Photo: M.rJirapat / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (205 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2020
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding reliability, low running costs, and practicality.
7 problems reported (4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentIntermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific)
Engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key.
- RecurrentClutch wear/failure
Particularly in higher-mileage manual examples; includes vague biting point and complete failure.
- RecurrentExcessive road noise and firm ride
Noted as having poor noise insulation and a bouncy ride compared to some competitors.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentLack of power
Described as "underpowered," struggling on steep inclines and highway merging.
- IsolatedOil consumption
Linked to neglected oil changes in the 1.33L engine; can be remedied with maintenance.
- IsolatedMMT automated manual transmission jerkiness
Noted in cold conditions or with worn components/battery.
- IsolatedFuel tank filling issue
Specific to a 2009 example where filling the tank completely causes a hard/no-start condition, potentially related to purge valve or EVAP system.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a single best trim or version. Feedback is generalized across the model line, with manual transmissions often implicitly favored over automated manuals (MMT) due to simplicity, and the 1.33L engine noted as a good balance of power and economy. The XP130 generation (2011-2019) is specifically highlighted by one reviewer as a top choice for reliability.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Fit/Jazz, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2, Hyundai i10/i20 and Kia Rio.
Is the Yaris right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding reliability, low running costs, and practicality. The Yaris is consistently praised as a "bulletproof," economical, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, particularly in its older iterations (circa 2009-2014). Long-term owner reports highlight minimal repair costs outside of standard maintenance, with many examples reaching high mileages (over 200,000 km / 124,000 miles) without major issues. It is recommended as an ideal first car, urban commuter, and budget-conscious choice due to its low purchase price, cheap insurance, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking. Criticisms are minor and infrequent, focusing on a lack of power for highway driving or steep hills, a firm/bouncy ride quality compared to some competitors, and higher levels of road noise (NVH). The consensus is that it sacrifices refinement and performance for unparalleled reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the quintessential reliable, no-frills small car. Frequently described as more reliable and having better resale value than Korean (Hyundai, Kia) and European (VW, Renault) rivals. Compared to the Honda Fit/Jazz, the Yaris is often seen as similarly reliable but sometimes critiqued for being less spacious or fun to drive. The Toyota Aygo is noted as an even smaller, cheaper, and more efficient alternative within the Toyota family. The Yaris is consistently recommended over Nissan models with CVT transmissions due to reliability concerns. It is considered a safer, more dependable choice than newer, feature-rich Chinese brands (e.g., MG), despite their lower upfront cost.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is preferred for simplicity and control, especially noted for hilly terrain. Petrol engines, particularly the 1.0L and 1.33L, are recommended for their proven reliability. Seeking a vehicle with a full service history is strongly advised to avoid potential issues like oil consumption or clutch wear. Older, high-mileage examples are considered viable if maintenance records are good. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used purchases.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for first-time buyers, students, urban dwellers, and anyone prioritizing low total cost of ownership over driving excitement or luxury. Suitable for those needing a simple, dependable A-to-B vehicle. Buyers should prioritize service history over mileage, be wary of dealers without good reputations, and consider purchasing privately for better value. Test drive to assess personal comfort with power and ride quality, especially on highways or hills. Not recommended for driving enthusiasts or those regularly carrying heavy loads or multiple passengers on long journeys. Its strong resale value and low depreciation are noted advantages.
Remarks
The provided data spans multiple generations and markets, with the strongest consensus forming around the XP130 generation (2011-2019) and older models (2009-2014). The legendary reliability is the dominant theme, often cited as allowing these vehicles to withstand some neglect. Criticisms of power and refinement are consistent but are generally framed as acceptable trade-offs for the core value proposition. Specific mechanical issues (starting, clutch) appear as known failure points in higher-mileage or poorly maintained examples rather than widespread design flaws. The data suggests the conventional automatic and manual transmissions are preferred over the Multi-Mode Transmission (MMT). Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2009. Years to avoid: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Toyota Yaris years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2019 | 52 | 3 | engine |
| 2018 | 12 | 1 | air bags |
| 2017 | 46 | 3 | air bags |
| 2016 | 10 | 2 | service brakes |
| 2015 | 15 | 4 | air bags |
| 2014 | 5 | 1 | structure |
| 2013 | 9 | 1 | air bags |
| 2012 | 35 | 5 | air bags |
| 2011 | 25 | 3 | air bags |
| 2010 | 180 | 9 | air bags |
| 2009 | 206 | 10 | air bags |
| 2008 | 465 | 10 | air bags |
| 2007 | 592 | 10 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices68 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V617000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Yaris, Yaris Hatchback, and Yaris Sedan vehicles. An impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
2019 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 19V503000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V617000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Yaris, Yaris Hatchback, and Yaris Sedan vehicles. An impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
2019 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 19V244000
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2018 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 19V503000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2017 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 19V319000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.
2017 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 19V503000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2017 · tires:temporary/emergency spare tirecampaign 17V295000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
2016 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 19V319000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.
2016 · tirescampaign 16V236000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
2015 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 19V319000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.
2015 · suspension:front:shock absorbercampaign 16V367000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 27, 2015. The front strut mounting bearings can be damaged when a high load is applied to the strut, such as driving over a large bump.
2015 · structurecampaign 15V134000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a roof headliner that does not provide the proper occupant protection in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, " Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
2015 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 15V098000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to January 9, 2015. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened rear axle bearing bolts.
2014 · structurecampaign 15V134000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a roof headliner that does not provide the proper occupant protection in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, " Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
53 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: XP150
G 1.5
1.5L 4-cylinder · 107 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2019–2020