2012-2020 (XP130) - 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol + electric motor (100 hp combined)
One of the most reliable small hybrids on the market. The Yaris Hybrid shares its proven powertrain with the Prius and Aqua/Prius C, featuring Toyota's bulletproof e-CVT (planetary gear system, not a belt CVT). Main concerns are the 12V auxiliary battery draining if the car sits unused, and potential hybrid battery degradation after 150,000+ km. Early cars (2012-2014) can show minor corrosion on suspension components. Several recalls exist for airbag wiring, seatbelts, and fuel injector seals - verify all completed before purchase.
Battery drains if car sits unused for 1-2 weeks, leaving car unable to start · more· less
This is the most common issue reported by Yaris Hybrid owners - 20% reported 12V battery problems in What Car? surveys, with 15% specifically battery-related. The car draws approximately 300mA when locked and unused, which can drain the small 12V battery in 7-14 days. Toyota now officially recommends leaving the car in "Ready" mode for 1 hour per week if not driving. Solutions include upgrading to a higher capacity battery (35Ah Yuasa instead of standard 30Ah), using a solar trickle charger, or simply driving the car regularly. The hybrid system cannot start without a functioning 12V battery.
Battery capacity gradually reduces, typically after 150,000-200,000 km or 10+ years · more· less
Toyota's hybrid batteries are remarkably durable - the company offers warranty coverage up to 15 years (with annual dealer servicing). Most owners report no issues even past 200,000 km. Signs of degradation include reduced power output, the petrol engine running more frequently, or the regenerative braking not charging effectively. Reconditioning (replacing individual cells) costs around €1,000-1,500 at specialists. Full replacement at Toyota dealer is €2,500-3,500. The Yaris Hybrid uses either NiMH or lithium-ion batteries depending on year - lithium-ion (newer models) typically lasts longer.
DC-DC converter failure€800 - €1,500
Converts high voltage to 12V; can fail on cars built Feb 2018 - Apr 2019 · more· less
A fault in the hybrid system of some examples manufactured from 6 February 2018 to 2 April 2019 could cause it to stop working. If affected, the DC converter needs to be inspected and potentially replaced at a Toyota dealership. This was identified via a recall/service campaign, so many affected cars should already have been fixed. Symptoms include hybrid system warning lights and the car being unable to start or drive. Always verify with Toyota using VIN whether your car was affected and if work was completed.
Inverter coolant pump failure€400 - €700
Electric pump that cools the inverter can fail, typically after 100,000+ km · more· less
The hybrid system has a dedicated cooling circuit for the inverter (separate from engine cooling). The electric coolant pump can fail, causing inverter overheating. If caught early, pump replacement is straightforward - part costs around €130-220, labor 1-2 hours. If ignored and the inverter overheats and fails, repair costs jump to €3,000-5,000+. Warning signs include hybrid system warnings and reduced performance. Toyota recommends inverter coolant flush as part of scheduled maintenance.
Electric power steering (EPS) issues€500 - €1,200
EPS motor or control module can fail, causing heavy steering · more· less
A short circuit relay in the electric power steering control module can cause the loss of power assistance. This particularly affects examples made between 20 July 2011 and 21 March 2012 (covered by recall). Symptoms include the red steering wheel warning light and noticeably heavier steering. The Yaris uses fully electric power steering (no hydraulic fluid), so the issue is typically electrical. If the EPS motor itself fails rather than just the module, repair costs are higher.
Suspension corrosion (early cars)€200 - €600
Front crash bar, battery chain, engine mounts prone to surface rust on pre-2015 cars · more· less
Early XP130 Yaris models (2012-2014) can develop surface rust on various suspension and underbody components, especially in countries with salted winter roads. Areas to check include the front crash bar, engine mounts, and the area around the rear wiper jet where water can leak through the rubber seal. While mostly cosmetic, if left untreated rust can progress. Applying underbody protection/rust proofing is recommended, especially for cars used in winter conditions.
