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Toyota · Van · 2009–2018 Custom Search

Toyota Verso AR20

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

126 PS

Verso · Diesel

Family van with diesel headaches

Not Really
Problem Engine

124–126 PS

2.0L D-4D Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Toyota Verso AR20 is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 126 hp.

1.4L D-4D · Diesel· 90 PS
2009 2018

Compact diesel with timing chain and common-rail injection. Economical and long-lived, but at the limit of its performance in larger vehicles. DPF issues possible in pure short-run use.

  • !! Oil dilution from DPF regeneration from 120,000 km

    The 1ND-TV injects extra diesel during DPF regeneration cycles, which finds its way into the engine oil via the piston rings. The oil level rises above the maximum. On short trips the DPF regenerates every 100 km with significantly increased fuel consumption.

    Symptoms: Oil level rises above maximum, diesel smell in the engine oil, significantly increased fuel consumption on short trips, frequent DPF regeneration cycles
    500–1,500 $
  • !! Faulty fuel pressure regulator valve from 100,000 km

    The fuel pressure regulator valve is the most commonly failed component on the 1ND-TV. Clogged screens from poor quality fuel block the valve. Result: hard starting and power loss above 3,000 rpm.

    Symptoms: Hard starting, noticeable power loss above 3,000 rpm, engine warning light, sometimes limp mode
    200–600 $
  • !! Worn dual mass flywheel from 140,000 km

    The dual mass flywheel on the 1ND-TV is considered prone to wear and can in the worst case cause a gearbox failure. Typically the DMF and clutch need to be renewed together.

    Symptoms: Strong vibrations when pulling away and in the 1,200–2,600 rpm range, rattling and banging from the gearbox area
    900–2,200 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.6L D-4D · Diesel· 111 PS
2014 2018

BMW-derived diesel (N47 basis), not developed by Toyota itself. Timing chain on the gearbox side — access for inspection is involved. Timing chain elongation possible at high mileage — atypical by Toyota standards.

  • !! EGR condensation water damages throttle body and engine from 80,000 km

    Condensation water from the EGR system enters the throttle body and can cause engine stumbling, power loss, and in extreme cases engine failure.

    Symptoms: Engine stumbling and hesitation; power drops; in extreme cases engine stall on the road
    500–2,500 $
  • !! Recall: Fire risk due to faulty EGR

    Toyota Verso models with the 1.6 D-4D from 2015–2018 have an elevated fire risk due to a faulty exhaust gas recirculation system. Dealers and workshops were called upon to inspect affected vehicles.

    Symptoms: No driver warning before fire risk occurs; possible smoke developing under the bonnet
    0–0 $
  • !! Premature timing chain failure possible from 100,000 km

    Isolated cases of timing chain failure have been reported on the N47-based 1WW at as little as 84,000 km. The N47 timing chain issue is well known from the parent engine used in BMW.

    Symptoms: Sudden engine noise; engine stalls without warning; engine damage from valve-piston contact
    2,000–6,000 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L D-4D · Diesel· 124–126 PS
2009 2018

Evolution of the 1CD-FTV with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Considerably more reliable than its predecessor — watch DPF regeneration on short runs. Injectors more durable than on the 1CD.

  • !! Blown head gasket from 120,000 km

    The 1AD-FTV 2.0 D-4D is known for frequent head gasket failures. Despite Toyota recall campaigns for piston replacement, the oil loss problem persisted in many cases.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, bubbling in the expansion tank, white smoke from the exhaust, milky-coloured engine oil
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! Elevated oil consumption (despite recall) from 100,000 km

    Progressive oil consumption is a recognised problem on the 1AD-FTV. Toyota carried out piston replacement recalls, but the oil consumption issue often did not disappear completely.

    Symptoms: Oil level drops rapidly between changes, oil warning light illuminates; blue smoke from a warm engine is possible
    1,000–3,000 $
  • !! Overheating risk on cooling system failure from 150,000 km

    Engine damage on the T25 2.0 D-4D caused by cooling system failure has been documented in toyota-forum.de. When the engine overheats, the remaining coolant escapes and the engine loses its thermal protection.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature gauge spikes suddenly, coolant loss, steam from the engine bay
    1,500–6,000 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Widespread rust issues

The Verso AR20 shows rust in various areas: starter motor, sills, lower door edges.

Symptoms: Visible rust on lower door edges, wheel arches, sills.
Medium

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 30 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Verso AR20 (2009–2018) — 20 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 1AD-FTV (2.0L D-4D). Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Other, Brakes.

Verso (1ND-TV, 2009–2018) — Be Careful: Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Faulty fuel pressure regulator valve, Worn dual mass flywheel. Power: 90 PS.

Verso (1AD-FTV, 2009–2018) — Stay Away!: Blown head gasket, Elevated oil consumption (despite recall), Overheating risk on cooling system failure. Power: 124–126 PS.

Verso (1WW, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: EGR condensation water damages throttle body and engine, Recall: Fire risk due to faulty EGR, Premature timing chain failure possible. Power: 111 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Verso AR20 have? +
The Toyota Verso AR20 has 20 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Verso AR20? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 1ND-TV (1.4L D-4D), 1WW (1.6L D-4D). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 1AD-FTV (2.0L D-4D). Problem engine: 1AD-FTV (2.0L D-4D) — stay away!
Which Toyota Verso AR20 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Verso AR20 — rated: "Not Really". {description} 93 kW in the Verso — adequate torque for family everyday use, but DPF issues spoil the mood.
Is the Toyota Verso AR20 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Toyota Verso AR20 — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Verso AR20? +
The Toyota Verso AR20 is available with engine variants from 75 to 126 hp. Diesel: 1ND-TV (1.4L D-4D), 1WW (1.6L D-4D), 1AD-FTV (2.0L D-4D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee