Known Faults Database

Toyota Yaris problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Toyota Yaris, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 12 known faults for this model, 8 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Toyota Yaris reliable?

The Toyota Yaris has 12 known faults in our database across 3 generations, 8 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (the MultiMode Transmission (MMT) is prone to actuator and clutch failures) and engine (the 1.4 D-4D engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Toyota Yaris years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Mk1, 1999 to 20052 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the gearbox, engine
Mk2, 2005 to 20114 high severity
7 known faults, the serious ones in the gearbox, engine
Mk3, 2011 to 20172 high severity
3 known faults, the serious ones in the engine

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2005 to 2011, All MMT (MultiMode) Automatics: the MultiMode Transmission (MMT) is prone to actuator and clutch failures
  • 2011 to 2017, 1.4 D-4D with DPF: the 1.4 D-4D engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter
  • 2009 to 2011, 1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE): piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption and, in some cases
  • 2009 to 2011, 1.33 6-speed manual: the 1.33 6-speed manual gearbox models suffered from problems
  • 2011 to 2014, 1.4 D-4D: multiple reports of engine failures on the 1.4 D-4D engine
  • 2004 to 2010, All MMT (MultiMode) Automatics; on the Corolla Verso the MMT was petrol only (no MMT on its diesels): MMT actuator and ECU failure causing the car to drop into neutral while driving

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 32 known faults · 10 good notes

Toyota Yaris Mk1 (1999 to 2005) problems

Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Loss of automatic clutch system fluid via the accumulator seals, leading to total loss of gear selection. This issue is not monitored by a warning light. Dealers have reportedly misdiagnosed this as an actuator or ECU fault, quoting much higher repair costs.

Rough guide
£344 (accumulator) - 1500 (misdiagnosed ECU)

Typical symptoms

  • Sudden inability to select gears
  • Car stuck in neutral
  • No warning light illuminated

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Freetronic semi-automatic transmission
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chains on the 1.0 VVT-i engine have been known to snap without warning, potentially due to dirty oil. This is a catastrophic engine failure.

Rough guide
£1500-2500+

Typical symptoms

  • Sudden engine cut-out
  • Engine will not restart
  • Loud metallic noise from engine bay prior to failure

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.0 VVT-i (1SZ-FE)
Typical mileage:
40000+ miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners like about the Mk1

10 notes
  • The Yaris replaced the Starlet, initially featuring a 1.0 litre 16v VVTi engine, with a 1.3 VVTi and automatic option added later.
  • The car measures 3,615mm in length, 1,660mm in width, and 1,500mm in height, offering compact dimensions.
  • The Yaris offers good repairability, low insurance, excellent steering, and handling, with a roomy interior and high seats for easy access.
  • This Yaris model demonstrated satisfactory performance in German TUV front offset crash tests, indicating good structural integrity.
  • The car achieved a very high safety score in Euro NCAP crash tests, earning a Four-Star-plus rating.
  • The Toyota Yaris was awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year title in 1999.
  • The 1.4 D4-D diesel engine, introduced in March 2002, offers good fuel economy and smooth power delivery.
  • The March 2005 Colour Collection edition featured metallic paint, fog lamps, alloy wheels, and colour-keyed interior trim with carbon detailing.
  • The 1.0-litre VVT-i Yaris was one of the most affordable cars to own in the UK, achieving over 50mpg combined.
  • The Yaris consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys, with few breakdowns and low average warranty repair costs.
Generation 2 of 37 known faults · 8 owner reports · 3 good notes

Toyota Yaris Mk2 (2005 to 2011) problems

Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

MMT actuator and ECU failure causing the car to drop into neutral while driving or refuse to select gears

Rough guide
£600-1200

Typical symptoms

  • red cog warning light on dashboard
  • car suddenly drops into 'N' while driving
  • refuses to shift out of neutral when parked

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All MMT (MultiMode) Automatics; on the Corolla Verso the MMT was petrol only (no MMT on its diesels)
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 12 owner reports, 2012 to 2018

The MultiMode Transmission (MMT) is prone to actuator and clutch failures, often resulting in the car dropping into neutral, refusing to select gears, or slipping. Repair costs are frequently very high, sometimes exceeding the car's value. A free software upgrade was available to improve gear changes and add a 'creeping mode'.