Strut top mounting bearing (Jan-Feb 2015 build)€300 - €800
Resin cap bearing can crack when hitting bumps, causing abnormal noise · more· less
Vehicles manufactured between 13 January 2015 and 27 February 2015 may have strut top mounting bearings that can be damaged when driving over large bumps. A change from steel to resin cap material caused the issue. Symptoms include thumping or abnormal noise when driving on rough roads or turning. In severe cases, the strut rod can separate, affecting vehicle stability. This was a recall (G0S) - affected cars should have had bearings replaced free of charge. Verify completion if buying a 2015 model.
Excellent reliability - among the best in class
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid ranked first in the small car class for reliability in What Car?'s 2023 survey, with only 10.6% of owners reporting any faults in the first year. The hybrid powertrain uses Toyota's proven e-CVT (planetary gear system) shared with the Prius, which has fewer moving parts than a conventional automatic. Most issues are minor electrical niggles or the 12V battery - easily prevented by regular use. High mileage examples (200,000+ km) with good service history are common.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Complete Toyota dealer records are ideal - annual servicing is required to maintain hybrid battery warranty up to 15 years.
Tires Check tread depth, age, and uneven wear patterns. Standard size is 175/65R15 or 185/60R15.
Cold start Start engine completely cold. The Yaris Hybrid starts silently on electric - listen for any unusual sounds when petrol engine kicks in.
Body condition Check for parking damage to bumpers and alloy wheels - popular with city drivers and learners.
Test drive Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds. Hybrid system should switch seamlessly between electric and petrol.
Specific for this vehicle
Check 12V battery age and condition If original battery and car is 4+ years old, budget for replacement. Ask when last replaced. Look for a higher-capacity 35Ah battery as an upgrade.
Hybrid battery health check Request a Toyota "Hybrid Health Check" - this tests hybrid battery condition and provides 12 months additional battery cover. Check for any power dips during acceleration.
Verify all recalls completed Multiple recalls exist (airbag wiring, seatbelts, fuel injector seals, DC converter, strut bearings). Contact Toyota with VIN to confirm all completed.
Inspect underbody for corrosion Especially on 2012-2014 models. Check front crash bar, engine mounts, rear wiper jet area. Surface rust is common but shouldn't be severe.
Test hybrid system warnings Drive for 20+ minutes. Watch for any warning lights - hybrid system warning, EV mode restrictions, or check engine light. Dashboard should remain clear.
Check EPS warning light Steering should be light and consistent. Red steering wheel icon indicates power steering fault. Particularly important for 2011-2012 build cars.
Regenerative braking feel When lifting off the accelerator, you should feel noticeable deceleration as energy is recovered. Weak regen could indicate hybrid battery issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Rear seatbelt anchor plate (Aug 2011 - Jan 2016)Verify completed
EPS control module short circuit (Jul 2011 - Mar 2012)Verify completed
Airbag wiring harness - front doors (Jun 2014 - Feb 2017)Verify completed
Strut top mounting bearing (Jan 2015 - Feb 2015)Verify completed
Fuel injector seal leak (Jul 2017 - Apr 2018)Verify completed
DC converter / hybrid system (Feb 2018 - Apr 2019)Verify completed
Contact Toyota with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Use Toyota's official recall lookup at toyota.com/recall or contact your local Toyota dealer. Multiple production-date-specific recalls exist, so VIN verification is essential.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3-5 years depending on market)Expired on most
Toyota Relax extended warrantyUp to 10 years / 100,000 km
Hybrid battery warrantyUp to 15 years with annual service
Toyota Relax provides warranty extension up to 10 years or 100,000 km if the car is serviced annually at a Toyota dealer. The hybrid battery has additional coverage up to 15 years from first registration, renewable annually with dealer servicing. Check the service book carefully - warranty is void if servicing intervals were missed.
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.