At a Glance
The Toyota Mr2 has 34 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the W20 (1989-1999) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 441K 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 Mr2 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 Mr2 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
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Browse Toyota Mr2 Generations
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Most Common Toyota Mr2 MOT Failures
Every reason Toyota Mr2 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.33% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.65% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.88% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.47% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.19% |
| 6 | Tyre condition | 5.03% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 4.60% |
| 8 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.14% |
| 9 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.73% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 3.66% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.17% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 3.10% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.05% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.57% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.53% |
| 16 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.04% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.79% |
| 18 | Fog lamp not working | 1.75% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.49% |
| 20 | Chassis condition | 1.45% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.25% |
| 22 | Position lamp not working | 1.20% |
| 23 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.19% |
| 24 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.93% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 0.87% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.86% |
| 27 | Steering rack fault | 0.80% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.77% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.65% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.64% |
| 31 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.64% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.63% |
| 33 | Horn not working | 0.62% |
| 34 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.51% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.50% |
| 36 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.45% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.41% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.40% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.39% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.33% |
| 41 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.33% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.32% |
| 43 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.32% |
| 44 | Steering free play excessive | 0.30% |
| 45 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.29% |
| 46 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.28% |
| 47 | Track rod end worn | 0.27% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.26% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 50 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.23% |
| 51 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 52 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.21% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.21% |
| 54 | Brake fluid leak | 0.21% |
| 55 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.21% |
| 56 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 57 | Driveshaft fault | 0.16% |
| 58 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.16% |
| 59 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.16% |
| 60 | Electrical switch fault | 0.16% |
| 61 | Steering arm worn | 0.15% |
| 62 | Brake pedal fault | 0.13% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 64 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 65 | Steering operation fault | 0.12% |
| 66 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.10% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 69 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 72 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 74 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 76 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 77 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 78 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 81 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 84 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 85 | Airbag warning light on | 0.03% |
| 86 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 87 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 90 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 96 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 104 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 106 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 108 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 110 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.01% |
| 112 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 114 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 123 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 135 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 143 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 146 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 163 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 170 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 176 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
Showing all 178 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Toyota Mr2 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Toyota Mr2, 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 Mr2 problems?
Based on analysis of 441K Toyota Mr2 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 34 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Toyota Mr2 generation has the most problems?
The Toyota Mr2 W20 (1989-1999) (1989–1999) has the highest number of identified common problems (37). 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 Mr2?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Toyota Mr2 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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