The picture
Hilux: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 87,518 MOT tests, the Hilux returns 73.3% first-time pass — below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is windscreen damage. A number-plate lamp out and a corroded brake pipe round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 98,546, 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.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
3,483 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 02
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
3,170 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 03
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
2,848 occurrences · 3.3% of tests
- 04
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
2,653 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 05
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
2,525 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 06
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
2,168 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
1,953 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 08
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
1,943 occurrences · 2.2% of tests
- 09
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
1,601 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 10
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
1,577 occurrences · 1.8% 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
£128–£365
If every one of this Hilux'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 →
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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.
Buying or keeping a Hilux?
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 Hilux 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.