Common problems · Toyota
Toyota Yaris common problems and recalls
15 sourced problems across the Yaris's generations since 2012, plus 14 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
Yaris Mk4 (XP210) (2020 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · ToyotaInterior
Recall: centre rear seatbelt can be damaged by a sharp bracket
A sharp edge on the bracket for the centre rear seatbelt could damage the belt. Dealers fitted a protective cover to the anchor bracket.
Applies to: Yaris Mk4 built July–October 2020
- Recall · ToyotaBrakes
Recall: brake/stability control software fault
Software in the skid control (brake and stability) ECU may not complete all its processing tasks, which Auto Express says stopped the ESP working properly. The fix is a software update.
Applies to: Yaris Mk4 Hybrid built July 2020 – April 2021
- Recall · ToyotaHybrid & electric drive
Recall: hybrid may not enter its fail-safe mode
Because of a programming error, the car might not switch to its fail-safe driving mode if the input damper in the hybrid transaxle slips. The hybrid ECU was reprogrammed.
Applies to: Yaris Mk4 Hybrid built 2020
- Recall · ToyotaElectrics
Recall: front radar sensor not set up correctly
The radar sensor for the driver-assistance systems may not have been initialised correctly at the factory. Dealers inspected it and initialised it properly where needed.
Applies to: Yaris Mk4 and GR Yaris built 2020–2021, C-HR Mk1 built 2020–2021
- Recall · ToyotaElectrics
Recall: digital instrument display can stay blank
The instrument cluster writes unnecessary repeated data to its memory, which can wear out so the display stays blank at start-up — permanently. The meter is reprogrammed or replaced.
Applies to: RAV4 Mk5 built 2022–2025, Corolla built 2022–2025, Yaris Mk4 / Yaris Cross built 2023–2025, C-HR Mk2 built 2023–2024, GR Yaris and Highlander
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 4 publishersElectrics
Hybrid 12V battery going flat when the car is little used
On Toyota's recent hybrids, problems with the small 12V auxiliary battery are the fault owners report most. Left unused for a week or two, or used only for short trips, the 12V battery can run down, leaving the car unable to start or showing a string of warning lights. Toyota recommends keeping it topped up with a (solar) charger, and an upgraded battery is worthwhile.
Applies to: Yaris Mk4 and Yaris Cross (2020–), C-HR Mk1 (2016–2023), Corolla (2018–), RAV4 Mk5 (2018–) and Prius Mk3 (2009–2016) hybrids
8 sources
- What Car? — Used Toyota Yaris 2020-present review – reliability (What Car? Reliability Survey)
- Auto Express — Used Toyota Yaris Cross (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide
- Parkers — Toyota RAV4 (2019-2026) used car buying guide – known faults
- What Car? — Used Toyota C-HR 2016-2023 review – reliability (What Car? Reliability Survey)
- What Car? — Used Toyota Corolla 2019-present review – reliability (What Car? Reliability Survey)
- Parkers — Toyota Yaris Cross (2021 onwards) mpg, costs & reliability
- Parkers — Toyota Yaris (2020 onwards) mpg, costs & reliability
- Honest John (archived copy) — Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) review – What to watch out for
DVSA recalls for the Yaris Mk4 (XP210)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beamR/2020/254 · 20/10/2020
It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beam.
Remedy: Replace the Headlamp Units
Listed for: YARIS, AYGO · built 2020
- THE EMERGENCY CALLING SYSTEM (eCall) MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN REQUIREDR/2021/315 · 15/11/2021
The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required.
Remedy: Inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged replace it with updated software.
Listed for: COROLLA, RAV4, YARIS, HIGHLANDER, MIRAI · built 2020–2021
- On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call…R/2023/279 · 12/10/2023
On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regu…
Remedy: The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.
Listed for: YARIS CROSS, BZ4X, YARIS, HIGHLANDER, RAV4, AYGO, COROLLA, C-HR, RAV4 PHV, HI LUX · built 2020–2023
- Affected vehicles have wheel nuts on the right-side front and rear wheels may not have been torqued correctly due to improper tightening of the nuts when installing the wheels at the vehicle assembly plant.R/2023/217 · 07/08/2023
Affected vehicles have wheel nuts on the right-side front and rear wheels may not have been torqued correctly due to improper tightening of the nuts when installing the wheels at the vehicle assembly plant.
Remedy: Check and tighten wheel nuts.
