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Toyota Previa reliability

C · Average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 50,042 MOT tests of cars first registered 1995–2006.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
53.4%pass first time
+0.7 ptsvs typical car
Beats 53%of cars
50,042MOT tests

Verdict

The Toyota Previa passes its MOT first time on 53.4% of tests, 0.7 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (52.7%). That puts it ahead of 53% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2006 Previa does best (beats 61% of cars) and the 1995 worst (beats 28%).

Better than average on suspension, seat belts & airbags, steering.

Watch these weak spots

Emissions & leaks1.4×as often as a typical car
Headlight bulbs & units1.8×as often as a typical car
Brake lights1.7×as often as a typical car
Exhaust emissions (catalyst)1.9×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

45%50%55%60%131415161718192057%55%54%52%53%52%53%52%
Toyota PreviaTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1995
Beats 28%
1996
Beats 49%
1997
Beats 34%
1998
Beats 35%
2000
Beats 43%
2001
Beats 44%
2002
Beats 55%
2003
Beats 56%
2004
Beats 55%
2005
Beats 61%
2006
Beats 61%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol1995–200639,97053.3%Beats 51%C
2.0 Diesel2002–200610,07253.8%Beats 59%C

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 11.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 13.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 19.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 27.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 24.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 7.4% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 14.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 16.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 27.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 24.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−3.4 ptsTyres: 7.4% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.3 ptsBrakes: 14.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 16.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 13.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 19.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+5.6 ptsExhaust: 11.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−3.6 ptsSuspension: 13.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 19.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 14.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 16.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 7.4% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 27.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 24.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 11.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 27.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 24.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights−3.4 ptsTyres: 7.4% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.3 ptsBrakes: 14.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 16.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 13.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 19.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+5.6 ptsExhaust: 11.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−3.6 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Exhaust: 11.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
27.6% vs 24.1%
Brakes
14.7% vs 16.3%
Suspension
13.9% vs 19.4%
Emissions & leaks
11.9% vs 8.2%
Body & structure
9.9% vs 10.4%
Visibility
9.2% vs 8.2%
Tyres
7.4% vs 7.7%
Seat belts & airbags
2.3% vs 3.8%
Steering
1.7% vs 5.3%
Wheels
0.8% vs 0.6%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Headlight bulbs & units 1.8× typical
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Brake lights 1.7× typical
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 1.9× typical
    Check past MOT emissions readings in the car's history: rising readings can mean catalyst or sensor problems.
  • Windscreen wipers 1.6× typical
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Engine warning light 1.9× typical
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
  • Brake pads 1.8× typical
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

45%50%55%60%65%70%60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k65%59%56%54%51%
Toyota PreviaTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Headlight bulbs & units8.3%4.5%1.8×
Brake lights7.9%4.7%1.7×
Sidelights7.4%6.1%1.2×
Headlight aim6.5%6.7%1.0×
Windscreen wipers6.0%3.7%1.6×
Exhaust emissions (catalyst)5.4%2.9%1.9×
Handbrake performance4.7%4.1%1.1×
Component mounting prescribed areas4.3%3.3%1.3×
Engine warning light4.2%2.2%1.9×
Brake pads3.8%2.1%1.8×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning71.1
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements64.9
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen59.4
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning55.0
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction44.3
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired43.3
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn37.9
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm36.4
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2006 Toyota Previa2 engines56.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol3,14157.7%Beats 63%B
2.0 Diesel2,35055.3%Beats 59%C
2005 Toyota Previa2 engines55.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol4,72856.3%Beats 62%B
2.0 Diesel2,38954.4%Beats 59%C
2004 Toyota Previa2 engines52.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol6,50652.9%Beats 55%C
2.0 Diesel1,63952.7%Beats 58%C
2003 Toyota Previa2 engines52.8% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol5,77852.8%Beats 55%C
2.0 Diesel2,21552.7%Beats 59%C
2002 Toyota Previa2 engines52.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol4,99852.1%Beats 53%C
2.0 Diesel1,47953.6%Beats 60%B
2001 Toyota Previa1 engine50.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol5,79550.0%Beats 44%C
2000 Toyota Previa1 engine50.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol2,98850.2%Beats 43%C
1998 Toyota Previa1 engine52.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol1,58252.8%Beats 35%D
1997 Toyota Previa1 engine53.7% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol1,72953.7%Beats 34%D
1996 Toyota Previa1 engine58.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol1,61258.6%Beats 49%C
1995 Toyota Previa1 engine54.7% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.4 Petrol1,11354.7%Beats 28%D

FAQ

What is the Toyota Previa MOT pass rate?

53.4% of MOT tests on the Toyota Previa were passed first time, based on 50,042 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1995–2006. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 52.7% of the time.

Is the Toyota Previa reliable?

On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 53% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Toyota Previa year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2006 Previa does best for its age and mileage: it beats 61% of cars on UK roads. The 1995 does worst: it beats 28%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Toyota Previa?

The most common failure items are headlight bulbs & units, brake lights, sidelights. Compared with similar cars, headlight bulbs & units comes up 1.8× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.