Toyota Alphard years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 3 Toyota Alphard years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2006–2008
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 72.7% to 75.3%.
In 2025, 74.0% of the 4,238 initial MOT tests on Toyota Alphard cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.2%. That is 16.8 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Alphard
Toyota Alphard MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008age 17 | 1,18278,200 | 76.7%±2.5 | +19.5 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2007age 18 | 1,63475,200 | 72.3%±2.3 | +14.9 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 1,42275,900 | 73.6%±2.4 | +16.6 ptsall: 57.0% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upCommon Alphard problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.
Most common MOT failures on the Toyota Alphard
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 14.5%160 tests | 6.1% |
| Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirtSuspension | 12.9%142 tests | 4.7% |
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 10.3%113 tests | 13.9% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 9.6%106 tests | 9.5% |
| Rear fog lamp not workingLights and electrics | 9.3%103 tests | 2.1% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 8.4%93 tests | 4.3% |
| Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres | 7.1%78 tests | 4.1% |
| Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics | 5.9%65 tests | 8.7% |
| Axle swivel pin and/or bush excessively wornSuspension | 5.7%63 tests | 0.5% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 5.5%61 tests | 6.5% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Alphard's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing an Alphard
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Check the dashboard warning lights come on when the car is switched on and then go out. Ask about any that stay lit.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. Check the car rises once and settles, not bouncing again and again.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- Check the car sits level when parked on flat ground.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check an Alphard's MOT historyToyota Alphard questions
Which Toyota Alphard years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2006–2008. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Toyota Alphard reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 74.0% of initial MOT tests on Toyota Alphard cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.2%. That is 16.8 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Toyota Alphard problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 50.6% of failed tests) and suspension (in 33.7% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 17-year-old Toyota Alphard?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Toyota Alphard cars first used in 2008, about 17 years old, had a median of 78,200 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Alphard's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Toyota Alphard
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Toyota models
- Toyota Yaris+2.4 pts against the same-age average
- Toyota Aygo+2.7 pts against the same-age average
- Toyota Prius+6.7 pts against the same-age average
- Toyota Auris+3.8 pts against the same-age average
- Toyota RAV4+5.2 pts against the same-age average
- Toyota Corolla+2.4 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 26 Toyota modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Toyota Alphard cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count