Skip to main content
Check

Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) (1999-2006) reliability

At a glance

Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) built around 2004: fails its MOT more often than average

Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) models built around 2004 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) right now?

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

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) models built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 26% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) models built around 2004 involves the suspension.

Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1999-2006CoupePETROL

Based on 8,753 tests of Celica models registered 1999-2006.

About 1 in 7 Celica T230 (7th gen) MOTs (13.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,605 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 15 Celica T230 (7th gen) MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).

Based on 1,605 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

T230 (7th gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
47026.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33629.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,56030.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,60532.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,37932.0%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,07429.9%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
71229.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
61733.2%

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 25+ years old.

How the Celica T230 (7th gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Celica T230 (7th gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 40,713 tests across 17 Toyota models, built around 2004 (21 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateToyota average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
47026.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33629.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,56030.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,60532.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,37932.0%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,07429.9%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
71229.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
61733.2%

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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

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

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.

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 coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Celica T230 (7th gen).

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 32.1% for the Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen), both built around 2004.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,698 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  2. 2

    Mercedes-Benz CLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.5%
    Dangerous
    6.2%

    Lower fail rate: 27.6%, against 32.1% for the Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen), both built around 2004.

    4,306 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 29.2%, against 32.1% for the Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen), both built around 2004.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    5,487 MOT tests on cars built around 2004

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.

Recall context

3 recalls in all

All 3 Celica T230 (7th gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Takata airbag inflator may rupture on deployment
  • Brake fluid may leak
  • Possible fuel spillage when petrol cap is opened

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

What has gone wrong on Celica T230 (7th gen) cars built around 2004

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,732 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
45%
Suspension
35%
Drivetrain
27%
Bodywork
13%
Steering
12%

Wear items

Lighting
61%
Brakes
59%
Tyres
44%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 29% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How Celica T230 (7th gen) cars have aged

How Celica T230 (7th gen) 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%151719212325Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (929 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (835 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (764 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (694 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (645 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,488 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,320 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,198 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,024 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (880 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,891 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,642 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,383 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,156 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (997 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (1,705 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (1,378 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,189 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (993 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (868 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,225 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,032 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (854 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (709 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (608 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,000 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (838 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (689 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (612 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (497 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (518 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (413 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (345 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (273 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (226 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (319 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (266 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (238 tests, 2023 data)Built around 1999, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (214 tests, 2024 data)1999
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
How each part holds up as T230 (7th gen) cars age

How each part holds up as T230 (7th gen) cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 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 car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension43%42%29%29%
Brakes68%69%60%61%
Emissions39%41%33%37%
Tyres58%57%58%55%
Lighting65%68%61%65%
Drivetrain6%8%4%5%
Bodywork10%9%9%5%
Steering4%6%5%4%
Corrosion36%38%32%27%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 379 to 552 cars at each age.

T230 (7th gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Toyota Celicas of this age

This list covers every Toyota Celica built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the T230 (7th gen) 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

    20.6%
    Advisory: 715Fail: 37 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    16.3%
    Advisory: 337Fail: 75 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    15.2%
    Advisory: 246Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    15.0%
    Advisory: 356Fail: 40 (10% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    15.0%
    Advisory: 345Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,605 tests

Looking at a Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Toyota Celica T230 (7th gen) (1999-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,605 21-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 8,753 MOT tests on Toyota Celicas first registered between 1999-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.