Rough guide
£2000-2740

Typical symptoms

  • Car drops into neutral unexpectedly
  • Refusal to select gears (especially 1st or reverse)
  • Slipping clutch, high revs without acceleration
  • MMT/heat clutch warning light illuminated

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All MMT (MultiMode) Automatics
Typical mileage:
22000-112000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • August 2013A 2008 Yaris 1.4 D-4D with M/M transmission disengaged drive twice, but worked after a restart; a dealer reprogrammed it for £75.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2013 to 2019

Piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption and, in some cases, complete engine failure. This is a known design flaw in the 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine.

Rough guide
£1300-2500+

Typical symptoms

  • Very high engine oil consumption (e.g., 1 litre per 600-2000 miles)
  • Engine failure
  • Blue smoke from exhaust

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE)
Typical mileage:
25000-90000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

Water pump failures are common on the 1.0 three-cylinder petrol engine, typically at around three years old, and have also been reported on the 1.3. The same 1.0 engine and the same problem appear in the Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107.

Typical symptoms

  • Growling noise from the engine bay
  • Engine overheating
  • Coolant leaks
  • Low coolant level

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.0 three-cylinder petrol, also reported on the 1.3
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2019

The 1.33 6-speed manual gearbox models suffered from problems, possibly due to low friction oil used to meet CO2 targets. Older 1.3s with 5-speed boxes also experienced selector problems. One report of complete manual gearbox failure.

Rough guide
£1000-2000

Typical symptoms

  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Crunching noises during gear changes
  • Gearbox failure

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.33 6-speed manual
Typical mileage:
40000-90000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
SuspensionMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2018

Rear coil springs are prone to snapping. This is a common MOT failure point and can affect vehicle handling.

Rough guide
£150-300 per side

Typical symptoms

  • Loud clunking noise from the rear suspension
  • Uneven ride height at the rear
  • Harsh ride quality
  • Poor handling

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
ElectricalMedium severity📝 Editorial

Ventilation well drains are prone to becoming blocked by leaves and debris, causing rainwater to flood the well and potentially damage the car's electrics.

Rough guide
£100-500+

Typical symptoms

  • Damp carpets in the footwells
  • Musty smell in the cabin
  • Electrical malfunctions (e.g., wipers, blower motor)
  • Visible water accumulation in the scuttle area

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Any miles
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What owners report on the Mk2

8 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · February 2018A 2010 Yaris 1.0 experienced an engine mounting failure at 40,000 miles, which also damaged the driveshaft bearings.
  • Exhaust · January 2017A 2010 Yaris D-4D with a DPF required frequent forced regenerations due to improper passive regeneration.
  • Electrics · March 2015The indicator stalk switch failed on a 2009 Yaris T2 with only 1,689 miles, costing £181.50 to replace.
  • Engine · June 2013A 2010 1.4 D-4D Yaris consumed 1.4 litres of oil over 2,000 miles, indicating high oil usage.
  • Bodywork · June 2012The hatchback struts on a Yaris were prone to failure, requiring replacement for proper function.
  • Gearbox and clutch · June 2012A free software upgrade from Toyota dealers improved the Yaris MMT gear changes and added a creeping mode.
  • Electrics · May 2012A 2008 Yaris 1.3 SR developed a P0121 fault, which required a replacement wiring loom costing £500 to fix.
  • Fuel system · July 2011A report noted a corroding fuel filler pipe on a Yaris, indicating a potential rust issue.

What owners like about the Mk2

3 notes
  • The Yaris achieved a Five Star NCAP crash safety rating, announced in October 2006, for occupant protection.
  • The Yaris offers low insurance groups, ranging from 1E for the 1.0 T2 to 4E for the D-4D T-Spirit.
  • Toyota offers a kit to replace the turbocharger's oil feed and return pipes on the 1.4 D-4D engine.
Generation 3 of 33 known faults · 6 owner reports · 5 good notes

Toyota Yaris Mk3 (2011 to 2017) problems

Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

Piston ring design allows excessive carbon build-up, leading to severe oil consumption

Rough guide
£1000-2000

Typical symptoms

  • burning 1L of oil every 1000 miles
  • blue smoke on acceleration
  • carbon fouled spark plugs causing misfires

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE)
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 6 owner reports, 2015 to 2018

The 1.4 D-4D engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is prone to regeneration problems, leading to the DPF filling with ash, rising sump oil levels (due to diesel dilution), and requiring frequent forced regenerations or DPF replacement. This may be exacerbated by the DPF's location or incorrect oil usage.

