2016 Toyota Yaris diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Wheel bearings7× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3.5% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Suspension arm7.5× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  3% All 2016 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Side repeaters4.8× usual
  Toyota Yaris

  2.9% All 2016 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.4% of all 2016 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% All 2016 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.3% of all 2016 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 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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
  18% 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.

• Suspension
  15% 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
  5% 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 2016 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 2016 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 wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 7.5× as often on the 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2016 Toyota Yaris diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?