Used car guide

2013 Toyota Previa: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Toyota Previa first registered in 2013: we looked at the 164 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 164 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

164MOTs of 2013 cars, done in 2023–2025
64%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%)
5,800typical miles a year
38%had suspension flagged

Common 2013 Toyota Previa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    38% 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
    36% 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
    25% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    15% 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 mirrors
    10% 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 2013 Toyota Previa

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Toyota Previa?

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 Previa compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2025–Too new for MOT data
2017–Too few tests
2015108Lights and electrics 35%
2012135Suspension 41%
20061,566Suspension 58%
20051,998Suspension 61%
20042,203Suspension 62%
20031,912Suspension 62%
20021,361Suspension 62%
20011,335Suspension 62%
2000518Suspension 64%
1999196Suspension 44%
1998280Suspension 44%
1997294Suspension 41%
1996295Suspension 50%
1995211Suspension 50%
1994109Brakes 40%
1993111Suspension 48%
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests

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 Previa cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score