Skip to main content
Check

Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) (2003-2008) reliability

At a glance

Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) models built around 2008 involves the suspension.

Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250)
average reliability2003-2008SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 26,447 tests of Avensis models registered 2003-2008.

About 1 in 12 Avensis Mk2 (T250) MOTs (7.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,331 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Avensis Mk2 (T250) MOTs (8.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 6,331 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (T250) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,42130.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,33131.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,67430.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,63030.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,54230.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,67231.8%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,17730.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

How the Avensis Mk2 (T250) compares

At each age below, see how the Avensis Mk2 (T250) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 88,601 tests across 17 Toyota models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateToyota average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,42130.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,33131.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,67430.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,63030.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,54230.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,67231.8%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,17730.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Avensis Mk2 (T250).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Lancer

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.3%
    Dangerous
    7.6%

    Lower fail rate: 27.9%, against 31.0% for the Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250), both built around 2008.

    1,506 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Passat

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.4%
    Dangerous
    9.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.2%

    More still registered at 10 years: 83%, against 72% for the Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250).

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,346 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

72%of all Toyota Avensis cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

45 recalls in all

19 of the 45 Avensis Mk2 (T250) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 16 more

Top concerns

  • Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
  • Rear suspension arm may separate
  • Possible malfunction of curtain shield airbag

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Avensis Mk2 (T250) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 314 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
41%
Emissions
15%
Drivetrain
7%
Steering
2%
Bodywork
1%

Wear items

Lighting
57%
Brakes
53%
Tyres
41%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 24% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Avensis Mk2 (T250) cars have aged

How Avensis Mk2 (T250) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (6,715 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (5,843 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (5,277 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (4,454 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (3,873 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (7,090 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (6,082 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (5,201 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (4,228 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (3,433 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (6,488 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (5,407 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (4,592 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (3,778 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (2,977 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (5,316 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (4,468 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,722 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,978 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (2,362 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (4,431 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (3,542 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (2,802 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (2,235 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,688 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (2,976 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (2,363 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,931 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,525 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,177 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005
How each part holds up as Mk2 (T250) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (T250) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension41%41%35%37%
Brakes53%64%57%52%
Emissions15%21%21%18%
Tyres41%43%42%48%
Lighting57%63%55%60%
Drivetrain7%6%4%3%
Bodywork1%2%2%2%
Steering2%2%4%3%
Corrosion24%33%24%26%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 314 to 785 cars at each age.

Mk2 (T250) variants compared

Avensis Mk2 (T250) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Avensis Mk2 (T250) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • AVENSIS29.7%3,319 tests

Diesel

  • AVENSIS32.5%3,009 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Toyota Avensises of this age

This list covers every Toyota Avensis built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (T250) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    27.6%
    Advisory: 3,775Fail: 180 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.4%
    Advisory: 1,751Fail: 168 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    13.6%
    Advisory: 1,002Fail: 270 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    12.9%
    Advisory: 1,080Fail: 145 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.0%
    Advisory: 882Fail: 188 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,331 tests

Looking at a Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Toyota Avensis Mk2 (T250) (2003-2008) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 6,331 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 26,447 MOT tests on Toyota Avensises first registered between 2003-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.