Toyota Yaris common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 13 faults the Toyota Yaris is known for (2010–2020), 12 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 Yaris
Window switch sticking or melting
Safety risk
2006–2011 · Electrical
What to look for: Feel for a sticky or notchy driver's window switch, and smell and look for burnt or melted plastic around it.
Why it matters: Toyota's recall states that grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the switch's sliding electrical contacts, and that unprotected contacts can let debris and moisture cause a short circuit so the switch assembly overheats and melts, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect the switch, apply lubricant if nothing is wrong and replace the circuit board if it is.
What to look for: Ask for a VIN recall check showing no Takata airbag recall is outstanding, and for an import, any Japanese recall work.
Why it matters: This campaign covers vehicles whose driver or passenger frontal inflators were already replaced under an earlier recall using inflators of the same design; Toyota states those inflators may explode due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature and temperature cycling, with sharp metal fragments striking occupants. A prior repair stamp is therefore not the end of the question.
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.
2019–2024 · M15A-FXE, M15A-FKS · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Look at each front lower arm near the ball joint for rust or cracks, and listen for clunks over bumps.
Why it matters: MLIT No. 5340 records inadequate manufacture at the ball joint mounting leaving cracks that spread over rough roads until the lower arm fractures and the ball joint drops out, impairing driving stability. MLIT No. 5445 records inadequate durability against frequent de-icing salt, so corrosion cracks and spreads to the same end state, with the vehicle unable to be driven.
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 for the Japanese service record showing the rear brake campaign, and feel for dragging when first rolling it after standing overnight.
Why it matters: Toyota Japan's notice states that high-pressure water from washing can enter the rear drum brake near the wheel cylinder mounting; if the water has not dried before the car is parked in low temperatures it freezes, illuminating a warning lamp and temporarily preventing the brake from releasing. The remedy is a sealant applied at the wheel cylinder mounting.
What to look for: Ask the seller if a hybrid or master warning has ever come on when accelerating, especially on wet or rough roads.
Why it matters: Toyota Japan's notice states that a small amount of rust-preventive oil was left on the power transmission section of the hybrid transaxle input damper, so hard acceleration over a slippery or uneven surface produces a sudden change in rotation, the damper slips temporarily and a warning lamp illuminates. The remedy is replacement of the input damper.
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: 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 Yaris? 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.