Reliability

Is the Toyota Aygo reliable? Honest answer.

Is the Toyota Aygo a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 253,974 recorded MOT tests, 19.3% failed.

Toyota Aygo
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

Yes, the Toyota Aygo is generally considered a reliable city car, particularly models from 2014 onwards. However, earlier models may have issues such as electrical faults and suspension wear, which can lead to higher repair costs. Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance.

MOT Pass Rates

The Toyota Aygo has an average MOT pass rate of about 65%. This rate varies significantly across different model years. For instance, the 2005 to 2013 models have a lower pass rate, often due to age-related issues. In contrast, models from 2014 onwards show improved reliability and higher pass rates.

Common Failure Modes

Common MOT failures for the Aygo include electrical faults, which can affect various systems, and suspension wear, particularly on older models. Engine management issues have also been reported, especially in models from 2005 to 2010. These problems can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

Year-by-Year Reliability

  • 2005-2013: Early models tend to have more issues, particularly with electrical systems and suspension. Owners report higher maintenance costs.
  • 2014-2018: Significant improvements in build quality and reliability. Owners generally report fewer issues and lower repair costs.
  • 2019 onwards: Newer models benefit from updated technology and design, leading to better reliability ratings.

Owner Feedback

While many appreciate the Aygo’s compact size and fuel efficiency, some express frustration over recurring electrical problems. Regular maintenance appears crucial for keeping older models running smoothly.

What people are asking

Is the Toyota Aygo a good reliable car?

Yes, the Toyota Aygo is often regarded as a reliable car, particularly for city driving. Its compact design and efficient fuel consumption make it a popular choice among urban drivers. However, potential buyers should be aware of some common issues, especially in earlier models.

How long will a Toyota Aygo last?

With proper maintenance, a Toyota Aygo can last well over 100,000 miles. Many owners report their vehicles running smoothly for many years, provided they keep up with regular servicing and address issues promptly.

Are Toyota Aygo cheap to repair?

While the Aygo is known for being an affordable and dependable city car, repairs can still occur over time. The average repair request for the Aygo can reach around £480, but many owners find that routine maintenance costs are manageable. Warrantywise plans start from just £21 per month for the Aygo, helping you budget for unexpected repair costs.

Which is better, Yaris or Aygo?

The choice between the Toyota Yaris and Aygo often depends on personal preference and specific needs. The Yaris offers more space and features, making it suitable for families or those needing extra room. The Aygo, on the other hand, is smaller and more economical, ideal for city driving and parking in tight spaces.

What owners say

New drivers appreciate its affordability in insurance and maintenance, making it a popular choice for those just starting out. However, some users have noted that maintenance costs can add up, especially for older models that may require more frequent repairs. Many owners express that the Toyota Aygo is an excellent first car due to its low running costs and compact size.

Signs of clutch trouble, such as a high biting point or difficulty engaging gears, have been highlighted by several users. This suggests that potential buyers should be cautious and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing. In discussions, owners have mentioned that while the Aygo is generally reliable, they have faced issues with the clutch and gearbox, particularly in older models.

However, some owners have reported electrical faults that can be frustrating, particularly if they occur shortly after purchase. Regular servicing is recommended to mitigate these issues. Feedback indicates that many drivers find the Aygo easy to handle and park, which is a significant advantage in urban environments.

Overall, the consensus among owners is that while the Aygo is a reliable and economical choice, buyers should be aware of its potential shortcomings, especially in older models. Keeping up with maintenance and being mindful of common issues can help enhance the ownership experience.

Overall Verdict

The Toyota Aygo is a reliable choice for city driving, especially models from 2014 onwards. However, potential buyers should be cautious of early models due to common faults and higher repair costs. Regular maintenance can mitigate many issues and enhance reliability.

Toyota Aygo recall record

9 recalls have been issued for the Toyota Aygo, between 2010 and 2023.

  1. On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

    R/2023/279

    Issued 12 October 2023

    On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

    Remedy:The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.

    Affects cars built Sept 2022 to Aug 2023

  2. SOME REAR INNER SEAT BELTS MAY HAVE INCORRECT STITCHING ON THE BELT MATERIAL

    R/2020/351

    Issued 25 January 2021

    On affected vehicles some rear inner seat belts may have incorrect stitching on the belt material.

    Remedy:Check seat belts and relace if necessary.

    Affects cars built Aug 2020 to Oct 2020

  3. IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO SWITCH HEADLIGHTS FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM

    R/2020/254

    Issued 20 October 2020

    It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beam.

    Remedy:Replace the Headlamp Units

    Affects cars built Jun 2020 to Jun 2020

  4. AN INCORRECT TOOLING SETUP DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF THE FUEL TANK MAY RESULT IN REDUCED WALL THICKNESS OR SMALL PIN HOLE IN THE TANK'S BOTTOM SURFACE

    R/2018/316

    Issued 21 January 2019

    An incorrect tooling setup during the manufacturing of the fuel tank may result in reduced wall thickness

    Remedy:Check the serial number and replace the fuel tank if necessary.

    Affects cars built Jun 2016 to Jun 2016

5 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Toyota Aygo MOT record

From 253,974 recorded MOT tests, 19.3% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20221,5765.1%16,545 mi
202116,6167.0%19,724 mi
202016,1998.9%23,906 mi
201921,6929.7%29,228 mi
201821,51010.3%34,477 mi
201721,09512.1%40,752 mi
201621,85113.5%46,543 mi
201522,91015.5%52,505 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn27.9%
  2. A tyre seriously damaged23.1%
  3. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements22.4%
  4. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded14.5%
  5. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded12.2%

Figures cover every Toyota Aygo tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

What are common problems with the Toyota Aygo?

Common issues include electrical faults, worn suspension components, and engine management problems.

Which year models of the Aygo are most reliable?

Models from 2014 onwards generally show better reliability ratings.

Is the Aygo good for city driving?

Yes, its compact size and good fuel economy make it ideal for urban environments.

Sources