 697 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.3%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.2%
  9. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened2.7%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension21.5%
  2. Body & chassis16.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.9%
  4. Lights & electrics15.4%
  5. Brakes13.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.6%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.0%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened9.2%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 1998 Toyota RAV4?

In 2024, 60.6% of 1998 Toyota RAV4 cars passed their MOT first time, across 697 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Toyota RAV4?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1998 Toyota RAV4 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).