Listed for: YARIS, YARIS CROSS · built 2023
Show 1 more
- Parking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple modelsR/2025/466 · 01/12/2025
For certain vehicles equipped with a Parking Assist ECU a component of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system that displays the rear view image the software may cause the rear view image to freeze or not display
Remedy: Reprogram the parking assist ECU.
Listed for: BZ4X, C-HR, HIGHLANDER, LANDCRUISER, MIRAI, RAV4, YARIS CROSS · built 2021–2025
Measured at MOT: how a 2023 Yaris fails more often
Based on 18,869 first MOT tests of this model at 3 years old (cars first used 2021–2022), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
Yaris Mk3 (XP130) (2011–2020)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · ToyotaSteering
Recall: power steering assistance can cut out
Condensation can form inside a relay in the electric power steering control module and short it, so the system shuts down with a warning buzzer and light and the steering becomes heavy. The recall replaced the power steering control module.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 built July–November 2011
- Recall · ToyotaBrakes
Recall: brake fluid can leak at the rear brake unions
A brake fluid leak could develop at the pipe unions on the rear calipers or wheel cylinders, lighting the brake warning light; ignored, braking would get worse. Dealers checked and re-tightened the unions and replaced damaged parts.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 built April–May 2013
- Recall · ToyotaTurbo
Recall: oil can collect in the turbo and damage the engine
On some diesel Yaris, Auris and Urban Cruiser models, oil can build up in the turbocharger and flow into the engine, damaging it; in extreme cases oil is ejected and could catch fire. Depending on diagnosis, dealers changed the intercooler layout, updated the engine software and replaced the turbo and/or vacuum pump.
Applies to: Diesel Yaris Mk3 built to September 2013, Auris built to November 2014 and Urban Cruiser built to May 2014
- Recall · ToyotaInterior
Recall: driver's airbag inflator can rupture
Moisture can get into the single-stage inflator of the driver's airbag, making it more likely to rupture when it deploys and throw out fragments. The recall replaced the airbag. Check it has been done — this is a safety-critical recall.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 built August 2011 – February 2017 and Hilux Mk7 built 2011–2015 (plus older Yaris, Hilux and RAV4)
- Recall · ToyotaInterior
Recall: rear seatbelt webbing can be cut by its anchor plate
The anchor plate holding the rear inner seatbelt buckles to the floor could have a sharp edge that cuts the belt in a crash, so it may not restrain the passenger. Dealers checked the plate's lot number and replaced the belt assembly where needed.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 (including Hybrid) built August 2011 – January 2016
- Recall · ToyotaSuspension
Recall: front strut top mount bearing can fail
A front strut top mounting bearing could be damaged by a heavy impact such as a large bump, causing a noise over rough roads or when steering; left alone the strut rod could separate and the car become unstable. Improved bearings were fitted, and damaged struts replaced.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 built January–February 2015
- Recall · ToyotaInterior
Recall: side airbag sensor wiring can crack
The insulation on the wiring to the front seat side airbag sensors can crack, which could stop the side and curtain airbags working as intended. Dealers inspected and replaced the front door wiring harness where needed.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 built June 2014 – February 2017
- Recall · ToyotaHybrid & electric drive
Recall: hybrid DC-DC converter fault can stop the car
A transistor on the circuit board of the hybrid's DC-DC converter may be inadequate, and the hybrid system could shut down, losing drive. Dealers inspected the converter and replaced it where needed.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 Hybrid built February 2018 – April 2019
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 2 publishersEmissions, DPF & AdBlue
If it has the Toyota 1.4 D-4D diesel (1ND-TV): 1.4 D-4D diesel: particulate filter clogging
The 1.4 D-4D diesel Yaris has a diesel particulate filter that can block if the car is not driven far enough to clean it, bringing on the DPF or engine warning light and a loss of power. Owners report forced regenerations at the dealer and, in some cases, new filters quoted at around £800. It suits drivers who regularly cover longer distances.
Applies to: Yaris Mk3 (2011–2020) with the 1.4 D-4D diesel (1ND-TV)
DVSA recalls for the Yaris Mk3 (XP130)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- There is a possibility that the centre rear seat belt may be damaged by a sharp edge of the bracketR/2020/376 · 25/01/2021
There is a possibility that the centre rear seat belt may be damaged a sharp edge of the bracket.
Remedy: Add a protective material to the seat belt anchor bracket.
