2013 Toyota Yaris diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Sidelights2.5× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  9.2% All 2013 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.3% of all 2013 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  12.5% All 2013 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  8.7% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Side repeaters3.4× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.4% All 2013 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Link ball joint covers2.5× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.8% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.9% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  25% 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
  25% 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
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  6% 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.

Known faults on the 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Recalls on early cars

  Early cars had recalls for brake fluid leaks, power steering, rear hubs, airbags and suspension.

  At the viewing: Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm all recall work was done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

• CVT automatic

  Automatic (not hybrid)

  The Multidrive automatic is rated as less reliable than the manual.

  At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, check it drives smoothly from a standstill and at low speed.

  Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

• Corrosion behind the number plate

  The rear number plate trim can make the tailgate corrode.

  At the viewing: Look closely around the rear number plate.

  Source: Auto Express: used Toyota Yaris Mk3 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Toyota Yaris 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 sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?