Toyota Blade common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Toyota Blade is known for (2006–2012), 4 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 Blade
Underfilled passenger airbag recall
Safety risk
2006–2009 · petrol · Interior and air con
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: Pull the dipstick: low or black oil is a warning.
Why it matters: NZ owners report Blades using 500 ml per 2,000 km and a NZ mechanic sees some at 2 litres per 3,000 km. Toyota covered it in the US, Canada and Japan but not in NZ or Australia. Many engines then fail because owners never check the oil. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
Got a question about a Toyota Blade? 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.