2002 Daihatsu Terios — MOT failures & pass rate
728 MOT tests on the 2002 Daihatsu Terios are in this dataset, and 65.9% of them passed. That is 5.9 percentage points worse than small SUVs of a similar age, which fail at 28.2%. Failures cluster in suspension, body, structure & corrosion and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (20.1%) and body, structure & corrosion (20.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are component mounting prescribed areas, joints and chassis condition — component mounting prescribed areas alone was recorded 211 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 26.6% of 30-60k cars fail, rising to 45.2% once past 150k.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 39.1% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 33.6% of tests failed in 2021 against 35.6% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 20.1% | 146 |
| 2 | Body, structure & corrosion | 20.1% | 146 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 11.9% | 87 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 10.3% | 75 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.0% | 44 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 5.9% | 43 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 211 |
| 2 | Joints | 92 |
| 3 | Chassis condition | 89 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 76 |
| 5 | Prescribed areas | 68 |
| 6 | Exhaust system | 40 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 39.1% | 285 |
| 2 | Body, structure & corrosion | 33.9% | 247 |
| 3 | Tyres | 26.0% | 189 |
| 4 | Brakes | 19.8% | 144 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 17.6% | 128 |
| 6 | Other defects | 8.8% | 64 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 113 | 26.6% |
| 60-90k | 251 | 31.1% |
| 90-120k | 221 | 39.4% |
| 120-150k | 92 | 40.2% |
| 150k+ | 31 | 45.2% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 235 | 33.6% |
| 2022 | 194 | 34.0% |
| 2023 | 134 | 35.1% |
| 2024 | 92 | 32.6% |
| 2025 | 73 | 35.6% |
What to check before buying a 2002 Terios
On a 2002 Terios, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 20.1% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (20.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Body, structure & corrosion (20.1% of tests): The one to take seriously on older cars — corrosion to structural areas can be costly and is an MOT failure. Typical repair: £200–£1,500+.
- Lighting & signalling (11.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2002 Daihatsu Terioss pass their MOT?
65.9% of the 728 2002 Daihatsu Terios MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 34.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 Daihatsu Terios?
Suspension, recorded in 20.1% of tests, followed by body, structure & corrosion (20.1%).
Does the 2002 Terios get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 26.6% in the 30-60k band to 45.2% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 728 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.