2011-2020 (XP130) · 1.3L 1NR-FE petrol · 99-101 hp
One of the most reliable city cars available. The 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine offers excellent balance between performance, economy, and dependability - Toyota's reputation is well-deserved here. Major concerns are limited: slight oil consumption on early 2011-2012 units, timing chain tensioner wear after 80,000 km (cold start rattle), and CVT auto reliability concerns on pre-2014 models. Manual gearbox versions are virtually bulletproof. The 2011 model year saw some electric power steering failures. Best years to buy are 2014-2020 after the facelift. Avoid CVT unless post-2014.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€450 - €700/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€350-550
Risk buffer
€100-150
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Timing chain tensioner wear€900 - €2,200
Cold start rattle lasting 1-30 seconds, typically after 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA111-based 1NR-FE timing chain tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. VVT-i components can wear after 80,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets need replacement. VW has updated the tensioner part. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Replacement costs €900-1,200 at independent shops, up to €2,200 at dealers including labor (approximately 6-8 hours work).
The Multidrive S CVT automatic can malfunction and exhibit jerkiness, especially after 100,000 km on early models (2011-2013). These faults manifest as delayed gear changes, unusual noises, and roughness at low speeds. Post-2014 facelift models are notably improved. Toyota CVT fluid changes should be done every 60,000 km despite official "lifetime fill" claims. CVT rebuild costs €2,500-3,000, full replacement can reach €3,500-4,000. Manual gearbox versions avoid this issue entirely and are significantly more reliable.
Electric power steering failure (2011-2012)€800 - €1,500
Loss of power assistance due to short circuit in relay module · more· less
Cars built between 20 July 2011 and 21 March 2012 had a short circuit relay in the EPS control module that could cause complete loss of power steering assistance. This was subject to a recall. If not yet repaired, EPS module replacement costs approximately €600-800 for parts plus €200-400 labor. Symptoms include sudden steering becoming very heavy, especially at low speeds. Check recall completion before purchase.
Oil consumption (early 2011-2012)€50 - €800
Increased oil usage between services, particularly 2009-2012 production · more· less
Some early 1NR-FE engines (2009-2012) exhibit higher oil consumption, with owners reporting needing to top up between service intervals. Toyota states maximum acceptable consumption is 1.0L per 1,000 km. Cause is typically worn piston rings or valve guides. Most examples don't suffer this issue - check oil weekly and verify service history. If consumption is excessive (more than 0.5L per 1,000 km), piston ring replacement costs €600-800 labor plus parts. Minor top-ups between services are acceptable and cost around €50-100/year for oil.
Water pump failure€400 - €650
Typically fails between 90,000-150,000 km causing coolant leaks · more· less
Water pump failures are relatively common on high-mileage Yaris models. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Water pump replacement costs €365-495 for 2011 models, €429-559 for 2012-2013, and €402-548 for 2014-2018 models according to RepairPal. Independent garages typically charge €400-500 including parts and labor. Dealers can be €100-150 more expensive. Recommend replacing coolant hoses at the same time if they show age-related cracking.
Ignition coil failure€150 - €550
Engine misfire, rough idle, check engine light after 60,000+ km · more· less
Ignition coils can fail due to heat damage and electrical overload. Symptoms include engine misfire, rough idle, poor acceleration, and check engine light. If one coil fails, others may follow soon. Single coil replacement costs €230-310 at shops (€60-100 DIY for parts only). Replacing all four coils preventively costs €400-550 with labor. Most coils make it to 80,000-120,000 km. Replacing failed coils promptly prevents catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel.
Front suspension strut mount bearing€500 - €950
Clicking/growling when turning, mainly 2015 production run · more· less
Cars built between 13 January 2015 and 27 February 2015 had potentially damaged strut top mounting bearings that could fail when driven over large bumps. Symptoms include abnormal noise when driving on uneven roads or turning the steering wheel, eventually causing loss of vehicle stability. This was subject to a recall. Full strut assembly replacement costs €770-950, or €520-650 at independent shops. Parts-only (DIY) cost is €40-120 for the mount bearing set.
EGR valve carbon buildup€150 - €1,100
Poor performance, rough idle, increased emissions from carbon deposits · more· less
The EGR valve is prone to rapid carbon buildup, especially on cars driven only for short trips. Symptoms include poor performance, rough idle, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and check engine light (P0401 code). Cleaning the EGR valve costs €150-250 at shops (DIY for €20-40 in cleaning supplies). If cleaning doesn't work, valve replacement costs €770-1,085 for labor and parts. Clean or replace every 50,000-60,000 km to prevent issues. Regular spirited driving helps reduce carbon buildup.
Excellent reliability for a city car
The Yaris Mk3 1.33 VVT-i is one of the most reliable small cars available. It ranked 7th overall in What Car's reliability survey and 1st in the small car category, beating rivals like the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo. Most issues are minor and preventable with regular maintenance. Manual gearbox versions are particularly dependable. Choose 2014-2020 models to avoid early CVT and EPS issues.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually at minimum.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - very important.
Body condition
Check for rust (rare on Yaris), accident damage, paint mismatch, door gaps.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check steering feel, brake response, transmission smoothness.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for cold start timing chain rattle
Most important check. Start engine completely cold and listen carefully for rattle in first 30 seconds. Brief rattle (1-2 seconds) is acceptable; longer indicates tensioner wear.
Check oil level and condition
Oil should be between min/max marks. Brown or black oil is normal; milky appearance indicates head gasket issues. Ask owner how often they top up between services.
Test CVT gearbox operation (if auto)
Drive for 15+ minutes until fully warm. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, or whining noise. Pre-2014 CVTs are problematic - prefer manual or post-2014 auto.
Verify recall completion
Contact Toyota dealer with VIN to confirm all recalls completed: EPS (2011-2012), airbag wiring (2015-2017), suspension bearing (early 2015), Takata airbag (2006-2011).
Check electric power steering operation
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock at low speed. Should be smooth and light. Heavy steering or warning lights indicate EPS issues (especially 2011-2012 models).
Check coolant level and signs of leaks
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or head gasket issues. Look for dampness around water pump area.
Inspect front suspension for noise
Drive over speed bumps and turn steering wheel while stationary. Listen for clicking, clunking, or growling sounds from strut mount bearings.
Check for engine misfires
Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, or check engine light can indicate ignition coil failure. More common after 60,000 km.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Electric power steering failure (July 2011 - March 2012)Verify completed
Rear hub retaining bolts (Sept-Dec 2014, some 2015)Verify completed
Contact Toyota dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Use toyota.com/recall lookup tool. The electric power steering recall (2011-2012) is particularly important for early models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all 2011-2020 models
Extended warranty with annual servicingUp to 10 years if serviced at Toyota
Hybrid battery warranty (if hybrid)N/A - petrol only
All Yaris Mk3 models from 2011-2020 are outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Toyota offers extended warranty coverage up to 10 years if the car is serviced annually with genuine Toyota parts at authorized dealers. Independent garage servicing with genuine parts also maintains validity under EU law (Regulation 461/2010).
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.