TOYOTA YARIS Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 16,446 MOT tests from 1,167 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every TOYOTA YARIS has the same fault.

TOYOTA YARIS's have a very good reliability rating of 628/999. The score was calculated from the average of every TOYOTA YARIS that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the TOYOTA YARIS.

TOYOTA YARIS (example)

Check a Toyota Yaris before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Service history
Dealer & service records
MOT records
Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	855/999Excellent	100,514 miles	6,858 vehicles
N/A	N/A	842/999Excellent	77,720 miles	6,678 vehicles
N/A	N/A	833/999Excellent	90,999 miles	9,438 vehicles
N/A	N/A	822/999Excellent	75,972 miles	11,075 vehicles
N/A	N/A	784/999Very good	90,922 miles	8,261 vehicles
N/A	N/A	783/999Very good	89,703 miles	13,294 vehicles
N/A	N/A	746/999Very good	91,288 miles	14,703 vehicles
N/A	N/A	692/999Good	75,982 miles	4,166 vehicles
N/A	N/A	682/999Good	81,370 miles	750 vehicles
N/A	N/A	669/999Good	82,247 miles	17,327 vehicles
N/A	N/A	648/999Good	77,964 miles	973 vehicles
N/A	N/A	634/999Good	79,772 miles	10,120 vehicles
N/A	N/A	631/999Good	76,145 miles	1,223 vehicles
N/A	N/A	603/999Good	79,546 miles	6,652 vehicles
N/A	N/A	530/999Above average	87,484 miles	7,999 vehicles
N/A	N/A	521/999Above average	79,435 miles	1,218 vehicles
N/A	N/A	517/999Above average	80,470 miles	1,536 vehicles
N/A	N/A	507/999Above average	78,615 miles	716 vehicles
N/A	N/A	471/999Average	79,263 miles	11,465 vehicles
N/A	N/A	465/999Average	96,142 miles	920 vehicles
N/A	N/A	464/999Average	79,721 miles	11,535 vehicles
N/A	N/A	461/999Average	83,355 miles	10,859 vehicles
N/A	N/A	460/999Average	80,190 miles	1,063 vehicles
N/A	N/A	459/999Average	82,786 miles	10,530 vehicles

How reliable is the TOYOTA YARIS?

Based on 16,446 MOT tests from 1,167 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

1,167

MOT tests

16,446

Pass rate

78.8%

Median mileage

77,444 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every TOYOTA YARIS has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 651 out of 999.

Common TOYOTA YARIS MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 2,472 advisory comments and 175 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 768 advisory comments and 41 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 238 advisory comments and 344 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Suspension arm issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 459 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.

What to inspect

Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM PIN OR BUSH WORN BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 308 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 287 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 224 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 223 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))

TOYOTA YARIS MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2026	6	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2025	6	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2024	7	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2023	18	19	89.5%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2022	22	49	85.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2021	39	116	87.1%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2020	36	120	89.2%	Tyre wear, Registration plate condition
2019	27	154	87%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2018	36	234	89.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2017	31	248	86.7%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2016	62	546	83.5%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2015	70	665	83.2%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2014	69	755	82%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2013	93	1190	79.2%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2012	114	1663	78.1%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2011	76	1162	80.3%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2010	73	1252	80%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2009	76	1384	80%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2008	69	1428	74.1%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2007	67	1451	75.7%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2006	45	1014	76.2%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2005	41	991	75.2%	Tyre wear, Anti-roll bar issues
2004	19	464	78.4%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2003	26	661	75.3%	Anti-roll bar issues, Tyre wear
2002	15	394	77.4%	Tyre wear, Anti-roll bar issues
2001	6	139	79.1%	Anti-roll bar issues, Coil spring issues

What to check when buying a used TOYOTA YARIS

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Buying a TOYOTA YARIS?

Common problems tell you what can affect TOYOTA YARISs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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