2021 Toyota Estima hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Number plate lights20.3× usual
  Toyota Estima

  12.2% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.2% of all 2021 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.

• Headlights23× usual
  Toyota Estima

  11.5% All 2021 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.4% of all 2021 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.

• Brake pads2.5× usual
  Toyota Estima

  11.8% All 2021 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Sidelights32.5× usual
  Toyota Estima

  6.5% All 2021 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 0.2% of all 2021 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.

• Ball joint dust cover61× usual
  Toyota Estima

  6.1% All 2021 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  29% 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
  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
  23% 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
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  6% 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 2021 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 20.3× as often on the 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 23× as often on the 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2021 Toyota Estima hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?