2012 Toyota Previa — MOT failures & pass rate
284 MOT tests on the 2012 Toyota Previa are in this dataset, and 77.5% of them passed. That is effectively the same as MPVs of a similar age (22.6% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: lighting & signalling, recorded in 19.7% of tests against 9.9% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, headlamp and catalyst emissions — headlamp aim alone was recorded 23 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 14.8% in the 30-60k band and 25.4% in the 150k+ band, a 10.6-point spread.
Suspension is the most common advisory, noted on 37.0% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 31.0% in 2021 to 24.1% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 19.7% | 56 |
| 2 | Suspension | 9.9% | 28 |
| 3 | Visibility | 6.7% | 19 |
| 4 | Brakes | 6.3% | 18 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 4.9% | 14 |
| 6 | Tyres | 3.9% | 11 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 23 |
| 2 | Headlamp | 20 |
| 3 | Catalyst emissions | 17 |
| 4 | Rear fog lamp | 15 |
| 5 | Wipers | 15 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 14 |
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 | 37.0% | 105 |
| 2 | Tyres | 20.8% | 59 |
| 3 | Brakes | 20.4% | 58 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 19.0% | 54 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 18.0% | 51 |
| 6 | Other defects | 8.8% | 25 |
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 | 54 | 14.8% |
| 60-90k | 67 | 22.4% |
| 90-120k | 59 | 27.1% |
| 120-150k | 42 | 26.2% |
| 150k+ | 55 | 25.4% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 58 | 31.0% |
| 2022 | 59 | 22.0% |
| 2023 | 63 | 15.9% |
| 2024 | 50 | 20.0% |
| 2025 | 54 | 24.1% |
What to check before buying a 2012 Previa
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 19.7% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (19.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (9.9% 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.
- Visibility (6.7% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£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 2012 Toyota Previas pass their MOT?
77.5% of the 284 2012 Toyota Previa MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 22.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2012 Toyota Previa?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 19.7% of tests, followed by suspension (9.9%).
Does the 2012 Previa get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 14.8% in the 30-60k band to 25.4% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 284 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.