What to look out for on a Toyota Yaris?

In short, the Yaris is typically reliable, but you should inspect core systems such as the engine and transmission, braking, tires, rust, and service history, and confirm any recalls have been addressed.

The Toyota Yaris spans several generations and markets, including gasoline hatchbacks and hybrids. This guide highlights the most important reliability and maintenance checks, how they can vary by generation, and practical tips for both buying used and keeping a Yaris on the road. It emphasizes what to look for in pre-purchase inspections, as well as hybrid-specific considerations where applicable.

Key checks before buying a Toyota Yaris

Use this checklist to assess a Yaris you are considering purchasing or maintaining, focusing on mechanical health, safety, and history.

• Engine and transmission health: look for smooth startup, even idle, and no abnormal noises or smoke; check for oil leaks under the engine and around the oil cap; ensure the transmission shifts smoothly (automatic/CVT or manual) without slipping or harsh gear changes.


• Brakes and tires: inspect brake pads and rotors for wear, listen for grinding sounds, and check tire tread depth and wear pattern; ensure ABS/traction controls work as expected.


• Suspension and steering: check for clunks over bumps, inspect for uneven handling, and verify alignment; test road feel at different speeds.


• Rust and body integrity: look for rust in wheel arches, sills, underbody, and around door bottoms; check for signs of previous panel repairs or water damage inside.


• Electricals and interior wear: test lights, indicators, windows, air conditioning, infotainment, and key fob; inspect interior for excessive wear or water intrusion.


• Service history and mileage: review service records for regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and timing chain/belt service if applicable; compare mileage against wear on components.


• Recall status and VIN checks: verify there are no open recalls for the vehicle using the VIN on the manufacturer’s site or a trusted service portal.


• Mileage and ownership cost indicators: consider maintenance updates typical for the model year and project ongoing costs (tire replacements, brake service, battery, etc.).

Concluding: A thorough pre-purchase assessment covers mechanical health, safety features, and the vehicle’s history, helping you avoid surprise repairs and plan maintenance or negotiation.

Hybrid Yaris: unique checks

If you’re looking at a Yaris Hybrid, the powertrain adds a battery-assisted layer of complexity. The following checks focus on hybrid-specific components and their aging risks.

• Hybrid battery health and warranty: ask for battery health status, charging performance, and ensure there’s no sign of battery degradation; confirm the hybrid system warranty and available coverage.


• Electric motor and CVT behavior: listen for unusual whirring or hesitation when the electric motor engages; check for smooth propulsion during low-speed acceleration.


• Inverter cooling and thermal management: ensure there are no signs of overheating, and that cooling fans operate as needed.


• Regenerative braking feel: note any inconsistent braking effort or unusual transition between regenerative and mechanical braking.


• 12V battery and electrical load: verify the auxiliary battery is reliable, as issues can affect start-up and electronics more quickly in hybrids.


• Service history for hybrid system: confirm regular hybrid system inspections, coolant changes for inverter (if applicable), and software updates.


• Recall status for hybrid components: check for open recalls that affect the hybrid drivetrain or battery cooling.

Concluding: Hybrid Yaris checks emphasize battery health, cooling for the inverter, and reliable integration between electric and gasoline power, alongside standard used-car considerations.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

Beyond inspections, staying on top of routine maintenance and understanding common wear items helps keep a Yaris running smoothly and within budget.

• Follow Toyota’s maintenance schedule: typical services include regular oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and periodic inspections of brakes and tires.


• Timing chain vs belt: confirm whether your Yaris uses a timing chain and that it’s in good condition; chain-driven engines generally require less frequent belt maintenance but still benefit from professional inspection.


• Brake and tire costs: plan for brake pad/rotor replacements and tire replacements based on driving style and road conditions.


• Battery health: monitor the 12V battery’s condition, corrosion at terminals, and load testing to avoid no-start issues; hybrid battery requires special attention when applicable.


• Electrical system and sensors: ensure that warning lights, airbags, and electronic controls function properly; address any sensor faults promptly.


• Recalls and service campaigns: regularly check for open recalls using the VIN and address them with a dealer as soon as possible.

Concluding: Regular maintenance aligned with Toyota’s schedule and prompt recall service are the best defenses against expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.

