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Toyota
Previa
9,172 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where Previas pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 13.1 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.
Pass
64.4%
Pass-after-fix
7.9%
Fail
26.3%
Avg miles
138,064
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
Could not determine Euro standard — check the V5C or use the government's online ULEZ checker.
The picture
Previa: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 6,747 MOT tests, the Previa returns 64.6% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a defective headlamp lens. A number-plate lamp out and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 139,719, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
ABI Insurance Group
Group 10–28
Below the fleet average — generally reasonable to insure. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.
Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →
10–28
out of 50
Top ten reasons for rejection.
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- 01
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
667 occurrences · 7.3% of tests
- 02
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
543 occurrences · 5.9% of tests
- 03
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
424 occurrences · 4.6% of tests
- 04
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
367 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 05
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
350 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 06
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
326 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade defective
306 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 08
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
285 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 09
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
244 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 10
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
241 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 3 failures
£28–£195
If every one of this Previa's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
Tools that pre-empt a retest.
Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Item 01 · Amazon UK
Headlight restoration kit
Yellowed lenses fail the light-output test. A restoration kit lifts the haze in an afternoon for £20.
Search Amazon UK
Item 02 · Amazon UK
H7 / W21W bulb pack
A spare-bulb kit lives in the boot. Test morning is not the time to find your stop-lamp's gone.
Search Amazon UK
My Motor World · affiliate
Parts & supplies for this fix
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Draper Expert
Draper Expert Toyota Oil Filter Replacement Tool
£29.69
View at My Motor World →
Hycote
Hycote Touch Up Colour Paint Brush Toyota Super White No. 2 12.5ml
£6.59
View at My Motor World →
Hycote
Hycote Touch Up Colour Paint Brush Toyota Lucerne Silver Metallic 12.5ml
£6.59
View at My Motor World →
Hycote
Hycote Touch Up Colour Paint Brush Toyota Tyrol Silver Metallic 12.5ml
£6.59
View at My Motor World →
Click Mechanic · affiliate
Book a mobile mechanic
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Mobile mechanic · UK-wide
Book a mechanic at your door.
Fixed-price quotes upfront. No garage needed. Click Mechanic sends a vetted local mechanic to you — home, work, or roadside.
Recall history
4 UK recalls on record.
The Previa has 4 official UK vehicle recalls covering defect details, remedies, and affected build dates.
Buying or keeping a Previa?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Previa and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.