Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Toyota · Supermini · 2011–2020 Custom Search

Toyota Yaris XP130

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.4 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants · How we rate

Der Yaris III (2011–2020, XP130) ist in PL und DE einer der beliebtesten Kleinwagen — und einer der wenigen, die den Ruf "wartungsarm" tatsächlich verdienen. ADAC-Pannenstatistik: dauerhaft unter den Besten der Klasse. Der relevante Stichtag ist Mitte 2017 — zweites Facelift: der problemanfällige 1.33 NR-FE wird durch den neuen 1.5-Liter ersetzt, LED-Tagfahrlicht, Notbremsassistent und Spurhalteassistent kommen serienmäßig. Post-2017 ist die technisch klar überlegene Wahl.

Motor-Wahl: 1.0 1KR-FE (69 PS) — Dreizylinder-Saugbenziner, einfachste Konstruktion, läuft bei regelmäßigen Ölwechseln bis 300.000 km ohne große Eingriffe. Berichte von 260.000+ km ohne Ölverlust. Für reine Stadtnutzung erste Wahl, auf der Autobahn laut und überfordert. 1.5 Hybrid 1NZ-FXE (ab 2012) — mit Abstand zuverlässigstes Antriebskonzept: E-CVT-Getriebe gilt als außergewöhnlich langlebig (keine mechanische Kupplung), Verbrauch unter 5 Liter in der Stadt, Hochvoltbatterie hält 200.000+ km. Nur Problem: monatelanger Standzeit schadet der Batterie.

Der 1.33 Dual-VVT-i 1NR-FE (2011–2017) ist der einzige Problemmotor der Baureihe: Kohlenstoffablagerungen auf Kolben ab 100.000–150.000 km (Reinigung $200–450), erhöhter Ölverbrauch ab 200.000 km (bis 1 Liter auf 5.000 km). Toyota-Werkstätten erklären das als "normal bis 1 l/1.000 km" — kein Ausschlusskriterium, aber bei Kaufinspektion Ölzustand genau prüfen.

Die häufigste Pannenursache laut ADAC: Starterbatterie (alle Varianten, besonders Kurzstrecke, ab 4–7 Jahren, Ersatz $90–150). Ab 2016 deutlich verbessert. Rost an Heckklappe und Schwellern ist dokumentiert — für einen Toyota überraschend, im 100.000-km-Dauertest bereits nach zwei Jahren sichtbar. Beim Kauf: Taschenlampe in Kofferraum-Innenkanten und Türunterkanten leuchten. DPF-Verstopfung beim 1.4 Diesel bei Kurzstrecke (Reinigung $150–350, Ersatz $900–1,500).

Hybrid lohnt sich bei städtischer Nutzung eindeutig: E-CVT-Getriebe ohne Kupplungsprobleme, 4–5 Liter Stadtverbrauch, kein Bremsenverschleiß durch Rekuperation. Gebrauchtpreisaufschlag $3,500–5,500 amortisiert sich bei Stadtpendlern in 3–5 Jahren.

Probefahrt: 1.33: unruhiger Leerlauf + bläulicher Rauch bei Schubabschaltung = Ölabstreifringe verschlissen. Hybrid: Batterie-Kapazitätsanzeige im Display prüfen, EV-Modus testen. Rost an Schwellern und Heckklappe checken. DC-Wandler-Rückruf Hybrid (Produktion Feb 2018–Apr 2019) per FIN prüfen.

Marktstand 2026: DE: 2011–2014 Benziner $5,500–10,000. Post-Facelift 2017–2020 $10,000–16,500. Hybrid +$2,000–4,500. PL: ab 19.000 PLN für ältere Benziner, Hybrid ab 35.000 PLN. Der Yaris hält die Preise in PL überdurchschnittlich gut. Insider-Pick: Post-2017 Hybrid oder 1.5-Liter Benziner — der 1.33er ist der einzige Motor mit echtem Strukturproblem, der Rest ist wartungsfrei-nah.

