1997 Toyota Corolla · 1,100 MOT tests
1997 Toyota Corolla reliability
1997 Toyota Corollas fail 41.6% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 16 Corolla years (1,100 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Corollas: 32.2%)
- 41.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Corollas: 32.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 94,777
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,100
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 8% of tests fail here (97% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 35% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Toyota Corolla
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.7%
- Lights and electrics13.5%
- Body, chassis and structure12.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.9%
- Brakes9.6%
- Tyres8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.91%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.64%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 5.55%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 5.18%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.09%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 4.09%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (13.55%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.55%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (11.55%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.18%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.82%)
Other years
Every Toyota Corolla year
The full picture: Toyota Corolla reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota Corolla, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Toyota Corolla reliable?
1997 Toyota Corollas fail 41.6% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 16 Corolla years (1,100 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Toyota Corolla MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.91% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.64% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (5.55% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Toyota Corolla have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Toyota Corolla shows 94,777 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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