Toyota Noah Hybrid common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 3 faults the Toyota Noah Hybrid is known for (2014–2021), 2 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 Noah Hybrid
Hybrid brake actuator and booster wear
Safety risk
2014–2021 · 2ZR-FXE · hybrid · Hybrid and EV
What to look for: Switch to READY and listen for the brake pump buzzing repeatedly or running for long periods.
Why it matters: The fix is a new brake booster and booster pump with actuator, and a change to a wear-resistant brake fluid. Noah and Voxy hybrids built December 2013 to December 2020 and Esquire hybrids built to April 2020 are in the affected range, as is the Aqua with the same system. Left unrepaired this is a safety risk on top of the repair bill.
What to look for: Drive at least 20 minutes including hills and watch the battery gauge.
Why it matters: Early signs are worse fuel use, the engine running more and weak regeneration; later the 'hybrid system check' or 'battery system fault, have it checked' message appears. One ZWR80 at 169,000 km had one block far below the rest with a large state-of-charge spread. Replacement in Japan is about 200,000-250,000 yen new or 100,000-150,000 yen rebuilt. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Open and close both sliding doors and the back door repeatedly by key fob, dash switch, B-pillar button and handle.
Why it matters: A wiring harness between the door motor unit and the easy-close (latch) motor breaks from repeated flexing: the door will not open or close electrically, the closer does not pull it shut, it is very heavy to close by hand and a buzzer beeps continuously; a Japanese shop found the wire fully broken with more chafed spots and fixed it with a harness (about 16,600 yen) instead of a motor unit (about 60,000 yen).
Got a question about a Toyota Noah Hybrid? 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.