Reliability
Is the Toyota Yaris reliable? Honest answer.
Is the Toyota Yaris a reliable car? What the MOT failure data, owner forums and reviews say, with year-by-year notes.
Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 473,864 recorded MOT tests, 19.7% failed.

More on the Toyota Yaris
TL;DR
Yes, the Toyota Yaris is generally considered a reliable car, especially models from 2012 onwards. However, models from 2006 to 2009 have more issues, particularly with suspension and electrical faults. Understanding MOT pass rates and common faults can help you decide with confidence.
MOT Pass Rates
The Toyota Yaris has an average MOT pass rate of around 80%. This varies by model year, with models from 2012 onwards often exceeding 85%. In contrast, the 2006 to 2009 models show lower rates, frequently failing due to electrical and suspension issues.
Common Failure Modes
Common faults in the Yaris include suspension problems, particularly with the front struts and rear shock absorbers. Exhaust system failures are also reported, especially in older models. These issues typically arise after 50,000 miles, leading to increased repair costs if not addressed promptly.
Year-by-Year Analysis
The 2012 to 2020 models are generally more reliable than earlier versions. Owners report fewer issues and better overall performance. In contrast, the 2006 to 2009 models often present more challenges, including electrical faults and suspension wear. Focus on models from 2012 onwards for better reliability.
Owner Feedback
However, some users of older models express frustration with recurring faults. Overall, newer models receive positive feedback for their reliability and comfort, especially in urban environments. Owner forums and reviews often highlight the Yaris’s fuel efficiency and low running costs.
What people are asking
What are bad years for Toyota Yaris?
The years generally considered less reliable for the Toyota Yaris are 2006 to 2009. These models have higher instances of electrical and suspension issues, leading to increased repair costs and lower overall satisfaction.
Is the Toyota Yaris a reliable car?
Yes, the Toyota Yaris is widely regarded as a reliable car, particularly in its later model years. Many owners report minimal issues and commend the vehicle for its longevity and low maintenance costs.
What is the weakness of the Toyota Yaris?
One noted weakness of the Toyota Yaris, particularly in older models, includes problems with the exhaust system and suspension components. The 1.0 engine has also been known to experience issues with the VVT-i system, affecting performance and fuel efficiency.
What is the problem with the Yaris 1.0 engine?
The 1.0 VVT-i engine in the Toyota Yaris may develop problems with the VVT-i system after around 60,000 km. This can lead to rough idling, noticeable loss of power, and increased fuel consumption due to improper valve timing.
What owners say
Many Toyota Yaris owners express satisfaction with the vehicle’s reliability, especially in later models from 2012 onwards. They appreciate the fuel efficiency and low running costs, making it practical for daily commuting. However, some owners of older models report ongoing issues with the exhaust system and suspension.
Common complaints from users include the lack of advanced features in older models, which some feel detracts from the driving experience. While many praise the Yaris for its agility and ease of handling, others mention that noise insulation could be improved at higher speeds.
Buyers in UK communities have flagged that the 1.0 engine can be underwhelming when fully loaded or during highway driving. However, hybrid models introduced in recent years have received positive feedback for their performance and efficiency.
Overall, while there are concerns among owners of older models, the consensus is that the Toyota Yaris remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and economical vehicle.
Toyota Yaris recall record
40 recalls have been issued for the Toyota Yaris, between 2000 and 2025.
Parking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models
R/2025/466Issued 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
Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models
R/2025/270Issued 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
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/2023/279Issued 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
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/2023/217Issued 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.
| Registered | Tests | Failed | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,124 | 3.3% | 17,720 mi |
| 2022 | 35,789 | 4.4% | 19,188 mi |
| 2021 | 25,679 | 5.4% | 24,246 mi |
| 2020 | 20,340 | 7.3% | 26,590 mi |
| 2019 | 27,575 | 9.6% | 31,533 mi |
| 2018 | 27,571 | 12.2% | 37,921 mi |
| 2017 | 26,525 | 14.2% | 42,978 mi |
| 2016 | 28,250 | 13.8% | 49,241 mi |
Most common reasons for failure
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements23.8%
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn21.6%
- A tyre seriously damaged19.9%
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened18.6%
- 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
Which years of the Toyota Yaris should I avoid?
Models from 2006 to 2009 have higher rates of issues, particularly with electrical and suspension components.
Are there any common faults with the Toyota Yaris?
Yes, common faults include issues with the exhaust system and suspension, especially in older models.
Is the Toyota Yaris good for long-term ownership?
Yes, many owners report good reliability and low running costs, especially in later models.
What are bad years for Toyota Yaris?
The years to avoid are generally 2006 to 2009 due to higher instances of electrical and suspension issues.
What is the weakness of the Toyota Yaris?
Some owners have noted that older models may have issues with the exhaust system and suspension, while the 1.0 engine can experience problems with the VVT-i system after around 60,000 km.
What is the problem with the Yaris 1.0 engine?
The 1.0 VVT-i engine often develops issues with the VVT-i system, leading to rough idling and loss of power, which can increase fuel consumption.
Sources
- DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results (Open Government Licence v3.0)
- VCA new car fuel consumption and emissions data (Open Government Licence v3.0)
- DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0)