2012 Toyota Auris diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Toyota Auris diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Toyota Auris diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes4.2× usual
  Toyota Auris

  20.9% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2.5× usual
  Toyota Auris

  5.9% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Link ball joint covers2.7× usual
  Toyota Auris

  5.4% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2012 Toyota Auris diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Toyota Auris diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  33% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  4% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2012 Toyota Auris diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Turbo oil recall (1.4 diesel)

  1.4 D-4D diesel

  Diesels built up to September 2013 could collect oil in the turbo, which could then damage the engine. Toyota recalled them.

  At the viewing: Look for blue smoke and ask a Toyota dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Auris review

• Particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels need a fast motorway run every few weeks to clean their particulate filter.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning.

  Source: What Car?: used Toyota Auris (2013-2019) reliability

• Water in the boot

  All engines

  Failed seals on the rear lights and tailgate can let water into the boot and mist up the windows.

  At the viewing: Lift the boot floor and feel the carpet for damp.

  Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Auris review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Toyota Auris diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the turbo recall been done?
2. Has the boot ever been wet?
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2012 Toyota Auris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2012 Toyota Auris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2012 Toyota Auris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?