Toyota Yaris XP90
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second Yaris was an evolution — larger, more comfortable, with a wider engine range. Now available as a diesel for the first time.
Petrols include the 1KR-FE 1.0L three-cylinder as entry, 1NR-FE and 2SZ-FE 1.3L as mid-range, and 1NZ-FE 1.5L as strongest option. The 1NR-FE has documented piston ring issues in short-trip use — Toyota issued TSBs and revised pistons from 2013. The 1ND-TV 1.4L diesel is frugal but injectors and DPF become costly on short trips.
Test-drive checklist: 1NR-FE: check oil consumption (dipstick!). Cold-start diesel — rough idle = injectors. CVT for judder at crawl speed.
2026 market: Between $2,800 and $8,300 for examples with 50,000–90,000 miles.
Insider pick: Yaris 1.0 (1KR-FE) with manual — the simplest XP90.
106 PS
Yaris · Benzin
Sportiest XP90
Fun to Drive!65–72 PS
1.0L Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Yaris XP90 is available with 5 engine variants — from 65 to 106 hp.
Compact common-rail diesel with a timing chain instead of a belt, which cuts maintenance effort. Economical and fundamentally solid, but at the limit of its performance in larger bodies and accordingly strained. Typical issues are coking EGR valves and boost/swirl-flap problems from around 150,000 km. Pure short-run use risks a clogged DPF regeneration, so plan regular motorway trips. When buying, check injectors and EGR and watch for black smoke and limp mode. Change the oil consistently every 10,000–15,000 km to the correct specification.
- !! 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 - !! Zylinderkopfdichtung defekt (Frühproduktion) from 80,000 km
Erste Versionen hatten eine Schwachstelle in der Kopfdichtung. Toyota hat Garantiereparaturen durchgeführt. Vor 2004: auf Kühlmittelverlust achten.
Symptoms: Weißer Rauch, sinkender Kühlmittelstand, Überhitzung - !! 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
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Extremely robust one-litre three-cylinder with a maintenance-free timing chain. For a three-pot it runs surprisingly smoothly, but it has little low-end torque and wants to be revved. With regular oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km it is virtually indestructible. Past roughly 150,000 km oil consumption can creep up, so check the level when buying and watch for bluish smoke on a cold start. Ignition coils and the throttle body get dirty over time, causing a rough idle. For city and short-run use it is one of the most reliable options out there.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - ! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Evolution of the 2NZ-FE with added VVT-i control, a typical Toyota small-car engine: economical, torquey low down and very reliable. A timing chain instead of a belt saves the costly belt-change interval, yet the oil should still be changed every 10,000 km so the chain does not stretch early. Valve clearances are mechanical, with a check recommended every 100,000 km — cold tapping signals clearances that have opened up. When buying, look for a smooth idle and clean oil. Real weak spots are barely known, an uncomplicated long-distance runner.
- !! Timing chain elongating and rattling on cold start from 120,000 km
The timing chain on the 2SZ-FE can elongate at high mileages combined with irregular oil changes. Reports describe chain elongation occurring at 85,000 km.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling directly after cold start that decreases as the engine warms up, occasional fault codes for camshaft position (P0016) - !! Water pump leaking due to shaft seal failure from 100,000 km
The water pump on the 2SZ-FE is a known weak point. The shaft seal ages and loses its sealing effect, resulting in coolant loss.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, coloured deposits under the vehicle or on the pump housing, rising temperature, squealing from the engine bay - !! Fuel pump failing at high mileage from 150,000 km
The in-tank fuel pump on the 2SZ-FE can fail at high mileage or wear out faster when run on a near-empty tank due to inadequate cooling.
Symptoms: Difficult starting or engine won't start at all, stumbling under load, fuel pressure drop, engine cutting out on the motorway
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern successor to the 2NZ-FE with Dual VVT-i on both intake and exhaust. Economical and reliable; the timing chain normally lasts the life of the engine and needs no fixed replacement. Eager to rev but a touch lethargic low down. The weak spot is slightly raised oil consumption from around 150,000 km, so check the level regularly and keep to a 15,000 km or annual service. When buying, listen for a rattly cold start (chain tensioner) and look for service records. Overall a long-lived, undemanding everyday engine.
- !! 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 - !! Oil consumption on short-trip use from 120,000 km
The 1.33 valvetrain shows elevated oil consumption with frequent short-trip use. The oil level should be checked regularly, as the engine can consume up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km with a poor driving profile.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service intervals without blue smoke; engine runs normally otherwise - !! 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
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Proven 1.5-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i, built in the millions and one of the most undemanding engines in its class. Runs a timing chain that usually lasts the life of the engine. Oil consumption can creep up past 200,000 km but rarely becomes critical — check the oil level and service history when buying, and regular changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km keep it healthy. Otherwise extremely long-lived and easy to service, with few typical weak spots.
- !! Timing chain stretch at high mileage from 170,000 km
The timing chain on the 1NZ-FE stretches from around 150,000–200,000 km and produces rattling noises. Chain tensioners and guide rails should be replaced together.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start from the timing cover area; noise fades after warm-up - !! Elevated oil consumption from worn piston rings from 160,000 km
After 150,000 km the 1NZ-FE tends towards elevated oil consumption due to worn oil scraper rings and valve stem seals. The aluminium cylinder block cannot be bored out.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust on load changes; oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km - !! VVT-i unit sticking or failing from 130,000 km
The VVT-i unit on the 1NZ-FE can become blocked by oil sludge with infrequent oil changes. The VVT-i valve then locks in the wrong position, causing power loss and starting problems.
Symptoms: Engine warning light with VVT fault code, rough idle, power loss at mid revs
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS sensor failures ABS sensors fail at an above-average rate. Control unit failures are also known on early build years. Warning light on the dashboard is the first sign. Symptoms: ABS warning light illuminates, ABS system deactivates itself from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Faulty ignition switch Ignition switches on 2006–2007 build years can fail. The engine may not start at all or cranks intermittently. Symptoms: Engine won't start, key difficult to turn or gets stuck from 70,000 km | Low | |
| Fuel gauge inaccurate, warning light premature The fuel sender unit on the XP90 frequently shows inaccurate fuel levels. The low fuel warning light often comes on with plenty of reserve remaining. The sender unit in the tank ages and needs replacing. Symptoms: Low fuel warning light comes on despite sufficient fuel remaining, gauge jumps or shows incorrect readings from 100,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD TÜV-Report
The foot brake is noticeably more failure-prone than the parking brake. Brake disc wear is above average across all age groups. Brake lines become problematic from nine years. Headlights are defective more often than usual.
2024-11Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Citroën C3 II
Supermini (2009–2016)
Hyundai i20 PB
Supermini (2009–2014)
Kia Soul AM
Supermini (2009–2014)
VW Polo V (6R)
Supermini (2009–2014)
Alfa Romeo MiTo 955
Supermini (2008–2018)
Dacia Sandero I
Supermini (2008–2012)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Yaris XP90 (2005–2011) — 32 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Suspension, Gearbox. Considered reliable: 1KR-FE (1.0L), 1NZ-FE (1.5L), 2SZ-FE (1.3L VVT-i).
Yaris (1ND-TV, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Zylinderkopfdichtung defekt (Frühproduktion), Faulty fuel pressure regulator valve. Power: 90 PS.
Yaris (1NR-FE, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, Oil consumption on short-trip use, VVT-i actuator worn. Power: 99–101 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 XP90 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Yaris XP90? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Yaris XP90 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Toyota Yaris XP90 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Yaris XP90 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Yaris XP90? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee