2012 Toyota HI-Ace diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Toyota HI-Ace first registered in 2012 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 147 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 147 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Toyota HI-Ace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Lights and electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Suspension21% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Toyota HI-Ace diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota HI-Ace?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota HI-Ace compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 110 | Suspension 35% |
| 2015 | 174 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2013 | 143 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2011 | 1,152 | Lights and electrics 32% |
| 2010 | 1,916 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2009 | 2,094 | Suspension 35% |
| 2008 | 3,649 | Suspension 39% |
| 2007 | 4,039 | Suspension 41% |
| 2006 | 1,460 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 1,043 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 958 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 872 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 585 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 839 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 721 | Suspension 55% |
| 1999 | 945 | Suspension 54% |
| 1998 | 927 | Suspension 52% |
| 1997 | 517 | Suspension 48% |
| 1996 | 323 | Suspension 46% |
| 1995 | 193 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota HI-Ace cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score