Does the Toyota MR2 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Toyota MR2 records 18.08 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 28.79 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−10.71, 95% interval −11.10 to −10.32). It ranks 607 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Toyota MR2 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Toyota MR2 is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 3,684 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 3,684 | 5.16 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 1,884 | 2.64 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 1,613 | 2.26 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 1,229 | 1.72 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 1,205 | 1.69 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 71,364 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Toyota MR2 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
15.8% of Toyota MR2 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 1,696 miles later (12,190 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 12,190 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Toyota MR2 1998 · Toyota MR2 1999 · Toyota MR2 2000 · Toyota MR2 2001 · Toyota MR2 2002 · Toyota MR2 2003 · Toyota MR2 2004 · Toyota MR2 2005 · Toyota MR2 2006 · Toyota MR2 2007 · Toyota MR2 in the Netherlands · Toyota MR2 by postcode area · Toyota MR2 body, chassis and structure failures · Toyota MR2 brakes failures · Toyota MR2 vehicle identification failures · Toyota MR2 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Toyota MR2 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Toyota MR2 road wheels failures · Toyota MR2 seat belts and airbags failures · Toyota MR2 steering failures · Toyota MR2 tyres failures · Toyota MR2 visibility failures