Used Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2011-2020 reliability review
The third-generation Toyota Yaris is smart, roomy and ultra-reliable and even has a hybrid option.
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What's the used Toyota Yaris like?
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Reliability
Mark Pearson
Updated: 4 October 2023
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What should I look for in a used Toyota Yaris?
Being so easy to drive and cheap to run means the Toyota Yaris makes a great first car as well as a good urban runabout. As a result, it’s important to check for damage to body panels and alloy wheels. Check for signs of a worn clutch, such as a very high biting point. In addition, Toyota’s almost bulletproof reliability record could tempt some owners to skimp on servicing, so aim for a car with a fully stamped service book.
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Unlike rivals such as the Skoda Fabia, the infotainment system fitted to the Yaris doesn’t allow you to connect your smartphone to it using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Yaris?
Wheel hub might become loose
One or more of the rear hub retaining bolts may have not been tightened to the correct specification at the factory on examples made between 8 September 2014 and 9 January 2015. Affected vehicles should have had the bolts checked for tightness as part of the recall, so contact your dealer to make sure this has been done.
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Brake fluid might leak
Some front right-hand brake calipers weren’t manufactured correctly and it’s possible that brake fluid might leak out. If a leak occurs, the brake warning light should illuminate to warn you. Affected vehicles produced between 10 April 2014 and 15 April 2014 should have had the front right-hand brake caliper replaced.
On cars made between 2 April 2013 and 23 May 2013, there’s also a possibility that a brake fluid leak could develop from one of the brake pipe unions of either of the rear brake calipers or rear brake cylinders. A warning light should illuminate in the instrument panel to tell you about it, because a loss of fluid will impact the braking efficiency of the vehicle and increase its stopping distance.
Directional control could be compromised
On some Yarises built between 13 January 2015 and 27 February 2015, there’s a possibility that a strut top mounting bearing in the front suspension could be damaged when the vehicle is driven over a large bump. You might hear an abnormal noise when driving on uneven roads or when turning the steering wheel. Over time, the mount could fail, causing a loss of vehicle stability. Improved bearings should be installed as part of the recall.
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Driver’s airbag might rupture
This applies to some vehicles constructed between 24 August 2011 and 30 December 2014, as well as between 5 January 2015 and 14 September 2016. There the potential for moisture to get into the assembly, causing the airbag to rupture during deployment, putting occupants at an increased risk of injury. Any vehicle that this recall affects should have had the airbag replaced.
A short circuit could cause the power steering to fail
A short circuit relay in the electric power steering control module can cause the loss of power assistance to the steering of examples made between 20 July 2011 and 21 March 2012. Any car affected by this recall will need to have the power control module in the power steering system replaced.
Rear seatbelt could fail
It’s possible for part of the webbing of the rear seatbelts on cars built between 30 August 2011 and 26 January 2016 to be cut by a sharp edge on the seatbelt anchor plate that attaches the belt securely to the floor. If this happens during a collision, rear seat occupants might not be correctly restrained and are therefore put at an increased risk of injury. Recalled cars should have been checked by a Toyota dealer and the seatbelt assembly replaced where necessary.
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Hybrid system
A fault in the hybrid system of some examples manufactured from 6 February 2018 to 2 April 2019 could cause it to stop working. If your car is affected, it'll need to be inspected at a dealership and potentially have the DC converter replaced.
Front seat wiring harness
The wiring harness to the front seats of Yaris' made between 30 June 2014 and 17 February 2017 could be damaged and prevent the side and curtain airbags from deploying as intended in a collision. Speak to your local dealer to find out if your car is affected by this because the harness will need to be inspected and potentially replaced.
Fuel leak
The seals around the fuel injectors for the engine could fail on cars built between 18 July 2017 and 12 April 2018 and allow fuel to leak out. Any car affected by this will need to have the seals and bolts holding the injectors in replaced by a technician at a Toyota dealer.
Is a used Toyota Yaris reliable?
You’d hope that buying a Toyota over another brand comes with the reassurance of a solid reliability record – and the Yaris doesn’t disappoint. In 0ur 2023 rundown of the most reliable used cars, the Yaris finished seventh overall, and first in the small car class. Toyota was second overall in our most reliable used car brands list out of 32 brands. Both marked exceptional results.
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All third-generation models were sold as new with a five-year warranty, so it’s worth seeing if this is still valid.
If you would like to see the full reliability list for small cars, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
Used Toyota Yaris reliability: the owners' view
As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported that the Toyota Yaris is generally reliable. Owners praised the Yaris for its consistent performance and durability, with many noting minimal major faults over years of ownership. However, some did experience minor issues such as occasional warning lights and small electrical glitches.
Dealer service for the Yaris received mixed reviews. Many readers highlighted the professionalism and efficiency of Toyota dealerships, appreciating the thorough and quick handling of repairs. Conversely, a portion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the service, citing long wait times for appointments and repairs, as well as a lack of clear communication regarding issues and costs.
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Overall, while the Toyota Yaris is considered a reliable choice by most owners, the variability in dealer service experiences suggests room for improvement in customer service to enhance overall satisfaction.
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Tips & Advice
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
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