Rough guide
£275-800 (regeneration/cleaning) - 1500+ (replacement)

Typical symptoms

  • Engine management light illuminated
  • Loss of power, car 'pulls' then loses all power
  • Rising sump oil level
  • Frequent forced regenerations required
  • Excessive black smoke from exhaust

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.4 D-4D with DPF
Typical mileage:
18000-70000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • February 2015A 2011 Yaris D-4D at 70,000 miles suffered from rising sump oil levels, likely due to DPF regeneration issues.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2014 to 2017

Multiple reports of engine failures on the 1.4 D-4D engine, sometimes requiring a new short engine. Symptoms include white smoke and complete loss of power.

Rough guide
£2000-4000+

Typical symptoms

  • Engine failure
  • Lots of white smoke from exhaust
  • Sudden loss of power
  • Engine will not restart

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.4 D-4D
Typical mileage:
40000+ miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the Mk3

6 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2019A 2012 Yaris 1.33 SR experienced clutch thrust bearing failure at low mileage, costing £1,000 for replacement.
  • Electrics · July 2018The 'anti-trap' electric window mechanism on a new hired Yaris hybrid failed, trapping a passenger's arm.
  • Electrics · March 2018The satnav mapping on a 2017 Yaris Hybrid Excel sometimes showed overspeed warnings incorrectly and misplaced the car's location.
  • Electrics · August 2017The left-hand indicator stalk on a new 2017 Yaris hybrid did not self-cancel, requiring manual operation.
  • Engine · May 2017A 9,000-mile 2016 Yaris 1.3 CVT had hot starting problems, taking many turns to start after short stops.
  • Gearbox and clutch · February 2016A Multidrive S CVT gearbox briefly changed down and then up at constant speed below 40 mph, but the issue resolved itself.

What owners like about the Mk3

5 notes
  • The Toyota Yaris offers an enjoyable driving experience, making it pleasant to operate.
  • The Yaris features economical engines, with the hybrid variant being particularly fuel-efficient.
  • The Yaris comes well equipped as standard, providing good value for its features.
  • The Yaris provides plenty of room for rear passengers, ensuring comfort for all occupants.
  • The 2017 Yaris achieved a Five-star Euro NCAP rating, with strong scores for adult and child occupant safety.
Other years0 known faults · 3 good notes

Other Toyota Yaris years: owner reports

What owners like

3 notes
  • The Yaris boasts smart looks, making it a genuinely desirable car in its segment.
  • The Yaris is relaxing and easy to drive, yet it can also be fun when desired.
  • The Toyota Yaris is cheap to run, offering good overall economy and low running costs.

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Toyota Yaris recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 30 DVSA recalls for the Yaris, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ November 2025Cars built March 2023 to February 2025

Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models

For certain vehicles equipped with the combination meter system (where various information is displayed) that due to an improper programming of the combination meter unnecessarily repetitive data is written to a memory device. This may cause the memory device to deteriorate and the monitor to not display during the meter at start up and remain in this state permanently.

Put right by: Reprogram or replace the combination meter.

DVSA R/2025/2707,210 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2023Cars built June 2021 to July 2023

On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

Put right by: The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.

DVSA R/2023/27927,327 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2023Cars built June 2023 to June 2023

Affected vehicles have wheel nuts on the right-side front and rear wheels may not have been torqued correctly due to improper tightening of the nuts when installing the wheels at the vehicle assembly plant.

Affected vehicles have wheel nuts on the right-side front and rear wheels may not have been torqued correctly due to improper tightening of the nuts when installing the wheels at the vehicle assembly plant.

Put right by: Check and tighten wheel nuts.

DVSA R/2023/21763 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2022Cars built July 2020 to November 2020

Due to an improper programming of hybrid system vehicle might not enter a failsafe driving mode.

There is a possibility that the vehicle will not enter a failsafe driving mode if a temporary slip occurs in the input damper of the hybrid transaxle.

Put right by: Reprogram the HV ECU.

DVSA R/2022/2876,857 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2022Cars built July 2020 to June 2021

The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctly

The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctly.

Put right by: Inspect the radar sensor and if necessary properly initialize the radar sensor.

DVSA R/2022/05542,554 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2021Cars built July 2020 to March 2021

THE EMERGENCY CALLING SYSTEM (eCall) MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN REQUIRED

The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required.

Put right by: Inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged replace it with updated software.

DVSA R/2021/31553,150 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2021Cars built July 2020 to October 2020

There is a possibility that the centre rear seat belt may be damaged by a sharp edge of the bracket

There is a possibility that the centre rear seat belt may be damaged a sharp edge of the bracket.

Put right by: Add a protective material to the seat belt anchor bracket.

DVSA R/2020/3764,015 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built June 2020 to June 2020

It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beam

It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beam.

