At a Glance
The Toyota Carina has 20 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the T190 (1992-1997) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 423K 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 Carina 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 Carina 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 Carina Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
A40/A50
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
A60
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
T150
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
T170
Top issue: Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)
T190
Top issue: Catalytic converter efficiency low
Most Common Toyota Carina MOT Failures
Every reason Toyota Carina 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 14.06% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.92% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.79% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.83% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 6.47% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 5.82% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.57% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.87% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 3.53% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 3.15% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.12% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.67% |
| 13 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.64% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.59% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.92% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 1.45% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.34% |
| 18 | Front suspension fault | 1.34% |
| 19 | Fog lamp not working | 1.27% |
| 20 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.05% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.82% |
| 22 | Steering rack fault | 0.79% |
| 23 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.72% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 0.65% |
| 25 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.58% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.58% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.49% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.48% |
| 29 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.43% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.41% |
| 31 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.40% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.38% |
| 33 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.37% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.32% |
| 35 | Position lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 36 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.25% |
| 37 | Chassis condition | 0.25% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.24% |
| 39 | Brake fluid leak | 0.20% |
| 40 | CV joint worn | 0.18% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.17% |
| 42 | Rear suspension fault | 0.17% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 44 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.15% |
| 45 | Steering free play excessive | 0.14% |
| 46 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.14% |
| 47 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 49 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 50 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 52 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 54 | Power steering pump fault | 0.10% |
| 55 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.08% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 58 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 59 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 60 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 62 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 63 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 65 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 66 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 68 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 70 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 71 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.05% |
| 73 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.05% |
| 74 | Headlamp fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 78 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 81 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 83 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 88 | Airbag warning light on | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 91 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 92 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 94 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 95 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 96 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 97 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 99 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 101 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 103 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 104 | Electrical wiring fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 122 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 129 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 142 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 150 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 165 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 165 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Toyota Carina MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Toyota Carina, 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 Carina problems?
Based on analysis of 423K Toyota Carina MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 20 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Catalytic converter efficiency low". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Toyota Carina generation has the most problems?
The Toyota Carina T190 (1992-1997) (1992–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (24). 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 Carina?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Toyota Carina owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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