2013 Toyota Estima hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rear fog light7× usual
  Toyota Estima

  4.2% All 2013 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering swivel joints5.7× usual
  Toyota Estima

  4% All 2013 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.1× usual
  Toyota Estima

  4.9% All 2013 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.9% of all 2013 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 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  20% 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
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  14% 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
  10% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  3% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid

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

1. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2013 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?