Put right by: Replace the Headlamp Units

DVSA R/2020/254106 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built September 1998 to May 1999

Takata airbag inflator may rupture on deployment

The absorption of moisture into the drivers airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture

Put right by: Replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly. Toyota is still preparing for the development and production of the remedy parts

DVSA R/2020/01937,586 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2020Cars built July 2017 to April 2018

The resin spacers could be deformed by heat causing the engine cylinder head bolts to become loose

A loss of injector sealing and resulting in fuel leakage.

Put right by: Replace the injector spacer and bolts with new ones of the correct specification

DVSA R/2020/02499 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2020Cars built February 2003 to October 2005

The vehicles may be equipped with front passenger airbag inflators not appropriate for the vehicles

Vehicles may be equipped with front passenger airbag inflators not appropriate for the vehicles

Put right by: Inspect and replace the affected parts if necessary

DVSA R/2019/442725 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built February 2018 to April 2019

A transistor to the circuit board in the dc-dc convertor could be inadequate

The hybrid system could shut down resulting in loss of motive power

Put right by: Inspect and replace the DC-DC converter with new one if necessary

DVSA R/2019/2013,274 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2019Cars built June 2014 to February 2017

A crack could develop on the insulation of the wire harnesses of the front seat side airbag sensors

The front seat side airbags could be deactivated and/or the curtain airbags may not operate as intended.

Put right by: Inspect the front door wire harness and replace if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/1301,472 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2018Cars built January 2001 to November 2004

Front passenger air bag inflators containing degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture

Passenger air bag may cause injury if activated.

Put right by: Replace affected air bag assembly.

DVSA R/2018/30799,588 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2017Cars built December 2002 to December 2003

Front driver airbag inflator may rupture

On affected vehicles the drivers front airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the inflator inside the drivers airbag module with a new one.

DVSA R/2017/118449 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2016Cars built January 2015 to February 2015

Directional control could be compromised

There is a possibility that a strut top mounting bearing could be damaged when a high load is applied to the strut such as when the vehicle is driven over a large bump. If this occurs there could be abnormal noise when driving on uneven roads or when turning the steering wheel. If the vehicle continues to be operated the upper side of the strut rod could separate causing a loss of vehicle stability which could increase the risk of a crash.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the strut mounting bearings with improved ones. If a strut mounting bearing is found to be damaged the dealer will replace the strut and front suspension support sub-assembly with a new one.

DVSA R/2016/1115,526 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2016Cars built August 2011 to January 2016

Rear seat belt may fail

The vehicles are equipped with 3-point lap-shoulder belt assemblies in all-three rear seating positions. The inner belt (buckle portion) of each of the rear three seat belt assemblies is secured to the floor of the vehicle with an anchor plate. The anchor plate might have been manufactured with a sharp edge around the punched portion. In the event of a collision there is a possibility that the inner seat belt webbing could become cut and separate at the anchor plate. If this occurs the inner seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant which could increase the risk to injury.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the Lot number of the anchor plate. Where necessary the rear inner belt assembly will be replaced with a new one.

DVSA R/2016/0833,709 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built June 2005 to December 2010

Risk of fire

Affected vehicles are equipped with a drivers side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS) containing sliding electrical contact modules. These modules may not have been incorrectly coated during the manufacturing process. This may cause a short circuit which could cause the switch to overheat and melt

Put right by: Inspect switch and apply coating. If switch indicates signs of malfunction it should be replaced.

DVSA R/2015/206123,306 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2015Cars built July 2003 to February 2017

Driver side airbag may rupture

Subject vehicles are fitted with driver's air bag assemblies with single stage inflators. There is an increases potential for moisture ingress which could make the inflator more susceptible to rupture during deployment. Fragments may injure occupants.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

DVSA R/2015/09563,333 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2015Cars built February 2001 to July 2011

Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

DVSA R/2015/0962,713,755 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2015Cars built September 2014 to January 2015

Wheel hub may become loose

One or more of the rear hub retaining bolts may have not been tightened to the correct specification. A bolt or bolts may work loose and could have an adverse affect on the braking performance or could cause a wheel to lock unintentionally.

Put right by: Recall affected vehicles. Check bolts for tightness and if required tighten to correct specification. Where necessary replace bolts.

DVSA R/2015/0391,620 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2015Cars built November 2008 to September 2013

Risk of fire

Oil may accumulate in the turbo charger and in certain circumstances flow into the combustion chamber. This may cause engine damage. In extreme cases oil can be ejected from the engine and if it comes in contact with an ignition source may result in a fire.

