Common Toyota Yaris Faults: Problems, Solutions And Reliability!
If you are looking for a reliable small car with good fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris is a great option. It is known for its practicality and low maintenance cost. It also holds its value quite well. Keep reading until the end and discover here everything about the common faults of the Toyota Yaris.
The Toyota Yaris only depreciates 44% after five years, which is impressive compared to other cars in the same category.
How good is the Toyota Yaris?
The Toyota Yaris is well rated in terms of reliability . It receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 and ranks first out of 21 other subcompact cars. Its budget appeal makes it a good car for first-time car owners who don’t want to spend too much on major repairs and maintenance.
It can also last a long time. You can easily get 300,000 miles (482803.2 Km) on your Yaris, as long as you stick to the regular maintenance and service schedule.
Main common faults of the Toyota Yaris
Despite being a cheap and reliable car, some Toyota Yaris models are known to have their fair share of problems. That is why here is the list of common Toyota Yaris failures according to its model year:
1- Speed control problems
The 2015 Toyota Yaris is known for being reliable compared to other model years, but it does have a few issues. One of its notable problems is its erratic speed control, which usually kicks in around 22,000 miles. Some owners have shared that their cars can suddenly accelerate for no reason . They have also shared that their brakes may not even respond when they have stepped on their brake pedals.
Some have expressed their fears of getting into accidents due to total loss of control of the vehicle. This speed control problem can become extremely dangerous, with multiple reports of injuries and deaths.
2- Excessive vibrations due to a bad mounting of the motor
Manual transmission variants of the 2007-2014 Toyota Yaris may develop abnormal vibrations and rattling noises coming from the engine when accelerating, stopping, or changing gears. They are commonly caused by damage to the engine mount. Some owners have shared that the noises can come from leaking fluid near the engine bay.
They have also reported that the vibrations can be so severe that the subcompact can become unwieldy. Some owners have said that they had to stop because they couldn’t maneuver their cars properly. Excessive vibrations can set in around 100,000 miles. A motor mount replacement can solve this problem .
3- Engine light illuminated with error code P0713
One of the most annoying problems with the 2010 Toyota Yaris is its check engine light failure. It may come on suddenly, and the P0713 error code may show up on an OBD scan tool. This usually occurs with manual transmission models . The P0713 error code indicates that there is something wrong with the transaxle fluid temperature sensor.
This must be fixed immediately. This sensor usually appears out of nowhere on both low and high mileage vehicles. If you encounter this problem, you can resolve it by repairing your vehicle’s transaxle wire harness.
4- Automatic Transmission Problems
Toyota Yaris automatic gearbox problems are quite common and can be accompanied by other transmission related complications. The 2009 model year is known for transmission malfunctions, which can include abnormal grinding noises when shifting , a burning odor from transmission fluid, and unresponsive or lagging gear changes.
Some owners have also reported unexpected shutdowns that can occur after changing gears.
Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) #10109403 and #10109404 for the automatic transmission. These bulletins can help improve the performance of your transmission and prevent any malfunctions due to improper component installation.
If you suspect your Yaris has transmission problems, you’re definitely not alone. You can contact your mechanic as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and necessary repairs.
5- Failures in the airbag inflators
One of the most dangerous problems with the 2008 Toyota Yaris is its faulty airbag inflators, which can explode and send metal debris flying toward passengers in the car . The explosion of the air bag inflator can cause serious injury, damage or even death. These issues prompted multiple recalls in 2016, 2017, and 2019 to fix all affected units.
If you suspect your vehicle is included in these recalls, Toyota says you can contact customer service or your dealer for more information. All recall related repairs and parts replacement will be done free of charge to make sure your airbags are working properly.
6- Steering malfunction
Steering problems on the 2007 Toyota Yaris can become a big concern. Some owners have reported being involved in crashes and sustaining injuries due to steering malfunctions.
It has been shared by several owners that their brakes can suddenly lock up and the steering wheel can become stiff while driving calmly in variable road conditions. Some have shared that they went to their dealerships to get their cars fixed, but the mechanics were unable to figure out the cause of these complications.
A driver has shared that the steering column completely broke, causing complete loss of control of the vehicle . Mild steering problems can be annoying, but they can be extremely dangerous. These problems can appear after 73,000 miles. If you are experiencing these problems with your Yaris, it is best to have it thoroughly inspected immediately.
7- Premature detachment of the transparent layer
One of the most common faults with the 2007 Toyota Yaris is its clear coat, which can peel off and leave unsightly stains all over the car. You may start to see some of the clear coat peel off as early as 83,000 miles.
Some owners have reported that they have routinely polished and waxed their cars to maintain their exterior, but the clear coat keeps flaking off.
Other homeowners have also shared that the paint can also peel , which can expose areas where rust can start and spread. If this happens to you with your car, the only solution may be to repaint it. However, it can cost up to $1,500, depending on the different inclusions and labor rates.
8- Failure of the driver’s side window
The driver’s side window may stop working. This fault is very common on second generation Yaris, the problem here is most likely a blown power window master switch. The reason this has happened is a lack of lubrication, which means the switch has been exposed to moisture and dirt.
This can cause a short circuit , which causes the switch to melt. If your main switch isn’t blown, apply more lubricant. If it’s blown, you’ll need to get a main power window switch and replace the damaged one.
9- Brake problems
The brakes are not as effective as they should be and the ABS is not working . On second generation Yaris, the speed sensors in the rear wheel bearings are very susceptible to corrosion. This can happen very quickly. You will need to get replacement rear wheel bearings and replace them.
10- Damaged rear seat belt
The rear seat belt has worn badly at the base. Excessive wear may be caused by the sharp edge of the seat belt anchor plate. As with all seat belt problems, they need to be replaced as soon as possible.
In conclusion
A new or used Toyota Yaris is a great option for a reliable car that can accommodate all your driving needs. However, you should educate yourself on its potential problems by model year before making up your mind.
Buying a car carries some risk, but researching the model year you plan to buy can help you manage problems as they occur. If you’ve already looked at a Toyota Yaris from a specific year, be sure to clear all the details with the seller before closing the deal.