Listed for: YARIS · built 2020
- It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beamR/2020/254 · 20/10/2020
It may not be possible to switch headlights from high beam to low beam or low beam to high beam.
Remedy: Replace the Headlamp Units
Listed for: YARIS, AYGO · built 2020
- The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctlyR/2022/055 · 18/04/2022
The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctly.
Remedy: Inspect the radar sensor and if necessary properly initialize the radar sensor.
Listed for: YARIS, YARIS GR, C-HR · built 2020–2021
- Wheel hub may become looseR/2015/039 · 16/03/2015
One or more of the rear hub retaining bolts may have not been tightened to the correct specification. A bolt or bolts may work loose and could have an adverse affect on the braking performance or could cause a wheel to lock unintentionally.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles. Check bolts for tightness and if required tighten to correct specification. Where necessary replace bolts.
Listed for: YARIS · built 2014–2015
Show 8 more
- Brake fluid may leakR/2014/159 · 15/12/2014
Some front right hand brake callipers were produced with an incorrect chamfer dimension. With an incorrect chamfer it is possible that the oil seal gets damaged and that a brake fluid leak occurs. If a leak occurs the driver will notice the illumination of the brake warning lamps.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front right hand brake calliper.
Listed for: YARIS · built 2014
- THE EMERGENCY CALLING SYSTEM (eCall) MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN REQUIREDR/2021/315 · 15/11/2021
The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required.
Remedy: Inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged replace it with updated software.
Listed for: COROLLA, RAV4, YARIS, HIGHLANDER, MIRAI · built 2020–2021
- Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctlyR/2015/096 · 15/06/2015
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in incr…
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.
Listed for: COROLLA, LEXUS SC430, YARIS, AURIS, PICNIC, IS, IS-C, IS-F, AVENSIS, AVENSIS VERSO · built 2001–2015
- Due to an improper programming of hybrid system vehicle might not enter a failsafe driving mode.R/2022/287 · 14/11/2022
There is a possibility that the vehicle will not enter a failsafe driving mode if a temporary slip occurs in the input damper of the hybrid transaxle.�
Remedy: Reprogram the HV ECU.
Listed for: YARIS HEV · built 2020
- Due to an inappropriate software the skid control ECU may not complete all its processing tasksR/2021/181 · 14/06/2021
Due to an inappropriate software the Skid Control ECU may not complete all its processing tasks.
Remedy: Reprogram the Skid control ECU.
Listed for: YARIS HV · built 2020–2021
- Body trim may cause injuryR/2011/090 · 13/09/2011
Due to the improper installation of the left A-pillar trim there ia a possibility that the trim may become detached when the curtain shield airbag would deploy during a crash. If this happens the loose garnish could injure the LH seat occupant of the vehicle.
Remedy: Inspection of the installation and repair if needed.
Listed for: YARIS · built 2010–2011
- On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call…R/2023/279 · 12/10/2023
On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regu…
Remedy: The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.
Listed for: YARIS CROSS, BZ4X, YARIS, HIGHLANDER, RAV4, AYGO, COROLLA, C-HR, RAV4 PHV, HI LUX · built 2020–2023
- The resin spacers could be deformed by heat causing the engine cylinder head bolts to become looseR/2020/024 · 02/03/2020
A loss of injector sealing and resulting in fuel leakage.
Remedy: Replace the injector spacer and bolts with new ones of the correct specification
Listed for: YARIS · built 2017–2018
Measured at MOT: how a 2016 Yaris fails more often
Based on 58,000 first MOT tests of this model at 10 years old (cars first used 2014–2015), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the Yaris against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 29.2% of 843,552 initial MOT tests on the Toyota Yaris failed at the first attempt — about as often as vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 30.6%.
YarisCars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | Yaris | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 106,258 | 12.4% | 13.3% | 6% lower | |
| 6–9 years | 221,648 | 18.4% | 20.8% | 10% lower | |
| 10–14 years | 241,610 | 30.3% | 33.8% | 10% lower | |
| 15–19 years | 190,187 | 42.8% | 42.9% | About the same | |
| 20–40 years | 83,849 | 45.4% | 40.9% | 10% higher |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common Yaris problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: Hybrid 12V battery going flat when the car is little used; 1.4 D-4D diesel: particulate filter clogging. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the Yaris been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the Yaris built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my Yaris have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this Yaris had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Toyota service history