2020-present · 1.5 VVT-iE Hybrid (116 hp) with e-CVT
One of the most reliable small cars you can buy. This fourth-generation Yaris (XP210) is Toyota-only engineering on the GA-B platform and won the 2021 European Car of the Year award. The hybrid system combines a proven 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors for exceptional fuel economy (real-world 55-65 mpg). Main concern is the undersized 12V battery which drains if the car sits unused for more than a week—particularly common on cars used for short trips or parked frequently. Regenerative braking means brake pads and discs can last 100,000+ km. The hybrid battery itself is covered by Toyota's exceptional warranty: up to 15 years with annual dealer servicing. No timing belt—uses chain. This is a sensible, frugal city car backed by Toyota's reliability reputation.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€400 - €750/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€350-600
Risk buffer
€50-150
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
12V auxiliary battery drain€150 - €350
Battery drains within 7-10 days if car not driven regularly · more· less
The 12V battery is undersized for the hybrid system's needs and drains quickly when parked. This is the most commonly reported issue by Yaris Hybrid owners, affecting approximately 15-20% of cars. The battery draws 40-75 mA constantly, draining completely within 1-2 weeks of parking. This problem is worse for cars doing frequent short trips or using ECO mode constantly, as the charging system restrains battery charging in ECO mode. Toyota dealers may test the battery, say it passes their checks, charge you €30, only for the problem to recur weeks later. Solution: upgrade to a better quality AGM battery (Yuasa or Varta) with 40-45 Ah capacity, or use a solar trickle charger plugged into the OBD port when parked. Battery replacement costs €150-300 at independent garages, up to €500 at Toyota dealers including labor.
Hybrid system warning lights€100 - €800
Multiple warning lights appear, hybrid system enters safe mode · more· less
Occasionally owners report the car shows hybrid system warning messages or multiple dashboard lights with various systems flagged. This can be caused by sensor faults, connector issues, or software glitches. Most common cause is actually the 12V battery being too low—if 12V battery voltage drops, the entire hybrid system can shut down. First step is always to check 12V battery health. Other causes include faulty hybrid control modules or sensors. Simple fixes like sensor resets or connector cleaning cost €100-200. More complex repairs involving hybrid control modules can reach €500-800. A November 2022 recall addressed a software issue in the skid control ECU that affected 2020-2021 models—verify this has been completed.
Infotainment screen freezing€50 - €1,200
Screen freezes during boot, Bluetooth drops, unresponsive touchscreen · more· less
Some owners report infotainment screens that freeze during startup or become unresponsive. Common causes include outdated software, loose wiring connectors, or blown fuses. First check the infotainment fuse and wiring harness. A software update or system reset usually fixes minor glitches for €50-100 at dealer. If a connector is loose or corroded, repair costs €100-200. However, if the screen unit itself has failed, Toyota dealers quote over €1,000 for replacement as they won't replace just the screen—the entire unit must be changed. This is relatively rare but expensive when it occurs.
The high-voltage hybrid battery pack is very reliable and typically lasts well beyond 150,000 km, but failures can occur. Symptoms include reduced fuel economy, loss of electric propulsion, warning lights, and error codes P0A80 (replace hybrid battery) or P3000 (battery check error). The P0A80 code appears when voltage difference between battery modules exceeds 20%. Individual module reconditioning costs €500-2,000 depending on severity. Full battery pack replacement at dealer costs €3,000-4,000. However, this issue is rare on 2020+ models. Toyota's hybrid battery warranty covers up to 15 years with annual dealer servicing—most owners will never pay for this repair. Always verify annual hybrid health checks have been completed to maintain warranty coverage.
One of the most reliable small cars available
The Toyota Yaris XP210 Hybrid has exceptional reliability for a modern car. The main issue—12V battery drain—is well-documented and easily managed with a quality battery upgrade or trickle charger. The hybrid system itself is proven and the high-voltage battery has outstanding warranty coverage. This is a sensible choice for anyone prioritizing low running costs and reliability over performance or space.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Toyota dealer service records strongly preferred to maintain hybrid battery warranty. Verify annual hybrid health checks completed.
Tires
Check tread depth and age. Typical sizes: 175/65R15 or 195/50R16 depending on trim level.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Hybrid system should engage smoothly with no warning lights.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch. Yaris aluminum body panels generally rust-free.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Listen for unusual noises from hybrid system.
Specific for this vehicle
Check 12V battery voltage and age
Use multimeter: should read 12.4-12.7V when parked overnight. Ask when battery was last replaced. If original battery from 2020-2021, replacement is likely needed soon.
Test hybrid system thoroughly
Drive for 15+ minutes. Watch for any warning lights on dashboard. Check hybrid power flow display shows battery charging and discharging normally.
Verify hybrid health check history
Ask seller for proof of annual hybrid health checks at Toyota dealer. This is required to maintain the 15-year hybrid battery warranty.
Test infotainment system completely
Check screen boots properly, no freezing. Test Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, all functions. Press all buttons to verify responsiveness.
Verify recalls completed
Check with Toyota dealer using VIN. Key recalls: skid control ECU software (Nov 2022), radar sensor initialization (Apr 2022), eCall emergency system (Nov 2021).
Check brake pad thickness
Due to regenerative braking, pads should have significant life remaining even at high mileage. If pads are heavily worn on a low-mileage car, it suggests harsh driving or brake system issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Skid control ECU software issue (2020-2021)Verify completed
Emergency call system (eCall) malfunction (2020-2021)Verify completed
Centre rear seat belt bracket issueCheck with dealer
Bluetooth connectivity TSBSoftware update available
Contact a Toyota dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The skid control ECU recall (November 2022) affected approximately 144,500 vehicles in Europe and is particularly important.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty3 years from new (expired on 2020 models)
Hybrid battery warranty5 years/100,000 km, extendable to 15 years
Toyota Relax extended warranty1 year extension with each annual service
Anti-corrosion warranty12 years unlimited mileage
Toyota's hybrid battery warranty is exceptional: extends to 15 years with annual hybrid health checks at a Toyota dealer. The Toyota Relax program adds 1 year warranty with each annual dealer service, up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Maintaining dealer service history significantly increases warranty coverage and vehicle value.
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.