Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Toyota · Sports Car · 2020–2025 Custom Search

Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate

The GR Yaris exists because WRC regulations demanded a homologation road car. The GXPA16 shares only its roofline with the standard Yaris.

The G16E-GTS 1.6L three-cylinder makes 261 hp (Mk2: 280 hp) from 1,618 cc — 163 hp/litre, exceeding many supercars. GR-Four AWD with three differentials: Torsen front, multi-plate centre, Torsen rear (Circuit Pack).

Known problems: Mk1 (2020–2023) had piston/con-rod issues — Toyota revised for Mk2. Clutch wears fast on track. 2nd/3rd gear synchro wear. Plastic front grille breaks from stone chips (intercooler behind it).

2026 market: Mk1 from ~€27,000. Mk2 from ~€43,000. Exceptional value retention. Full Toyota dealer history mandatory.

Most Fun Engine

280 PS

GR Yaris · Benzin

Circuit Pack: track-ready

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

125 PS

1.5L Dynamic Force Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Engine Overview

The Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 is available with one engine variant at 92 hp.

1.6L Turbo · Petrol· 261–280 PS
2020 2025

Three-cylinder turbo built for WRC2 homologation — at 163 hp/litre on the Mk1, one of the highest specific outputs of any production engine. 109 kg dry. Open-deck aluminium with cast-iron liners, 10 mm crankshaft offset for friction reduction, forged crankshaft, DLC-coated piston rings. D-4ST runs direct and port injection simultaneously under partial load. Sound is distinctly three-cylinder: raw, mechanical, with perceptible vibration at low revs. Mk2 (2024+) got revised pistons, strengthened valvetrain, higher injection pressure. Aftermarket tuning: 350–500 hp with turbo upgrades while retaining daily drivability.

  • !! LSPI Piston Damage at Low-RPM Full Throttle from 30,000 km

    The G16E-GTS can suffer piston cracks under full load below 2,000 rpm due to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). Cylinder pressure rises uncontrollably to over 200 bar. Incorrect oil (not API SP) and driving at high torque at low revs significantly increase the risk.

    Symptoms: Loud bang, engine stuttering, engine stall, oil smoke from the engine bay
    3,000–12,000 $
    Ad G16E-GTS pistonGR Yaris MotorschadenG16E piston
  • !! Piston Rings and Connecting Rods Mk1 — Known Issue from 40,000 km

    The G16E-GTS Mk1 had well-documented issues with piston rings and connecting rods. Toyota revised the material, fuel pressure, pistons, connecting rods and piston rings for the Mk2 generation (confirmed in GR forums). Mk1 vehicles should be inspected.

    Symptoms: Spontaneous detonation (blow-by), elevated oil consumption, check engine light, unusual engine noise under load
    1,500–8,000 $
    Ad Piston rings G16E-GTSPistons GR Yaris 1.6 turbo Mk1
  • !! Head Gasket Mk1 from 50,000 km

    Head gasket failures are reported in connection with the blow-by issues on the G16E-GTS Mk1. Heavy fuel dilution from blow-by promotes cylinder head damage.

    Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, emulsified oil, power loss
    1,200–4,000 $
    Ad Head gasket G16E-GTSHead gasket GR Yaris 1.6 turbo

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Gearbox: Noises in 6th Gear

Reports of noises when engaging 6th gear are known from the GR Yaris owner community.

Symptoms: Droning or clunking when engaging 6th gear.
from 50,000 km
Ad manual gearbox GR Yaris GXPA16
 High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Nissan Z RZ34

Sports Car (2023–2025)

Same Segment

BMW M2 G87

Sports Car (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Subaru WRX VB

Sports Car (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Subaru BRZ ZD8

Sports Car (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Audi e-tron GT J1

Sports Car (2021–2024)

Same Segment

Audi RS e-tron GT J1

Sports Car (2021–2024)

Explore more

All Toyota models
Nissan Z RZ34 Sports Car (2023–2025)
BMW M2 G87 Sports Car (2022–2026)
Subaru WRX VB Sports Car (2022–2026)
Subaru BRZ ZD8 Sports Car (2022–2026)
Audi e-tron GT J1 Sports Car (2021–2024)
Audi RS e-tron GT J1 Sports Car (2021–2024)
Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 (2020–2025) — 20 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Suspension, Body. Considered reliable: M15A-FKS (1.5L Dynamic Force).

GR Yaris (G16E-GTS, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: LSPI Piston Damage at Low-RPM Full Throttle, Piston Rings and Connecting Rods Mk1 — Known Issue, Head Gasket Mk1. Power: 261 PS.

GR Yaris (G16E-GTS, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: LSPI Piston Damage at Low-RPM Full Throttle, Piston Rings and Connecting Rods Mk1 — Known Issue, Head Gasket Mk1. Power: 280 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota GR Yaris? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 have? +
The Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 has 20 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: M15A-FKS (1.5L Dynamic Force). The most reliable engine is the M15A-FKS (1.5L Dynamic Force) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G16E-GTS (1.6L Turbo).
Which Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 280 PS, Torsen LSDs front and rear, Brembo brakes — track-ready out of the box. Fair warning: AWD overheating on the second stint is real. But manage the thermals and this is a rally weapon that sticks to wet tarmac like glue.
Is the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 worth buying used? +
The Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16? +
The Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 is available with engine variants from 92 to 280 hp. Petrol: M15A-FKS (1.5L Dynamic Force), M15A-FXE (1.5L Hybrid), G16E-GTS (1.6L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee