Most Common Failures Of The Toyota Auris: Problems And Breakdowns
The Toyota Auris was launched in 2006 and has had three generations under its belt. It is known for its obvious kinship with the Toyota Corolla and does not disappoint with its fuel efficiency and overall quality, which is why this time we bring you common Toyota Auris faults.
This car has had a good sale in the models that have come out and although it is highly recommended and sought after by drivers, it does not mean that it is perfect. In this post you will know the problems that this vehicle has presented.
Common failures of the Toyota Auris
Currently there are no new Auris models, however there are old and quite a few old models being sold on the streets and here you will learn about some of the most common problems owners encounter with the Auris.
1. Squealing Front Brakes
Many Toyota Auris owners have complained that their front brakes make unpleasant squeals every time they are used.
Fortunately, Toyota has officially acknowledged this problem, and there is a service action for all necessary replacements. This is for Toyota Auris that are still under warranty.
Possible causes and solutions
The truth is that these screeching noises often have no impact on brake ability. However, we understand that no one wants cacophonous noises in cars, especially if they are sensitive to screeching.
Here are some reasons for grinding noises and solutions for those that are not covered by warranty.
1- Humidity
When brake rotors get wet overnight, either as a result of rain or dew, rust could develop on the surface. As the brake pads spin, they will scrape the rust off the rotors and collect the rust on the edge of the pad.
If the above occurs, the grinding noise is unavoidable. The noises caused by this humidity are usually heard in the morning and stop being heard when the brake pads have warmed up.
2- Metallic content of the brake pads
The truth is that cheap, low-quality brake pads often have a higher metal content. If you have these types of brake pads fitted to your Auris the metal content slides over the rotor which can cause very loud squealing noises.
The bottom line is that you should invest in high quality brake pads if you don’t want to have these problems with your Auris.
3- Glazed brake pads
Brake pads glaze over when the brake calipers get stuck and the brakes are partially applied. This causes extreme heat and friction, causing the brake pads to fail as they harden and glaze over.
Glazed brake pads will affect brake response and will cause a screeching sound when the brakes are applied. The good news is that a glazed brake pad can be fixed, and you may not have to replace it entirely.
To do?
If you are dealing with brake squeal noises, we advise you to seek the services of an expert technician. This will give you an accurate diagnosis and the technician will offer a solution as well as a precaution against the problem in the future.
2. Black smoke problems
Another commonly reported problem with the Toyota Auris is a burst of black smoke from the exhaust. This problem occurs along with other serious problems like lack of power and random car forward.
Possible causes and solutions
Let’s look at some of the possible causes of black smoke coming from Toyota Auris exhaust and other associated problems.
1- Defective mass air sensor (MAF SENSOR)
The air mass sensor exists to measure the volume and intensity of the air entering the engine. This helps determine the amount of fuel to be injected into the cylinder. In other words, it helps fuel combustion.
Now, if the MAF sensor develops a fault or starts to malfunction, it could cause poor combustion, which can worsen engine performance. And sometimes, this can lead to black smoke coming out of the exhaust.
2- Clogged air filters
Another reason that black smoke can be coming out of your Auris’ exhaust is a clogged air filter. If dust or anything else clogs the air filter, the amount of air entering the cylinder will invariably be reduced.
And when this happens, a fuel burning situation develops that can be characterized by black smoke from the exhaust.
3- Worn fuel injector
If the fuel injectors are damaged or worn , what happens is that the fuel droplets can spread disproportionately in the rich mixture zone.
This is a very delicate situation, and it can also hinder the fuel combustion process and form solid carbon residues. What you will have next is black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe of your car.
4- Damaged EGR valve
The EGR valve interrupts and reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides by redirecting a part of the exhaust gases to the internal combustion engine. If the EGR valve fails , the tailpipe will likely start emitting black smoke soon after.
To do?
Having black smoke coming from the tailpipe is as unhealthy as it is embarrassing, so we advise solving the problem quickly by having a qualified technician take a look at the car.
3. The battery drains quickly
Many Toyota Auris owners complain that the car battery drains too fast . Some owners have had to deal with their cars stopping abruptly due to this problem.
Possible causes and solutions
Here are the possible reasons why your car battery is draining too fast, as well as some workable solutions.
1- The headlights are on
Humans are prone to mistakes; it is part of what makes us human. If your car battery is dying fast, make sure you haven’t left your headlights on, or any other lights.
Also, on 2012-2014 Auris models, owners have reported issues with the hazard light switch, which can drain the battery.
One of the best ways to fix your hazard lights problem is by updating the software on your Auris or by replacing the hazard lights switch.
