1990 Toyota Hilux diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Toyota Hilux first registered in 1990 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 123 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 123 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1990 Toyota Hilux diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1990 Toyota Hilux diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Suspension28% 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 electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks17% 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 mirrors15% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork11% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Toyota Hilux 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 Hilux?
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 Hilux compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,329 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 9,402 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 14,467 | Tyres 17% |
| 2019 | 15,339 | Brakes 18% |
| 2018 | 16,208 | Brakes 18% |
| 2017 | 14,938 | Brakes 20% |
| 2016 | 13,422 | Brakes 26% |
| 2015 | 16,613 | Brakes 31% |
| 2014 | 14,593 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 12,062 | Brakes 36% |
| 2012 | 11,659 | Brakes 39% |
| 2011 | 11,301 | Brakes 41% |
| 2010 | 7,487 | Brakes 40% |
| 2009 | 5,342 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 5,962 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 5,423 | Suspension 42% |
| 2006 | 3,086 | Suspension 44% |
| 2005 | 3,392 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 4,093 | Suspension 45% |
| 2003 | 2,885 | Suspension 45% |
| 2002 | 2,642 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2001 | 1,769 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | 1,672 | Suspension 46% |
| 1999 | 1,786 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 1998 | 1,936 | Suspension 43% |
| 1997 | 986 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 1996 | 1,055 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 1995 | 651 | Brakes 38% |
| 1994 | 427 | Brakes 35% |
| 1993 | 329 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1992 | 278 | Brakes 38% |
| 1991 | 273 | Lights and electrics 37% |
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 Hilux cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score