Common problems by part
Daihatsu Terios steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 3,424 MOT tests · Updated
At 16 years, 3.2 in 100 MOT tests of the Daihatsu Terios failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,424 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 109 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 6 ages from 14 to 19 years, 14,631 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 2.7 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
3.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 16 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Daihatsu Terios steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1,503 | 2.7 | 3.2 |
| 15 | 2,755 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 3,424 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 3,149 | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| 18 | 2,354 | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| 19* | 1,446 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
All first-use years of the Daihatsu Terios pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the steering at 16 years
Fails
- Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 2.7 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.9. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 2.9 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.8. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Daihatsu Terios? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.
Check one Daihatsu Terios, not the average
The figures here describe Daihatsu Terios cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Daihatsu Terios's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Daihatsu Terios problems
- Daihatsu Terios suspension problems
- Daihatsu Terios brakes problems
- Daihatsu Terios lights and electrics problems
- Daihatsu Terios body and structure problems
- Daihatsu Terios exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Daihatsu Terios seat belts and airbags problems
- Daihatsu Terios windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Daihatsu Terios tyres problems
Steering on rival models
- Suzuki SX4 steering problems: 0.8 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.2 for the Daihatsu Terios (8,156 MOT tests)
- Kia Soul steering problems: 15.9 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.2 for the Daihatsu Terios (1,922 MOT tests)
- Fiat Sedici steering problems: 1.3 per 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.2 for the Daihatsu Terios (1,365 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Daihatsu Terios have more steering problems than other cars?
3.2 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 3,424 MOT tests).
How common are Daihatsu Terios steering problems?
3.2 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years failed on steering, against 3.4 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,424 MOT tests).
What is the most common Daihatsu Terios steering fail?
2.7 in 100 MOT tests at 16 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (92 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 14,631 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare