2007 Toyota Corolla petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Headlights1.6× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  18.7% All 2007 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 4.5% of all 2007 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.

• Suspension arm2.7× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  8.5% All 2007 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Steering swivel joints4.3× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  4.7% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Wipers1.6× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  6.5% All 2007 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Other suspension component2.7× usual
  Toyota Corolla

  2.4% All 2007 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Common 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  40% 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
  38% 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
  30% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Known faults on the 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol

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.

• Several brake, gearbox and airbag recalls

  All engines

  This Corolla had recalls for brake problems (2002 and 2005), possible gearbox damage (2002) and front passenger airbag concerns (2004 and 2006).

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof any recall work was done.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Corolla (2002-2007) reliability

• Misty rear lights

  All engines

  Condensation can build up inside the rear light clusters.

  At the viewing: Look inside the rear lights for water droplets or misting.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Corolla (2002-2007) reliability

• Squealing brakes

  All engines

  Owners report squealing brakes. It's an annoyance rather than a major fault.

  At the viewing: Listen for squeals when braking gently on the test drive.

  Source: What Car?: Toyota Corolla (2002-2007) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol

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

1. Has all the recall work been done, and can I see the paperwork?
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2007 Toyota Corolla petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?