Top fixes

Top Toyota Yaris fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Toyota Yaris faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 473,864 recorded MOT tests, 19.7% failed.

Toyota Yaris
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

Toyota Yaris owners should be aware of common faults like water pump failure and ignition coil issues. Repairs can often be done DIY, saving on labour costs, with parts ranging from £20 to £300. Garage labour typically costs between £50 and £150 per hour, depending on the repair.

Water Pump Failure

The water pump in the Yaris, particularly in models from 2006 to 2011, can fail, leading to overheating. This issue is often due to wear and tear on the seals. Replacing the water pump is the best solution. This is a DIY job if you have mechanical skills, but a garage will charge around £150 to £250 for parts and labour.

Ignition Coil Issues

Ignition coils can fail in Yaris models from 2007 to 2014, causing engine misfires and poor performance. Replacing the faulty ignition coil is straightforward. You can do this yourself for about £30 to £50 for the part. A garage might charge between £100 and £150 for the job.

Exhaust System Problems

Exhaust issues, particularly with the catalytic converter, commonly affect Yaris models from 2005 to 2012. This can lead to increased emissions and MOT failures. Depending on the issue, you might need to replace the entire exhaust system or just the catalytic converter. Parts can cost between £100 and £300, with garage labour adding another £70 to £120.

Brake Pad Wear

Brake pads in the Yaris, especially in models from 2008 to 2015, can wear out quickly, affecting braking performance. Replacing brake pads is a common DIY task. Parts usually cost about £30 to £60. If you opt for a garage, expect to pay around £100 to £150 for the full job.

Suspension Issues

Suspension problems, such as worn shock absorbers, are reported in Yaris models from 2006 to 2013. This can lead to a bumpy ride and reduced handling. Replacing shock absorbers is essential for safety. This is a more complex job, so while DIY is possible, it’s recommended to go to a garage. Parts can cost around £100 to £200, with labour costs ranging from £100 to £200.

Toyota Yaris recall record

40 recalls have been issued for the Toyota Yaris, between 2000 and 2025.

  1. Parking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models

    R/2025/466

    Issued 1 December 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.

    Affects cars built Apr 2024 to Oct 2025

  2. Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models

    R/2025/270

    Issued 24 November 2025

    For certain vehicles equipped with the combination meter system (where various information is displayed) that due to an improper programming of the combination meter unnecessarily repetitive data is written to a memory device. This may cause the memory device to deteriorate and the monitor to not display during the meter at start up and remain in this state permanently.

    Remedy:Reprogram or replace the combination meter.

    Affects cars built Apr 2024 to Oct 2024

  3. 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 regulations.

    R/2023/279

    Issued 12 October 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 regulations.

    Remedy:The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.

    Affects cars built Jul 2021 to Jul 2023

  4. 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

    Issued 7 August 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.

    Affects cars built Jun 2023 to Jun 2023

36 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Toyota Yaris MOT record

From 473,864 recorded MOT tests, 19.7% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20232,1243.3%17,720 mi
202235,7894.4%19,188 mi
202125,6795.4%24,246 mi
202020,3407.3%26,590 mi
201927,5759.6%31,533 mi
201827,57112.2%37,921 mi
201726,52514.2%42,978 mi
201628,25013.8%49,241 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements23.8%
  2. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn21.6%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged19.9%
  4. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened18.6%
  5. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded16.2%

Figures cover every Toyota Yaris tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Toyota Yaris official figures

Median across 35 variants on sale, petrol electric.

Combined economy
58.9 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
109 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults in the Toyota Yaris?

Common faults include water pump failure, exhaust issues, and faulty ignition coils.

Can I fix these issues myself?

Many issues are DIY-able, but some may require professional help.

Is it worth repairing an older Yaris?

It depends on the overall condition and value of the car.

Sources