At a Glance
The Toyota Sera has 4 identified common problems across 1 generation (1990–1995), with the EXY10 (1990-1995) being the most affected generation and electrical the most common problem category. Based on 3K 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 Sera 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 Sera 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 Sera Generations
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Most Common Toyota Sera MOT Failures
Every reason Toyota Sera 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 | Headlamp aim defect | 9.46% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.67% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.51% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.66% |
| 5 | Driveshaft fault | 4.99% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 4.62% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.49% |
| 8 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.06% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 4.04% |
| 10 | Steering rack fault | 3.21% |
| 11 | Rear suspension fault | 3.13% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.90% |
| 13 | Fog lamp not working | 2.63% |
| 14 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.50% |
| 15 | Headlamp fault | 2.34% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.34% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.65% |
| 18 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.54% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.54% |
| 20 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.49% |
| 21 | Horn not working | 1.46% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.43% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.38% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 1.35% |
| 25 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 1.30% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.17% |
| 27 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.12% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 1.12% |
| 29 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.06% |
| 30 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.98% |
| 31 | Rear lamp not working | 0.98% |
| 32 | Parking brake condition | 0.69% |
| 33 | Front suspension fault | 0.66% |
| 34 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.66% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.58% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.53% |
| 37 | Track rod end worn | 0.53% |
| 38 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.40% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.37% |
| 41 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.37% |
| 42 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 0.37% |
| 43 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.32% |
| 44 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.32% |
| 45 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.29% |
| 46 | Electrical switch fault | 0.27% |
| 47 | Chassis condition | 0.24% |
| 48 | CV joint worn | 0.24% |
| 49 | Engine oil leak | 0.24% |
| 50 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.21% |
| 51 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.21% |
| 52 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.19% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 54 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.16% |
| 55 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.16% |
| 56 | Steering lock fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Steering arm worn | 0.13% |
| 58 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.13% |
| 59 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.13% |
| 60 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.13% |
| 61 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 62 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 64 | Front passenger door fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Power steering pump fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 67 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 68 | ABS fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 71 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 73 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 75 | Transmission oil leak | 0.05% |
| 76 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.05% |
| 77 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake caliper fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 85 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 88 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 89 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 91 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
Showing all 95 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Toyota Sera MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Toyota Sera, 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 Sera problems?
Based on analysis of 3K Toyota Sera MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 4 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering rack fault". Electrical is the most common problem category.
Which Toyota Sera generation has the most problems?
The Toyota Sera EXY10 (1990-1995) (1990–1995) 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 Sera?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Toyota Sera owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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