2001 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Wheel bearings4.5× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  19.4% All 2001 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage3.3× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  14.9% All 2001 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  14.1% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  13.2% All 2001 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

• Rear fog light5.2× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  8.8% All 2001 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 1.6% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  44% 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
  41% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% 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.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Toyota Hilux

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2001 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2001 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?