2002 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.5% of Toyota MR2s first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 3,113 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 2002 (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 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MR2s first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MR2 figure was 6.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2002 MR2 | All cars first used 2002 | MR2 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 60.8% | 54.4% | 1,319 |
| 2022 | 61.9% | 56.2% | 1,205 |
| 2023 | 61.0% | 57.5% | 1,121 |
| 2024 | 64.4% | 58.0% | 1,044 |
| 2025 | 65.5% | 59.5% | 948 |
Common 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT failures
Share of the 1,136 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 | 30.9% | 351 |
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | 18.1% | 206 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value | 12.1% | 138 |
| Position lamp: not working | 11.8% | 134 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 9.1% | 103 |
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 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2002 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 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 MR2s, as a share of all 3,113 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.5% | 359 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 9.8% | 305 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 9.7% | 302 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.3% | 257 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 7.8% | 242 |
Questions about the 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 Toyota MR2?
In 2025, 65.5% of MR2s first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2002 MR2 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 58.4% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (38.6%) and noise, emissions and leaks (25.9%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (30.9%).
How often does a 2002 Toyota MR2 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.5% of first tests on MR2s first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 30.7% failed, and a further 3.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,136 of 3,113 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota MR2 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 11.5% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Coil spring: corroded” (9.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (9.7%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.3%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (7.8%).
Is a 2002 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 60.8% in 2021 to 65.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2002
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
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