2012 Toyota Yaris: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Toyota Yaris has 35 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. Owners most often flag intermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific) — engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

35
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
12
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Toyota Yaris vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
18
structure
5
electrical system
4
wheels
4
vehicle speed control
4

Recalls affecting the 2012 Yaris

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V741000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scio

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V025000

On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 17V006000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles

structure

Campaign 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 m

What owners say across generations

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 owne

  • Intermittent starting/cranking issues (non-specific) — Engine cranks but does not start, potentially related to fuel delivery, spark, or immobilizer/key. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Clutch wear/failure — Particularly in higher-mileage manual examples; includes vague biting point and complete failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Linked to neglected oil changes in the 1.33L engine; can be remedied with maintenance. Frequency: isolated.
  • MMT automated manual transmission jerkiness — Noted in cold conditions or with worn components/battery. Frequency: isolated.
  • Excessive road noise and firm ride — Noted as having poor noise insulation and a bouncy ride compared to some competitors. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Yaris.

Typical used price

Used Yaris listings typically run $8,294–$13,195 across 2007 to 2020 model years.

Other Yaris model years