2009-2018 · 2.0 D-4D (1AD-FTV) diesel · 124-126 hp
Reliable mid-size family car favored by taxi drivers and fleet operators for good reason. The 2.0 D-4D engine with timing chain (not belt) is generally robust and many examples exceed 150,000 km trouble-free. Main concerns are DPF blockages from short journeys, clutch/dual mass flywheel wear common to all diesels, and EGR valve clogging. Avoid cars used only for city driving. The 1AD-FTV engine in this generation is far more reliable than the BMW-sourced 1.6/2.0 diesels found in some Toyota models from this era.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€650 - €1,200/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-700
Risk buffer
€175-500
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
DPF blockage / regeneration failure€300 - €1,800
Very common on cars driven only short distances, prevents proper regeneration · more· less
The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) becomes blocked if the car is used predominantly for short city journeys where the engine doesn't reach the temperature required for automatic regeneration. Symptoms include black smoke, rough running, loss of power, fuel smell in cabin, and possible stalling. Professional cleaning costs €300-400 while full DPF replacement runs €1,000-1,800. One owner reported paying €1,550 for DPF replacement at 100,000+ km. To prevent this, drive continuously at 60 km/h for 20-30 minutes periodically, avoid only short trips. Manual regeneration may be required if automatic regeneration fails repeatedly.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear€900 - €1,500
Well-known issue, some clutches fail as early as 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
The Avensis is well known for premature clutch problems. There have been reports of clutches failing as early as 60,000 km, especially on diesel models, though most failures occur between 80,000-120,000 km. The dual mass flywheel (DMF) often needs replacing at the same time. Clutch-only replacement costs €500-700, but with DMF the total is €900-1,500. One owner reported a quote of just under €1,400 for clutch and flywheel replacement. Solid flywheel conversion kits are available as a more durable alternative for €250-400 plus labor. Listen for noise when pressing the clutch pedal - this indicates worn clutch requiring replacement soon.
EGR valve blockage€200 - €600
Carbon buildup causes loss of power, black smoke, rough idle · more· less
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve becomes blocked with carbon deposits and dark tar-like substance, causing loss of power, black smoke from exhaust, and erratic idling. The valve can be cleaned thoroughly for €200-300 at an independent garage, or replaced for €400-600. The ports in the intake manifold can also become heavily clogged - a thorough clean of all three ports is needed. Some owners report the EGR valve getting stuck open or closed. This is a maintenance item on diesel Avensis models - expect to deal with it at some point during ownership.
Turbo actuator sticking / failure€500 - €2,500
Gentle driving and short trips cause carbon buildup, leads to limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include turbo lag, black smoke during acceleration, loss of boost above 60 mph, and EPC warning light with limp mode. Check all vacuum lines to the turbo and control solenoid for cracks or leaks. Actuator-only repair costs €500-600 at specialists, but if turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent this. Also check intercooler hoses for splits as burst pipes cause over-fueling and black smoke.
Diesel injector failure€600 - €2,500
Common-rail injectors can fail, rough running is first symptom · more· less
Toyota D-4D injector problems are well documented, with engines running very rough when injectors fail. Contaminated diesel can cause damage requiring full replacement. One owner was quoted €2,100 at Toyota dealer to replace all four injectors at 80,000 km. Individual injector replacement costs €400-650 each including coding. Diesel specialists like Bosch workshops are more cost-effective than dealers and can often service injectors rather than replacing them. Use original fuel filters and quality injector cleaner periodically. Toyota sells a good injector cleaner that can bring injectors back into specs. Injectors must be coded with diagnostic tool after replacement.
Water pump / thermostat failure€400 - €800
Typical failure between 70,000-130,000 km causes overheating · more· less
Water pump failures are common on Toyota diesels between 70,000-130,000 km. Some Avensis models use electric water pumps made of plastic that can fail anywhere in this range. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, or coolant leaks. The part costs approximately €200-250, with labor adding another €200-500 depending on accessibility. Always replace the thermostat at the same time to prevent future issues. Replace coolant every 60,000 km to help prevent premature failure. If water pump fails, stop driving immediately to avoid serious engine damage from overheating.
