Toyota Auris common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 10 faults the Toyota Auris is known for (2006–2013), 9 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Toyota Auris
Hybrid system cutting out
Safety risk
2016–2018 · 2ZR-FXE · hybrid · Hybrid and EV
What to look for: Look for a 4762 recall sticker in the driver's door opening, and check for a hybrid warning after accelerating hard from slow.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that the abnormality-judgement control program was inadequate, so if a boost-circuit element is damaged during high-load running (such as hard acceleration from very low speed) the system may fail to enter fail-safe mode. The stated consequence is a warning lamp and the hybrid system stopping, leaving the vehicle unable to be driven.
What to look for: Look for brake, ABS and skid warning lights staying on together in READY, and feel for a very heavy brake pedal.
Why it matters: Toyota Japan's notice states that frequent braking can wear the hydraulic control valve in the electric brake actuator earlier than designed, that several warning lamps then illuminate together, and that continuing to drive brings on an audible warning with higher pedal effort and reduced braking.
What to look for: Feel the driver's window switch for warmth after working every window several times, and smell for hot plastic.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that the method of applying lubricating grease to the switch was inadequate, leaving some switches short of grease; wear particles from the sliding terminals combined with moisture form a short circuit, the terminal heats, the switch and surrounding plastic burn and in the worst case a fire results.
What to look for: Look for a 4174 recall sticker in the driver's door opening, or ask for the Japanese service record showing the airbag recall.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that handling when the igniter-charging equipment stopped was inadequate, so some inflators were filled with too little igniter material; the airbag then may not deploy properly when it operates. Toyota's remedy replaces the entire passenger airbag. These Corolla Axio and Fielder shapes are among the most common Japanese imports in New Zealand.
What to look for: Smell around the car, especially the rear corners, for petrol after it has been filled and parked.
Why it matters: Both MLIT notifications record that the resin evaporative gas passage end is inadequate - in one case the end shape, in the other insufficient strength against fuel swelling - so cracks form in service. Continued use lets the crack penetrate, fuel leaks when the tank is full and there is a fuel smell. Petrol leaking near a hot exhaust is a fire path, and a fuel smell in a used car is often dismissed as a spill.
What to look for: Torch on the water pump at the belt end of the engine.
Why it matters: A seized pump can throw the drive belt. Toyota later released a modified pump (16100-09502) for ongoing leaks. An aluminium engine overheated by a failed pump can warp the head. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Drive it cold and fully warm (20+ minutes).
Why it matters: Weak points named for this family are fluid contamination, overheating, bearing wear and seal leaks. A failing box is usually replaced with a used one in NZ. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Look along the roof, bonnet and boot lid for raised edges, flaking paint or a patched colour.
Why it matters: Any extended cover Toyota offered has ended for a car this age, so the buyer pays: a proper fix is stripping and repainting whole panels, and spot touch-ups usually lift again.
What to look for: Look along the roof, bonnet and boot lid for raised edges, flaking paint or a patched colour.
Why it matters: Any extended cover Toyota offered has ended for a car this age, so the buyer pays: a proper fix is stripping and repainting whole panels, and spot touch-ups usually lift again.
What to look for: Look around the catch in the driver's door opening for Toyota recall stickers, and photograph any numbers you find.
Why it matters: The instruction to apply a numbered sticker near the driver's door striker appears in the text of the Toyota recall notifications themselves, which makes it the one field marker a New Zealand dealer can read without a scan tool or a dealer account.
Got a question about a Toyota Auris? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.