Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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.
280 PS
GR Yaris · Benzin
Circuit Pack: track-ready
Legendary!125 PS
1.5L Dynamic Force Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good ChoiceEngine Overview
The Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 is available with one engine variant at 92 hp.
This compact 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo is among the finest mass-production engines ever built in its class: up to 280 hp from 1,618 cc, a raspy, slightly coarse three-pot thrum that swells into a punchy turbo crescendo from around 3,000 rpm — boost arrives early and pulls hard to the redline. Engineering highlight: open-deck aluminium block with cast-in liners, D-4S dual injection, sodium-filled exhaust valves and three piston oil jets. Maintenance truth: run only the specified low-calcium 0W-20 GF-6A, change oil early, and never floor it from low rpm — lugging plus full load invites LSPI. Tuning ceiling: the stock bottom end takes roughly 350 hp; beyond that the head gasket and the early cast pistons become the limiting factors. For track use, sump baffling and oil filled to the upper limit are part of the deal.
- !! 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 - !! Ring-land and piston failure of early cast pistons under detonation from 40,000 km
The early cast pistons with thin internal webs can lose a ring land under detonation or hard low-rpm load transitions; the piston usually shatters on one cylinder while the intact rod punches through the block. Later versions received revised or forged pistons.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss on one cylinder, heavy knocking, blue smoke, loss of compression, rough running. - !! 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
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer case oil leak or output bearing failure The GR-Four transfer case leaks oil at the rear output shaft because the output bearing (part 36250-42030) disintegrates via a heat-embrittled plastic cage and dislodges the oil seal. Aggravated by proximity to the turbo and exhaust and by track use. Rare on stock cars, more common under hard use. Symptoms: Oil traces under the car, driveline whine, oil loss at the transfer case. from 50,000 km | Medium | |
| 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 | High |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16 (2020–2025) — 24 engine-related and 10 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, Ring-land and piston failure of early cast pistons under detonation, Head Gasket Mk1. Power: 261 PS.
GR Yaris (G16E-GTS, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: LSPI Piston Damage at Low-RPM Full Throttle, Ring-land and piston failure of early cast pistons under detonation, 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? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee