2016 Toyota Avensis diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  5% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  3.2% All 2016 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  3.5% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Toyota Avensis

  2.3% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.5% of all 2016 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 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  22% 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
  15% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2016 Toyota Avensis 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.

• Rear suspension arm recall

  All engines

  Rear suspension arms adjusted during an alignment or service could develop play and fail, risking loss of control.

  At the viewing: Ask a Toyota dealer whether the recall was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Toyota Avensis (2009-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel

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

1. Has the rear suspension arm recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Toyota Avensis diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?