2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Brake discs1.5× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  19.3% All 2015 cars

  12.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2015 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.

• Handbrake cables38× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.8% All 2015 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

• Side repeaters4.4× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.1% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.5% of all 2015 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.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.9% All 2015 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 2015 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 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  16% 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
  12% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid

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

• 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 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid

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 discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.5× as often on the 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the handbrake cables? (Flagged at MOT 38× as often on the 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2015 Toyota Yaris hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?