At a Glance
The Toyota Previa has 26 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the XR10 (1990-2000) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 363K 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 Previa 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 Previa 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Toyota Previa owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Toyota Previa owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Toyota Previa?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Toyota Previa Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Toyota Previa MOT Failures
Every reason Toyota Previa 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 | 9.78% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.54% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 6.40% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 6.35% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.25% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.95% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.65% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 4.47% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.29% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.85% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.47% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.05% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.73% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.14% |
| 15 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.01% |
| 16 | Fog lamp not working | 1.75% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.59% |
| 18 | Parking brake condition | 1.44% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.43% |
| 20 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.23% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 1.20% |
| 22 | Driveshaft fault | 1.10% |
| 23 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.07% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.07% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.87% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.80% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.77% |
| 28 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.74% |
| 29 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.71% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.69% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.65% |
| 32 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.63% |
| 33 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.61% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.54% |
| 35 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.50% |
| 36 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.45% |
| 37 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.43% |
| 38 | Track rod end worn | 0.39% |
| 39 | Front suspension fault | 0.36% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.35% |
| 41 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.33% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.25% |
| 44 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.24% |
| 45 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.22% |
| 46 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.21% |
| 47 | Steering rack fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.20% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 50 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.17% |
| 51 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 52 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 53 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.14% |
| 54 | Rear suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.12% |
| 56 | Airbag warning light on | 0.11% |
| 57 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 58 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.10% |
| 60 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.09% |
| 63 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.09% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 67 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Steering free play excessive | 0.07% |
| 69 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 70 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 76 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 80 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 84 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 85 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 87 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 88 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 91 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 93 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 96 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 97 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 101 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 103 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 108 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 137 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 143 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 149 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 164 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 165 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 168 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 173 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 177 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 178 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 179 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 180 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 183 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 184 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 185 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Toyota Previa MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Toyota Previa, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Previa problems?
Based on analysis of 363K Toyota Previa MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 26 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Toyota Previa generation has the most problems?
The Toyota Previa XR10 (1990-2000) (1990–2000) has the highest number of identified common problems (25). 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 Previa?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Toyota Previa owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