Alternator failure€250 - €550
Typical lifespan around 100,000 km, causes battery drain and warning light · more· less
Owners report flat battery issues even with new batteries, traced to failing alternators. Symptoms include battery warning light, voltage dropping below 13.7V when engine running (should be 14.1-14.7V), and recurring battery drain. Alternator replacement parts cost €180-350 depending on brand (AS-PL, Lucas, Denso), with labor adding another €100-200. One owner reported paying €263 at an RAC-approved garage. Test with multimeter - voltage should read 14.1-14.7V when engine first starts and remain above 13.7V. Most alternators last around 100,000 km on the Avensis.
Shock absorbers worn€400 - €700
Expected replacement around 120,000 km, must replace in pairs · more· less
The expected service life of T27 shock absorbers is 140,000-150,000 km, but replacement is recommended around 120,000 km. Signs include vehicle feeling unsettled over bumps, excessive leaning when turning, longer stopping distances, uneven tire wear, nose-diving during braking, or fluid leaks. Test by pressing down on boot and releasing - if it bounces multiple times, rears need replacement. Shock absorbers must be replaced in pairs. Parts cost €50-250 per shock depending on brand, with labor for a pair around €150-250. Check every 20,000 km and replace when performance degrades.
Reliable when maintained, but requires diesel-specific care
The Avensis T27 with 2.0 D-4D scored 95.6% in What Car's reliability study and is proven to exceed 250,000-400,000 km in taxi service when properly maintained. However, it requires regular longer drives to regenerate the DPF. Avoid cars used only for short city trips. The timing chain eliminates belt replacement costs, and most issues are preventable with proper maintenance. Independent garages can service at 50% less than dealers without voiding warranty.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months). Check DPF regeneration history if available.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (check date codes), and uneven wear patterns which indicate suspension or alignment issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rattles, or excessive smoke. Should start easily without hesitation.
Body condition
Check for rust, especially on wheel arches on older pre-2009 models. Inspect accident damage and paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including highway speeds to ensure DPF regeneration cycle can complete and to check turbo boost.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for DPF warning light
Most critical check. Start cold and watch for DPF light on dashboard. Ask owner about DPF regeneration frequency. Avoid cars used only for short city trips.
Test clutch operation thoroughly
Check clutch bite point, listen for noise when pressing pedal, test hill starts. Premature clutch wear is very common on diesel Avensis.
Inspect for black smoke from exhaust
During acceleration, watch for excessive black smoke which indicates DPF/EGR/turbo issues or over-fueling from intercooler hose leaks.
Listen for turbo lag and boost issues
During highway acceleration above 60 mph, turbo should provide smooth boost without lag, hesitation, or EPC warning light.
Check all service records for DPF replacement
If DPF has been replaced, verify it was done properly and recently. Original DPF on high-mileage cars (150,000+ km) may need replacement soon.
Verify exhaust system recall completed (2016 models)
For cars built June-October 2016, verify turbo bolt recall work completed. Contact Toyota dealer with VIN.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump, thermostat, or head gasket issues. Check for leaks.
Inspect battery and alternator voltage
With engine running, voltage should be 14.1-14.7V. Below 13.7V indicates alternator issues.
Contact a Toyota dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The turbocharger bolt recall is particularly important for 2.0-litre diesel models from mid-2016 production, as loose bolts can damage the turbocharger.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all T27 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all T27 models
Corrosion perforation (5 years unlimited km)Expired on all T27 models
Extended warranty availableContact Toyota dealer for quote
All Toyota Avensis T27 models (2009-2018) are now outside their original factory warranty periods. Extended warranty coverage may be available through Toyota dealers for qualifying vehicles based on age and mileage. Independent warranty providers also offer coverage. Under EU Block Exemption law, independent garages can service your Avensis without voiding any remaining coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.