2017 Toyota Hilux: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Toyota Hilux?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Toyota Hilux than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Chassis rust or damagenull× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2.5% All 2017 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2017 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.

• Braking performance2.5× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  4% All 2017 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Transmission oil leaks6.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  2% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Number plate lights1.7× usual
  Toyota Hilux

  3.4% All 2017 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.6% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Toyota Hilux MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Toyota Hilux MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  18% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  13% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% 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.

Known faults on the 2017 Toyota Hilux

What Car? lists great reliability as a strength and reports no common faults. Check the load bed and underside for work or off-road damage.

Source: What Car?: used Toyota Hilux (2016 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 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 chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2017 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2017 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2017 Toyota Hilux as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?