2000 Toyota RAV4 — MOT failures & pass rate
5,844 MOT tests on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 are in this dataset, and 74.4% of them passed. That is 2.7 percentage points better than mid-size SUVs of a similar age, which fail at 28.3%. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and emissions & environmental.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (11.8%) and suspension (11.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are catalyst emissions, component mounting prescribed areas and headlamp — catalyst emissions alone was recorded 544 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 30-60k one: 29.6% versus 16.2%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 35.1% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 24.3% of tests failed in 2021 against 26.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 11.8% | 692 |
| 2 | Suspension | 11.6% | 675 |
| 3 | Emissions & environmental | 9.3% | 545 |
| 4 | Brakes | 8.8% | 514 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.5% | 324 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.6% | 271 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalyst emissions | 544 |
| 2 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 437 |
| 3 | Headlamp | 261 |
| 4 | Wipers | 260 |
| 5 | Headlamp aim | 250 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 214 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 35.1% | 2,054 |
| 2 | Suspension | 32.4% | 1,893 |
| 3 | Tyres | 22.6% | 1,321 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 16.2% | 946 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 16.1% | 943 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 15.4% | 899 |
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 | 303 | 16.2% |
| 60-90k | 1,174 | 23.8% |
| 90-120k | 1,869 | 25.5% |
| 120-150k | 1,419 | 26.0% |
| 150k+ | 1,069 | 29.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,620 | 24.3% |
| 2022 | 1,405 | 27.0% |
| 2023 | 1,135 | 26.1% |
| 2024 | 908 | 24.3% |
| 2025 | 776 | 26.3% |
What to check before buying a 2000 RAV4
On a 2000 RAV4, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.8% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (11.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (11.6% 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.
- Emissions & environmental (9.3% of tests): More common on older diesels (DPF/EGR) — can be expensive; check for warning lights and smoke. Typical repair: £100–£600.
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 2000 Toyota RAV4s pass their MOT?
74.4% of the 5,844 2000 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2000 Toyota RAV4?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 11.8% of tests, followed by suspension (11.6%).
Does the 2000 RAV4 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 16.2% in the 30-60k band to 29.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 5,844 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.