2001 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 66.5% of Toyota MR2s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 2,646 MR2 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Toyota MR2s first used in 2001 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2001 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MR2s first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MR2 figure was 5.4 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 MR2 | All cars first used 2001 | MR2 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62.2% | 55.6% | 1,184 |
| 2022 | 62.2% | 57.4% | 1,035 |
| 2023 | 61.9% | 58.7% | 971 |
| 2024 | 64.7% | 59.4% | 876 |
| 2025 | 66.5% | 61.1% | 799 |
Common 2001 Toyota MR2 MOT failures
Share of the 947 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 31.2% | 295 |
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | 21.0% | 199 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value | 13.5% | 128 |
| Position lamp: not working | 11.8% | 112 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 11.4% | 108 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an MR2 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | Handbrake cable replacement | £105 | £75–£150 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2001 Toyota MR2 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 2001 Toyota MR2 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 MR2s, as a share of all 2,646 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: corroded | 12.4% | 327 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 12.2% | 322 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 10.3% | 273 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 10.1% | 266 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 9.6% | 255 |
Questions about the 2001 Toyota MR2 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Toyota MR2?
In 2025, 66.5% of MR2s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 MR2 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 59.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (37.5%) and noise, emissions and leaks (28.9%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (31.2%).
How often does a 2001 Toyota MR2 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 33.5% of first tests on MR2s first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 30.4% failed, and a further 3.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 947 of 2,646 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Toyota MR2 MOT advisories?
“Coil spring: corroded” (on 12.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (12.2%), “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (10.3%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (10.1%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (9.6%).
Is a 2001 Toyota MR2 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 62.2% in 2021 to 66.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 MR2?
The numbers above cover every MR2 first used in 2001 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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