1998 Toyota Corolla · 4,255 MOT tests
1998 Toyota Corolla reliability
1998 Toyota Corollas fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 16 Corolla years (4,255 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Corollas: 32.2%)
- 41.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Corollas: 32.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 95,922
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,255
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.3% of tests fail here (72% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 28% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Corolla
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.1%
- Lights and electrics14.7%
- Brakes11.8%
- Body, chassis and structure11.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.7%
- Tyres7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.08%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.89%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.04%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 3.55%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 3.53%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.45%
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 (13.63%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.14%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.87%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.49%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (6.96%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.79%)
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 1998 Toyota Corolla reliable?
1998 Toyota Corollas fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 16 Corolla years (4,255 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Toyota Corolla MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.08% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.89% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Toyota Corolla have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Toyota Corolla shows 95,922 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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