Toyota Vitz common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 11 faults the Toyota Vitz is known for (2005–2018), 10 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 Vitz
Hybrid 12V charging fault
Safety risk
2018 · 1NZ-FXE · hybrid · Hybrid and EV
What to look for: Look for a 4522 recall sticker in the driver's door opening, then leave it in READY and watch for warning lights.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification states that insufficient soldering on the converter's control board can separate under repeated heat cycling, stopping the auxiliary battery from charging, illuminating warning lights and, in the worst case, shutting the hybrid system down so the vehicle cannot be driven. On a Japanese import there is no NZ owner record to notify, so an outstanding campaign follows the car into your yard.
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.
2010–2011 · 1KR-FE, 1NR-FE, 1NZ-FE · petrol · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Feel for the steering suddenly getting heavy turning lock to lock at walking pace, and watch for the power steering light.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that the terminal spacing and coil-wire humidity control in the sealed motor drive relay inside the EPS computer were inadequate, so moisture absorbed by the coil wire condenses, forms a short circuit between terminals, the computer detects a fault and steering effort increases. Toyota's remedy is replacement of the computer.
2005–2010 · 1KR-FE, 1NZ-FE, 2NZ-FE, 1SZ-FE · petrol · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Feel for movement or a knock when you push and pull the steering wheel up, down and side to side.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that the bracket fixing the steering column under the instrument panel was insufficiently strong, so repeatedly turning the wheel hard to full lock cracks it; continuing to use the car spreads the crack until, in the worst case, the steering column can no longer be held in place.
What to look for: Look for a 3696 recall sticker in the driver's door opening and an 'airbag not working' label on the passenger sun visor.
Why it matters: The MLIT notification records that on the single-stage passenger airbag inflator the inflator housing can rupture and scatter when the airbag deploys, causing fire or injury to occupants. The remedy is a new inflator, and where parts were short Toyota disabled the passenger airbag and labelled the visor.
What to look for: Ask the importer for a Japanese recall check on the chassis number, plus the auction sheet and any recall records.
Why it matters: The MLIT recall schedules behind the Japanese campaigns cited elsewhere in this overlay all state that the manufacturer notifies vehicle users by direct mail, with trade notification through the Japanese repairers' association journal and the manufacturer's own website.
What to look for: Look for leaves or standing water under the bonnet below the windscreen, and check all wiper speeds and brake lights work.
Why it matters: MLIT notification No. 3343 records that the drain shape at the wiper motor mounting is inadequate, so if leaves and debris are not removed the drain blocks; overflowing water then enters the motor and the wiring for items such as the brake lamps, and in the worst case the wipers or brake lamps stop working. Corroded wiring found later is an expensive and awkward repair, and non-working brake lights fail a warrant.
What to look for: Drive from cold: smooth take-off with no judder at walking pace, no flare in revs without the car picking up speed.
Why it matters: Wrong or overfilled fluid causes foaming, slipping, shudder and expensive internal damage. Worn CVTs show as a whine that rises with speed, a slipping or rubber-band feel, or judder at crawl speed. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Check the dipstick: well below full or very dark on a recently serviced car is a warning.
Why it matters: Short trips and long oil intervals make it worse, and the carbon also fouls the pistons and valves causing rough running. Thicker oil eases it; the proper fix is new rings (or revised pistons) on all four cylinders. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Lift the rear seat corner cover / look at the battery intake grille by the rear seat for hair, dust or fluff.
Why it matters: Toyota service bulletins cover P0A80/P0A7F caused by dust in the HV battery cooling fan. On the XP130 the intake is under the rear seat corner cover, with a mesh (no replaceable filter) that needs cleaning; human and pet hair is the main culprit. Cleaning the intake and fan is cheap; a replacement battery is not. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
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 Vitz? 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.