Most Fun Engine

99 PS

Yaris · Benzin

Light and lively

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

65–72 PS

1.0L Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Toyota Yaris XP130 is available with 5 engine variants — from 65 to 112 hp.

1.4L D-4D · Diesel· 90 PS
2011 2020

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

1.0L · Petrol· 69–72 PS
2011 2020

Extremely robust three-cylinder with timing chain. Virtually indestructible with regular oil changes. Occasional elevated oil consumption past 150,000 km. Ideal for city and short-run use.

  • !! Water pump failure from 100,000 km

    The water pump on the 1KR-FE has a limited service life and can fail prematurely. Several cases of failure at relatively low mileages have been documented.

    Symptoms: Temperature gauge rising abnormally, coolant loss, squealing noise from the engine area
    150–350 $
  • !! Water pump leaking from 60,000 km

    The water pump on the 1KR-FE tends to develop shaft seal leaks from around 50,000 km. The resulting coolant loss can lead to overheating if left unaddressed.

    Symptoms: Coolant level drops with no visible leak, coloured deposits around the water pump, elevated engine temperature
    150–400 $
  • ! Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings from 150,000 km

    With predominantly short-trip use the piston rings tend to stick, leading to oil consumption of up to 1 litre per 3,000 km. Particularly common on older, high-mileage vehicles.

    Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between service intervals, blue smoke on cold start or under hard acceleration
    400–900 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.3L · Petrol· 99 PS
2011 2020

Modern successor to the 2NZ-FE with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i). Economical and reliable; the timing chain normally lasts the life of the engine. Occasional oil consumption at high mileage.

  • !! Timing chain rattle on cold start from 130,000 km

    The 1NR-FE rattles briefly on a cold start because the hydraulic chain tensioner only works once oil pressure has built up. With neglected oil changes the tensioner valve can block and the chain stretches permanently.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start for 1–3 seconds, sounds like a loose metal chain; also audible when warm if the chain is worn
    400–1,200 $
  • !! VVT-i actuator worn from 120,000 km

    The VVT-i actuator on the 1NR-FE can become blocked by oil deposits with neglected oil changes, causing a phase error and increased fuel consumption.

    Symptoms: Engine warning light with VVT fault code, rough idle after cold start, slight power loss
    200–600 $
  • !! Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection from 60,000 km

    Without port injection, the intake valves are not rinsed with fuel. From around 60,000 km deposits build up that cause power loss and rough running.

    Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, increased fuel consumption, rough pull-away especially when cold.
    200–500 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L Dual VVT-iE · Petrol· 111 PS
2017 2020

Modern successor to the 2NZ-FE with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i). Economical and reliable; the timing chain normally lasts the life of the engine. Occasional oil consumption at high mileage.

  • !! Timing chain rattle on cold start from 130,000 km

    The 1NR-FE rattles briefly on a cold start because the hydraulic chain tensioner only works once oil pressure has built up. With neglected oil changes the tensioner valve can block and the chain stretches permanently.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling immediately after cold start for 1–3 seconds, sounds like a loose metal chain; also audible when warm if the chain is worn
    400–1,200 $
  • !! VVT-i actuator worn from 120,000 km

    The VVT-i actuator on the 1NR-FE can become blocked by oil deposits with neglected oil changes, causing a phase error and increased fuel consumption.

    Symptoms: Engine warning light with VVT fault code, rough idle after cold start, slight power loss
    200–600 $
  • !! Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection from 30,000 km

    Without port injection, the intake valves are not rinsed with fuel. From around 60,000 km deposits build up that cause power loss and rough running.

    Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, increased fuel consumption, rough pull-away especially when cold.
    200–500 $

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Yaris Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 101 PS
2012 2020

Hybrid engine running the Atkinson cycle, known from the Prius II. Extremely economical and reliable. The high-voltage battery typically lasts over 200,000 km; replacement cost on failure is moderate.

