Toyota Yaris XP90
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 VVT-i. Economical and reliable, typical Toyota small-car engine. Timing chain instead of belt.
- !! 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 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 - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Proven 1.5-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i, built in the millions. Bulletproof and undemanding. Oil consumption can creep up past 200,000 km but is rarely critical.
- !! 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
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Yaris XP90 (2005–2011) — 31 engine-related and 12 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, Faulty fuel pressure regulator valve, Worn dual mass flywheel. Power: 90 PS.
Yaris (1NR-FE, 2005–2011) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, VVT-i actuator worn, Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection. 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee