2021 Toyota Yaris Icon HEV CVT 1.5L Hybrid electric · OV21 UFA

The defining mechanical story of this 2021 Toyota Yaris Icon HEV CVT is one of broadly stable roadworthiness, but with a recurring wear pattern centred on the offside rear tyre that has now been flagged at two consecutive MOT tests. The vehicle most recently passed on 5 May 2026 with only a minor issue noted for an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp, a trivial electrical fault typically resolved by replacing a small bulb or LED unit. The earlier tests on 28 May 2024 and 20 May 2025 both passed with advisories for the offside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit at 3mm tread depth and worn on the inner edge. The repetition of this advisory across two consecutive years points to a persistent geometry or alignment issue on the rear axle, or potentially chronic under-inflation of that corner, which would be a priority area for physical inspection before purchase. Mileage accumulation on this Yaris is notably high for its age, standing at 75,382 miles on a five-year-old vehicle, which equates to roughly 15,076 miles annually. This is well above the average for a hybrid of this class, which often covers around 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. The MOT history shows annual tests with no significant gaps in recording, suggesting the car has been in continuous use rather than laid up, which is consistent with the mileage level. Mechanically, this elevated usage means greater wear on consumable components such as brake pads and discs, suspension bushes and coil springs, CV joints, and tyres, all of which will be closer to replacement thresholds than on a lower-mileage example. The hybrid system itself will have seen considerable cycling, but Toyota's hybrid drivetrains are generally robust under high-mileage conditions. Given the recurring offside rear tyre wear advisory, a prospective buyer should focus on the rear suspension and wheel alignment during inspection. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or top mounts on the trailing arms. Pay attention to whether the steering pulls to one side or the rear feels unsettled at speed, as both can be symptomatic of geometry drift. Inspect the offside rear tyre wall and tread closely for uneven wear patterns such as feathering or one-sided shoulder wear, and check all four tyres for matching brand, size, and tread depth, as mismatched tyres on a hybrid can affect the operation of the traction control and regen braking systems. It is also worth asking when a four-wheel alignment was last carried out, and whether the rear camber has been checked, as a persistently inner-edge-wearing tyre is rarely resolved simply by replacement. Beyond the rear axle concern, the higher-than-average mileage warrants a thorough check of the braking system. On test, listen for any grinding or squealing from the calipers, particularly when coming to a halt from speed, which could suggest worn pads or a binding caliper. Test the brakes firmly from around 40 mph to check for any pedal pulsation or judder, indicating possible disc warp common on heavily used cars. Inspect the brake discs visually through the wheels for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any surface scoring or rust pitting. Finally, the hybrid battery and 12V auxiliary battery should be assessed; while the main hybrid pack is largely sealed, a diagnostic read of the state of health via the dealer-level tool would confirm the battery has not degraded under this intensive usage, and the under-bonnet 12V battery is likely approaching replacement given the vehicle's age and high cycle count.