1999 Toyota MR2 · 1,216 MOT tests
1999 Toyota MR2 reliability
1999 Toyota MR2s fail 31.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 9 MR2 years (1,216 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- 31.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota MR2s: 33.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 104,864
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,216
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 13.2% of tests fail here (73% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 44% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Toyota MR2
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14%
- Brakes13.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks13.2%
- Suspension9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.2%
- Steering3.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.11%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 4.11%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.29%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 2.71%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Service brake excessively binding 2.63%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Position lamp not working 2.47%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.77%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (4.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.19%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.19%)
Is a 1999 Toyota MR2 reliable?
1999 Toyota MR2s fail 31.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 9 MR2 years (1,216 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Toyota MR2 MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.11% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (4.11% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Toyota MR2 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Toyota MR2 shows 104,864 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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