Put right by: Depending vehicle diagnosis modify intercooler layout to improve air flow; upgrade ECU software; upgrade turbo charger and/or vacuum pump

DVSA R/2014/1607,884 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2015Cars built December 2002 to December 2003

Drivers airbag may rupture if deployed

On affected vehicles the drivers front airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the inflator inside the drivers airbag module with a new one.

DVSA R/2014/1621,347 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2014Cars built April 2014 to April 2014

Brake fluid may leak

Some front right hand brake callipers were produced with an incorrect chamfer dimension. With an incorrect chamfer it is possible that the oil seal gets damaged and that a brake fluid leak occurs. If a leak occurs the driver will notice the illumination of the brake warning lamps.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front right hand brake calliper.

DVSA R/2014/15922 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2014Cars built June 2005 to June 2009

Steering column may become unsecured

The steering column mounting bracket may not be of sufficient strength if the steering is repeatedly and forcibly turned on full lock. This over a prolonged period can result in the failure of the bracket and ultimate detachment of the steering column.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the steering column mounting bracket.

DVSA R/2014/0499,345 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2014Cars built June 2005 to May 2010

Seat rail mechanism could fail

The drivers and front passengers seat forward/rearward adjustment mechanism locking spring could fail under repeated operation of the mechanism. The seat may not lock into the adjusted position. If the vehicle is operated with a broken seat rail spring the seat could move in the event of a crash

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the spring.

DVSA R/2014/05010,317 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2013Cars built November 2010 to March 2012

Short circuit may cause failure of the power assistance

It is possible for condensation water droplets to form within the relay in the electric power steering control module. This can cause a short circuit across terminals within the relay. If this occurs and abnormally high voltage is detected by the control module it will shut down the power to the EPS which will coincide with a warning buzzer and light illuminating on the dash. This will result in the loss of power assistance to the steering.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the power control module.

DVSA R/2013/07864,908 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2013Cars built April 2013 to May 2013

Braking efficiency may be affected

It is possible that a brake fluid leak could develop on brake pipe unions of either of the rear brake calipers or rear brake cylinders. If this occurs then the driver will receive a warning in the form of a warning light illuminating on the instrument panel. However if the driver does not heed this warning the braking efficiency of the vehicle could be impaired and the stopping distance increased.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to check re-tighten the unions and if required replace any damaged/defective components.

DVSA R/2013/08919,552 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2013Cars built January 2001 to November 2003

Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

DVSA R/2013/04885,405 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2012Cars built September 2006 to December 2008

Fire may occur

It is possible moisture or other fluids may enter the drivers window and contaminate the main power window switch. If this occurs and the switch is damaged it could overheat and cause it to melt and/or smoke. If this situation is not identified it could result in a vehicle fire.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and check the switch. If the switch is not damaged a waterproof cover will be fitted. If the switch is damaged it will be replaced and a waterproof cover will be fitted.

DVSA R/2012/118276,098 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Toyota Yaris timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Yaris, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
1KR-FE, 1.0 VVT-I
No fixed replacement interval

The same 998cc 1KR-FE chain-driven three-cylinder as the Aygo and Peugeot 107/Citroen C1, with no scheduled replacement. Chain stretch and cold-start rattle appear on examples with a poor oil-change history, because the oil-fed tensioner clogs when services are skipped. Otherwise a very durable unit.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Toyota Yaris buying questions

What are the most common Toyota Yaris problems?

Three stand out. Gearbox: the MultiMode Transmission (MMT) is prone to actuator and clutch failures (typically 22000 to 112000 miles). Engine: the 1.4 D-4D engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is prone to regeneration problems (typically 18000 to 70000 miles). Engine: piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption and, in some cases, complete engine failure (typically 25000 to 90000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Toyota Yaris years should I avoid?

No Toyota Yaris year is a write-off, but the Mk2 (2005 to 2011) carries the most serious faults: gearbox and engine. The Mk1 (1999 to 2005) and Mk3 (2011 to 2017) have high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Toyota Yaris?

Ask the seller about the gearbox and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for car drops into neutral unexpectedly, engine management light illuminated and very high engine oil consumption (e.g., 1 litre per 600-2000 miles). Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 12 known faults before you travel. Check a Toyota Yaris advert →

Are there any recalls on the Toyota Yaris?

The DVSA lists 30 safety recalls for the Toyota Yaris issued between 2012 and 2025. The most recent, from November 2025, is "Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Toyota Yaris?

Owners report 54.0 mpg on average across the Toyota Yaris engines with data, about 92% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 2,133 owner submissions. Toyota Yaris Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Toyota Yaris right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Toyota Yaris fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Toyota Yaris owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Toyota Yaris goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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