Common Toyota Problems

The Aygo X transitioned the city car into a compact crossover. It is currently one of the most reliable cars in the UK, often scoring 99%+ in reliability surveys.

Toyota’s first dedicated EV. While mechanically robust, early models faced high-profile wheel bolt recalls and criticism for winter range and charging speeds.

The current generation Yaris and its SUV sibling, the Yaris Cross, are class leaders in efficiency and reliability. They use the latest 1.5 Hybrid drivetrain.

The return of the Corolla name to the UK. It was recently ranked as the UK’s most reliable hybrid with a tiny 1.3% claim rate. It is built in Derbyshire, UK.

Modern TNGA-based SUV. Exceptionally efficient and reliable, but "Cablegate" and high theft rates for some variants are concerns in the UK.

The second facelift brought Toyota Safety Sense as standard and the stronger 1.5 VVT-iE petrol. It is the best Mk3, but hybrid rear brakes and weak 12V batteries can still cause avoidable hassle.

The eighth-generation Hilux is one of the few UK pickups with a genuinely hard-wearing reputation, but it still needs to be bought like a working vehicle rather than a lifestyle accessory. Diesel after-treatment health, suspension wear and signs of towing or heavy site use matter more than cosmetic condition.

A strikingly styled hybrid crossover based on the Prius platform. It is exceptionally reliable but lacks rear visibility and rear passenger space.

The legendary indestructible pickup. While it's arguably the toughest truck on the market, the 2.4/2.8 D-4D engines have modern emissions complexities and the chassis still needs rust protection in the UK.

Sharper looks and better tech. Mechanically similar to the Mk1, it remains a very safe used buy.

The 2014 facelift sharpened the looks and cabin while keeping the simple mechanical package intact. It is one of the safest used superminis, though hybrid brake corrosion and Touch 2 glitches still crop up.

Shifted towards a family-SUV feel. The Hybrid introduced here is the best choice for used buyers.

Better styling and improved hybrid system. Extremely durable car, often used as a taxi for a reason.

The launch Mk3 made the Yaris roomier and introduced the hybrid to UK supermini buyers. Early cars are still very dependable, but the first-wave ABS actuator issue is the expensive fault to watch.

Legendary for its durability and off-road capability. In the UK, it is often favored over more complex luxury SUVs for its "bulletproof" reputation.

The final Avensis is one of the most sensible used family cars in the UK. Most petrol cars are very easy to live with, while diesels and tired high-mile cars show the bulk of the known faults.

The definitive hybrid. Durability is legendary, but high-mileage examples have specific high-cost failure points like the brake actuator.

A safe and sensible hatchback. The Hybrid (2010-on) is the pick of the range, but check for inverter recalls.

Simple, fun, and very economical. It shares its mechanicals with the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107. Water ingress is the most common headache.

A robust SUV that is excellent in petrol form, but the 2.2 diesel engines are a significant risk.

A more substantial Yaris. Generally very reliable, but the MMT automated manual gearbox is a known weak spot.

A roomy, comfortable and usually dependable family car, but the mid-2000s T25 is where Toyota’s 2.2 diesel reputation went badly wrong. Petrol cars are much easier to recommend.

The Mk3 MR2 is light, simple and huge fun on UK roads, but the early 1ZZ engine has a very specific reputation. Buy on engine history and rust prevention, not just a cheap entry price.

The car that established Toyotas modern reputation in the UK. Exceptional packaging and bulletproof petrol engines, but structural rust is now a significant threat to survivors.

The first Avensis built Toyota’s UK reputation on simple, durable family-car engineering. Petrol cars can still be excellent value, but corrosion is now the deciding factor on most survivors.