2- Parasitic drainage
Most modern vehicles have some form of parasitic drain, meaning the battery keeps things like the alarm, radio presets and the like operational.
While this is very normal, it can get out of control if the vehicle develops an electrical problem such as faulty wiring or a blown fuse. In this case, the parasitic drain can become very extreme and completely weaken the battery.
3- Corroded battery cables
Your car battery will have trouble charging if the cables are corroded or have come loose.
That’s why it’s important to check them often for any signs of dirt or corrosion. If you notice something, you can always clean it up with a piece of clothing or a small wire brush.
4- Old battery
The useful life of most car batteries is three to four years. If your battery has exceeded that number, it is likely the reason why it drains quickly. The solution to this is to get a new excellent quality battery and prioritize maintenance.
5- Defective alternator
Every car has an alternator, which is the component responsible for powering some electrical systems and charging the battery.
The alternator consists of a subcomponent known as a diode, which is the part of the alternator most vulnerable to corrosion. If the diode corrodes, the motor circuit will continue to draw power even when the motor is off.
To do?
There are several reasons why your car battery drains quickly, and we have mentioned a few of them above. To fix the problem, it is in your Auris’ best interest to let a technician perform a proper diagnosis and fix the problem.
You can also go to your dealer, especially if your car is still under warranty.
4. Door creaking
Some Toyota Auris owners have complained of squeaky noises when opening and closing the doors. Several of these owners reported that the problem arose a couple of years after purchasing the car.
Possible causes and solutions
The following are the possible causes of this problem:
1- Lack of lubrication
New car hinges are lubricated so they glide smoothly. However, over time, lubricants can wear off due to increased dirt and rust in the area. The squeaks are proof that the grease has been completely used up.
To do?
If your car door creaks, what you should do is lubricate the parts. In our honest opinion, you can do it yourself as it is not a really technical process . Next, we explain the solution step by step:
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- Inspect the door and find out where the noise is coming from.
- Once you’ve figured it out, clean the area with a dust blower or wipes to rid it of dust and rust.
- Get a lubricant, preferably a white lithium grease, and give the bottle a good shake.
- Spray the grease on the top and bottom hinge contact points, as well as the door retainer strap.
- Rotate the door back and forth to make sure the grease gets to all the necessary sides
Once you’ve fixed it, one way to prevent this problem from happening again anytime soon is to repeat the process periodically. Also, be careful not to leave your car door open during snowy or rainy seasons.
In the unlikely event that the lubrication does not work, we advise you to go to your dealer or a professional automotive technician.
The good and the bad of the Toyota Auris
Previously we presented you the most common faults of the Toyota Auris, now when you know some positive aspects that this vehicle has.
Advantages of the Toyota Auris
The following are some merits of the Auris:
1. Excellent handling
The Toyota Auris promises great road handling, thanks to its robust structure. Its low ground clearance makes the vehicle hug the road, giving it exceptional balance and stability.
2. Comfortable interior
One of the advantages of owning a Toyota Auris is its warm and comfortable interior. There is enough space in the rear for two adults or three children, making it relatively ideal for a small family.
The seats are soft enough for a vehicle in its class, and you can recline them for added comfort. There is also a center console that is positioned within the driver’s reach. All this and more are testament to the comfortable interior of the Auris.
3. Reliability
Aside from the stellar reputation of the Toyota brand around the world, the Auris has its own reputation for reliability. Many Auris owners, as well as critics, have praised the vehicle’s practicality, durability and low running costs.
4. Security features
The Toyota Auris also has some top-notch safety features that have earned it very high marks. It received a five-star rating in a test carried out by Euro NCAP and was recognized as a safe car for children.
Here are some of the safety features of the Toyota Auris:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- adaptive cruise control
- lane departure warning system
- electronic stability control
- seven airbags
- High beam automatic dipped
Disadvantages of the Toyota Auris
The cons or drawbacks of the Toyota Auris are the following:
- Front brakes squeal
- black smoke problem
- The battery drains quickly
- door creaking
What do the reviews say about the Toyota Auris?
Despite the faults that the vehicle has, the spare parts and maintenance costs are low, in addition, the car meets the expectations of the users, therefore the comments and opinions about the Toyota Auris are very good.
“Let’s be honest, you don’t buy a Toyota Auris and then expect to get hit in the wallet for the privilege. It is one of the cheapest cars in its class to run.”
“The Toyota Auris is a reliable and practical family car with low running costs, making it a sensible choice for stress-free driving.”
“The Auris is a perfectly competent car to drive, as you would expect. It handles effortlessly and the ride isn’t bad. The car doesn’t set any new standards or feel particularly exciting or luxurious, but it does exactly what is expected of it, without too much fuss or drama.
