At a Glance
The Toyota Avensis has 6 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the T250 (2003-2009) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 2.6M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Toyota Avensis common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Toyota Avensis generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Toyota Avensis Generations
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Most Common Toyota Avensis MOT Failures
Every reason Toyota Avensis vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.04% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.86% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 7.27% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.96% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 6.39% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 4.77% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.47% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.19% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.11% |
| 10 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.90% |
| 11 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.43% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 3.04% |
| 13 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.85% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.80% |
| 15 | Rear lamp not working | 2.59% |
| 16 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.84% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.59% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.51% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.48% |
| 20 | Exhaust system fault | 1.41% |
| 21 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.23% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.09% |
| 23 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.07% |
| 24 | Parking brake condition | 0.82% |
| 25 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.81% |
| 26 | Driveshaft fault | 0.81% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.79% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.79% |
| 29 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.75% |
| 30 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.70% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.63% |
| 32 | Track rod end worn | 0.55% |
| 33 | Front suspension fault | 0.54% |
| 34 | ABS fault | 0.52% |
| 35 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.45% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.42% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.38% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.35% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.33% |
| 41 | Airbag warning light on | 0.32% |
| 42 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 43 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.30% |
| 44 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.26% |
| 46 | Horn not working | 0.26% |
| 47 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.20% |
| 49 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 52 | Chassis condition | 0.17% |
| 53 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 54 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 55 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.12% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 57 | Steering lock fault | 0.12% |
| 58 | Rear suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 61 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 62 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 63 | Steering free play excessive | 0.10% |
| 64 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.08% |
| 67 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 68 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 70 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 72 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 74 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 81 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 82 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 88 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 90 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 92 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 100 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 101 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 107 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 114 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 116 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 117 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 125 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 134 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 144 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 147 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 151 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 152 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 158 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 159 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 170 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 172 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 174 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 184 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 187 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 193 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Toyota Avensis MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Toyota Avensis, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Avensis problems?
Based on analysis of 2.6M Toyota Avensis MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Toyota Avensis generation has the most problems?
The Toyota Avensis T250 (2003-2009) (2003–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (4). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Toyota Avensis?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Toyota Avensis owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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