Does the Toyota Starlet fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Toyota Starlet records 15.63 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 27.06 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−11.43, 95% interval −12.04 to −10.82). It ranks 612 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 Starlet by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Toyota Starlet is “A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage”, recorded 1,375 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 1,375 | 4.94 |
| 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 | 883 | 3.17 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 628 | 2.25 |
| A wheel bearing excessively rough | 421 | 1.51 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 236 | 0.85 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 27,861 (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 Starlet gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
15.7% of Toyota Starlet MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 3,313 miles later (6,441 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 6,441 (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 Starlet 1998 · Toyota Starlet 1999 · Toyota Starlet in the Netherlands · Toyota Starlet by postcode area · Toyota Starlet body, chassis and structure failures · Toyota Starlet brakes failures · Toyota Starlet vehicle identification failures · Toyota Starlet lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Toyota Starlet noise, emissions and leaks failures · Toyota Starlet seat belts and airbags failures · Toyota Starlet steering failures · Toyota Starlet tyres failures · Toyota Starlet visibility failures