2006 Toyota Mr2 — MOT failures & pass rate
4,677 MOT tests on the 2006 Toyota Mr2 are in this dataset, and 79.0% of them passed. Coupes & convertibles of a similar age fail at 21.9%, so the 2006 Mr2 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in brakes, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
Brakes dominates the failure mix at 14.1% of all tests — 6.3 points clear of lighting & signalling, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are rbt (sp), headlamp aim and parking brake performance — rbt (sp) alone was recorded 464 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 7.4% in the 0-30k band and 23.5% in the 150k+ band, a 16.1-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 26.3% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 14.1% | 661 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 7.8% | 365 |
| 3 | Suspension | 5.2% | 242 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 4.9% | 230 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.0% | 141 |
| 6 | Tyres | 2.9% | 137 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rbt (sp) | 464 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 192 |
| 3 | Parking brake performance | 192 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 163 |
| 5 | Wipers | 141 |
| 6 | Service brake performance | 131 |
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 | 26.3% | 1,230 |
| 2 | Brakes | 24.5% | 1,146 |
| 3 | Tyres | 17.4% | 816 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 8.6% | 403 |
| 5 | Other defects | 5.0% | 235 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 3.8% | 179 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 432 | 7.4% |
| 30-60k | 1,418 | 17.1% |
| 60-90k | 1,686 | 24.9% |
| 90-120k | 756 | 26.1% |
| 120-150k | 266 | 23.3% |
| 150k+ | 119 | 23.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,053 | 21.3% |
| 2022 | 1,000 | 21.2% |
| 2023 | 914 | 18.6% |
| 2024 | 858 | 21.9% |
| 2025 | 852 | 21.9% |
What to check before buying a 2006 Mr2
On a 2006 Mr2, brakes is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 14.1% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Brakes (14.1% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Lighting & signalling (7.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (5.2% 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.
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 2006 Toyota Mr2s pass their MOT?
79.0% of the 4,677 2006 Toyota Mr2 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 21.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2006 Toyota Mr2?
Brakes, recorded in 14.1% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (7.8%).
Does the 2006 Mr2 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.4% in the 0-30k band to 23.5% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 4,677 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.