2021 Toyota Proace diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Toyota Proace diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Toyota Proace diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake pads2.4× usual
  Toyota Proace

  14.5% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Toyota Proace

  13.7% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Wipers2.9× usual
  Toyota Proace

  9.9% All 2021 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Number plate lights11× usual
  Toyota Proace

  6.6% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.2% of all 2021 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.

• Headlights9.8× usual
  Toyota Proace

  3.9% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2021 Toyota Proace diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Toyota Proace diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  22% 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 electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% 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
  3% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  2% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Toyota Proace diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2021 Toyota Proace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Toyota Proace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2021 Toyota Proace diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?