Summary

The Toyota Yaris remains a practical, economical choice when well maintained. Prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, verify a clean service history, and confirm recall completion. If you’re considering a hybrid, pay extra attention to the health of the hybrid system and its battery. With diligent checks and proper maintenance, a Yaris can offer reliable daily transport with manageable ownership costs.

What is the common problem in Toyota Yaris?

Common problems reported for the Toyota Yaris include issues with the automatic transmission (especially older models), power steering failure, air conditioning problems, and paint peeling, particularly on the roof and hood. Other frequently cited issues are engine and transmission problems, such as engine mounts, clutch slip, and rough idling. Some models have also been subject to significant recalls, including issues with airbag inflators and steering components.
 
This video discusses common problems and weaknesses of the used Toyota Yaris (I generation): 59sMasterCarsProYouTube · Jul 20, 2023
Powertrain 

• Automatic Transmission: Can slip or have issues shifting, especially in older models, sometimes linked to a lack of regular fluid changes. 
• Clutch: Slipping is a common issue, often indicated by high RPMs without corresponding speed, a burning smell, or a change in pedal height. 
• Engine Mounts: Some owners report vibrations from damaged engine mounts. 
• Rough Idling: Can occur due to dirty throttle bodies or injectors. Cleaning and replacing spark plugs can help. 
• Oil Consumption: Some older models, particularly pre-2015, may burn more oil than expected. 

Steering and suspension

• Power Steering: Malfunctions have been reported, leading to steering difficulties. 
• Steering Wheel: Some owners report a loose or vibrating steering wheel, or a noisy steering system. 
• Wheel Hubs: Noise, such as squealing, has been linked to faulty front and rear wheel hubs. 

Electrical and accessories

• Air Conditioning: Malfunctions, such as leaks or the system not turning on, have been reported. 
• Airbags: Faulty inflators have been the cause of a major recall. 
• Headlights: Malfunction of headlight beams has been noted. 
• Media Computer: Issues with the radio, GPS, and Bluetooth have occurred. 
• Alarm System: Problems with alarm malfunction have been reported. 

Body and paint

• Paint Peeling: A common problem is clear coat peeling, especially on the roof and hood. 
• Scratches: Scratches can appear on the dashboard, around door locks, and in the trunk. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems of the Toyota Yaris iA: 59sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Dec 14, 2024

What is the best year of Toyota Yaris to buy?

The more recent your purchase with the Toyota Yaris, the better it will serve you as time goes on. Out of these years, the 2012-2018 models are the best selections. According to enginepatrol.com, these years received a 4.6 out of 5 in reliability from Kelley Blue Book.

What to look for when buying a used Toyota Yaris?

Yaris are known for being hard-wearing but there are still a few things to check when buying a used model:

• Airbags. Some airbags have ruptured (2011-2014 and 2015-16) so ask at the retailer to find out more info.
• Wheels.
• Clutch.
• Servicing.

Is the Toyota Yaris a reliable car?

Yes, the Toyota Yaris is generally considered a very reliable car, often ranking highly for dependability and low ownership costs. It is praised for its strong value, and many owners report long-term trouble-free ownership, though some models have specific issues like potential brake caliper problems in certain years or battery issues in hybrid versions.
 
Strengths

• High dependability: Many sources and consumer reviews consistently highlight the Yaris as a highly reliable vehicle. 
• Low ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is low, and major issues are uncommon, say RepairPal. 
• Longevity: Some Yaris models have been reported to last for over 200,000 miles, with owners keeping them for many years despite minor accidents. 

Potential issues

• Brake system problems: Some older models may have had issues with the front right-hand brake caliper or brake pipe unions, though a warning light should alert you to a leak. 
• Engine mount wear: Some manual transmission models between 2007-2014 may experience excessive vibrations due to worn engine mounts, particularly around 100,000 miles. 
• Hybrid battery issues: A small percentage of Yaris Hybrid owners reported problems with the 12-volt battery, which sometimes rendered the car undriveable, but many were fixed under warranty. 
• Fuel pump recalls: A specific 2019 model year had a recall for a faulty fuel pump that could cause the car to die unexpectedly. 
• General recall: Some 2021 models may have an issue with the Data Communication Module that can prevent the eCall function from working.