Toyota GR Yaris
Three-cylinder screamer developed exclusively for the GR Yaris/Corolla — narrowest and lightest 1.6-litre turbo in its class (109 kg dry). Forged pistons, piston oil jets, WRC2 homologation engine. Clutch is a known weak point under hard use. The GR-Four AWD system overheats on extended track sessions and disconnects the rear axle.
Rally car for the road
261 PS three-cylinder turbo, GR-Four AWD, carbon rear window, aluminium bonnet, 1,280 kg — a genuine homologation special. The gr-zoo.com crowd puts it best: on snow and ice, track 50:50 and hold it there easily. A city car that embarrasses sports cars at twice the price. The most exciting Toyota since the MK4 Supra.
Engine Weaknesses 8
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
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
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
The G16E-GTS shows increased oil consumption through blow-by under full load. The cause is piston rings designed for low friction combined with a high specific power output.
Symptoms: Oil level drops during spirited driving; blue haze from the exhaust; oil in the intercooler hose
Isolated cases of oil traces in the intercooler hose have been documented even at low mileage, pointing to turbocharger seal issues.
Symptoms: Oil in intercooler hose; slight oil consumption; possible blue smoke under full load
The standard clutch is undersized for the power demands at the limit. With launch control use or aggressive track day driving, owners document slip from 5,000–15,000 km. Toyota UK initially replaced under warranty, then refused citing abuse.
Symptoms: Burning smell on aggressive starts, increasingly prolonged slipping under acceleration. Noticeable in 2nd and 3rd gear under full load.
The GR-Four all-wheel drive system overheats during intense track use — the rear clutch packs slip continuously (rear axle rotates 0.7% faster). Above approximately 100°C clutch temperature, the system automatically disconnects the rear axle.
Symptoms: AWD overheating warning on the dashboard, sudden loss of rear-wheel drive. Car reverts to front-wheel drive only until cooled down. Typically after 2–3 track sessions.
Some GR Yaris owners report rattling noises when engaging gears 1–3 and stiff gearshift action. A possible dual-mass flywheel failure is suspected as the cause.
Symptoms: Loud rattling when engaging a gear; stiff gearshift; delayed clutch engagement
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Cases have been reported where the front right brake caliper seal failed.
The standard brakes wear extremely quickly with intensive track use.
A Technical Service Bulletin (BO-00793T-TME) describes brake pad material delaminating from the disc on the GR Yaris GXPA16. Particularly after extended standing with damp brakes, severe brake vibration occurs.
Reports of noises when engaging 6th gear are known from the GR Yaris owner community.
The neutral factory toe setting can lead to instability at motorway speeds.
The rubber seal at the wing mirror mounting on the GR Yaris GXPA16 tears in the upper area and produces a distinct whistle above approximately 100 km/h. A revised part number is available.
GR Yaris GXPA16 owners report creaking noises from the front axle when steering. The usual cause is worn OEM plastic top mounts (part no. 48619-K0010) or springs shifting on the spring perch.