  • !! Oil consumption from piston ring wear from 200,000 km

    From around 200,000 km the Atkinson-cycle engine in the Prius XW20 tends towards elevated oil consumption due to worn piston rings. Extended periods standing still and short trips accelerate wear.

    Symptoms: Oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km; faint blue smoke from the exhaust under power demand
    1,000–3,000 $
  • !! Timing chain stretch and VVT noises from 175,000 km

    At high mileage the timing chain can over-stretch. The VVT actuator produces noises after cold start when oil pressure has not yet built up.

    Symptoms: Rattling after cold start from the engine bay, fading as the engine warms up; rough idle immediately after starting
    500–1,100 $
  • !! EGR channel and intake manifold coked up from 150,000 km

    From around 150,000 km the EGR channels and intake manifold can clog with carbon deposits, leading to elevated combustion temperatures and engine faults. Cleaning or replacement is necessary.

    Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss, fault code P0401 (insufficient EGR flow), elevated exhaust emissions
    200–700 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Rear brake discs rust through

Rear brake discs rust quickly with infrequent use or short-trip driving. Brake pads bond to the disc, resulting in dragging brakes.

Symptoms: Squealing under braking, vehicle pulls to one side, brake smell after extended standing
from 70,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD TÜV-Report

Average

Front and rear lighting (from the third inspection onwards) show above-average defect rates. Foot brake is similarly failure-prone as on the predecessor. From nine years, brake lines are flagged more frequently.

2024-11
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
145 complaints · 2011–2020
  1. 01 Airbags
    55 ⚠ 23
  2. 02 Electrical
    20
  3. 03 Cruise Control
    18 ⚠ 5
  4. 04 Engine
    16 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Other
    14 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Airbags (55 complaints)
Electrical (20 complaints)
Cruise Control (18 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A1 GB

Supermini (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Hyundai i20 GB-FL

Supermini (2018–2020)

Same Segment

Hyundai Accent HC

Supermini (2018–2022)

Same Segment

Ford Fiesta HJ

Supermini (2017–2023)

Same Segment

Kia Rio YB

Supermini (2017–2024)

Same Segment

Nissan Micra K14

Supermini (2017–2023)

Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 44 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Yaris XP130 (2011–2020) — 34 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Electronics, Rust. Considered reliable: 1KR-FE (1.0L).

Yaris (1ND-TV, 2011–2020) — Be Careful: Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Faulty fuel pressure regulator valve, Worn dual mass flywheel. Power: 90 PS.

Yaris (1NR-FE, 2011–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, VVT-i actuator worn, Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection. Power: 99 PS.

Yaris (2NR-FE, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, VVT-i actuator worn, Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection. Power: 111 PS.

Yaris (1NZ-FXE, 2012–2020) — Be Careful: Oil consumption from piston ring wear, Timing chain stretch and VVT noises, EGR channel and intake manifold coked up. Power: 73–75 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota 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 Yaris XP130 have? +
The Toyota Yaris XP130 has 34 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Yaris XP130? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 1KR-FE (1.0L). The most reliable engine is the 1KR-FE (1.0L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 1NR-FE (1.3L).
Which Toyota Yaris XP130 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Yaris XP130. 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 Yaris XP130 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Yaris XP130 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Dual-VVT-i in the refreshed XP130 chassis — rev-happy, refined and with the manual gearbox, the Yaris that's genuinely fun.
Is the Toyota Yaris XP130 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Yaris XP130 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Yaris XP130? +
The Toyota Yaris XP130 is available with engine variants from 65 to 112 hp. Petrol: 1KR-FE (1.0L), 1NR-FE (1.3L), 1NZ-FXE (1.5L Hybrid), 2NR-FE (1.5L Dual VVT-iE). Diesel: 1ND-TV (1.4L D-4D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee