2001 Toyota RAV4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Toyota RAV4 first registered in 2001 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 140 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 140 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2001 Toyota RAV4 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2001 Toyota RAV4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes49% 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.
- Suspension46% 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 electrics37% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres19% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% 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 mirrors14% 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 2001 Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4?
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 RAV4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 285 | Tyres 7% |
| 2022 | 11,039 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 24,915 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 35,738 | Tyres 20% |
| 2019 | 26,847 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 21,851 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 23,447 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 22,873 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 16,133 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 14,166 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 13,493 | Brakes 30% |
| 2012 | 4,697 | Suspension 30% |
| 2011 | 1,453 | Suspension 33% |
| 2010 | 1,393 | Suspension 36% |
| 2009 | 4,972 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 10,093 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 10,125 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 7,049 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 10,070 | Brakes 43% |
| 2004 | 9,952 | Brakes 46% |
| 2003 | 8,040 | Suspension 43% |
| 2002 | 5,797 | Brakes 44% |
| 2000 | 1,443 | Suspension 41% |
| 1999 | 1,449 | Suspension 41% |
| 1998 | 1,732 | Suspension 41% |
| 1997 | 857 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 709 | Suspension 40% |
| 1995 | 514 | Suspension 41% |
| 1994 | 108 | Suspension 42% |
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 RAV4 cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score