Toyota Yaris
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.
Sense over pleasure
Diesel in a small car — economical with decent torque, but not a spark of driving fun. Useful for commuters with long routes, nothing more.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
The EGR valve on the 1ND-TV is the most frequently blocked component on this diesel. Deposited soot particles restrict valve movement; cleaning is often sufficient, but heavy fouling requires replacement.
Symptoms: Power loss above 3,000 rpm, engine warning light, EGR fault code, black smoke on load changes
Early versions of the 1ND-TV were recalled due to turbo issues. The turbo actuator diaphragm can fail. Motorinspektion.de confirms turbo failures as a known weakness of the 1.4 D-4D.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, limp mode, whistling or howling from the turbo area
Excess crankcase pressure on the 1ND-TV forces oil into the intake and exhaust, causing long-term turbo damage. A faulty crankcase ventilation system is cited as a known weakness at motorinspektion.de.
Symptoms: Oil consumption, blue oil deposits in the intake area, power loss, oil mist from the exhaust
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
The ABS control unit on the XP90, especially early build years, is prone to failure. ABS sensors on all four wheels can also wear out. The ABS warning light stays on permanently and the vehicle loses its operating permit.
On early XP90 models up to 2009 bracket failures on the steering column can occur. Cracking and creaking noises when steering indicate worn universal joints that need replacing.
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.
Rear brake calipers corrode and seize, especially on low-use vehicles. Brake discs and lines rust at an above-average rate on older examples.
Springs and shock absorbers are frequently flagged at MOT from the third visit onwards. Driveshafts show increased wear from around 150,000 km.
Ignition switches on 2006–2007 build years can fail. The engine may not start at all or cranks intermittently.
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.
With frequent short-trip use the rear silencer on the XP90 rusts through. Condensation water does not fully burn off during operation and attacks the metal. Rear box often due after 6–10 years.
The seat runner locking mechanism on the driver's seat can break on vehicles up to model year 2010. The seat can then no longer be safely fixed — repair requires replacing the seat mechanism.
The rear light seals on the tailgate age and become porous. Ingressing water collects in the boot. Inexpensive to fix with new rubber seals and sealant.
As with many older Toyota models of this era, the A/C system slowly loses refrigerant through porous seals and line connections. Cooling performance drops noticeably over the years.
Reports & Tests
737 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2005–2011). Most reported: Airbags (357), Brakes (94), Cruise Control (59).