Toyota Axio common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Toyota Axio is known for (2006–2012), 6 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 Axio
Starter motor not switching off
Safety risk
2012–2013 · 1NZ-FE · petrol · Electrical
What to look for: Listen at cold start for the starter whirring or grinding on after the engine fires, and look for a 3344 recall sticker.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that the energising setting for the starter drive relay was inadequate, so silver from the contacts aggregates and flakes off; a flake caught in the circuit holds the relay energised, the starter keeps turning and in the worst case a fire results. Toyota's remedy replaces both the relay and the starter.
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: 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: Pull the dipstick: low oil, or very black thick oil on a car with a recent service sticker, is a warning.
Why it matters: The cause is carbon-stuck or worn oil control rings, sometimes valve stem seals; it gets worse with long high-rev motorway running and stretched oil changes. Owners who never check the dipstick run it low, which then wears the chain, VVT gear and bearings. Usual NZ fix is a good used engine; a ring and seal rebuild costs more. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
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.
Got a question about a Toyota Axio? 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.