IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Toyota Verso (AR20)

Substantial mid-cycle facelift for the Toyota Verso introducing Toyota Keen Look family front end with LED daytime running lights, 470 redesigned components, reduced cabin noise vibration and harshness, revised electric power steering, and subsequent BMW-sourced 1.6 D-4D diesel.

What changed for 2013

  • •Keen Look corporate front bumper with slim upper grille and LED daytime running lights
  • •Comprehensive acoustic insulation package reducing cabin motorway noise
  • •Updated Toyota Touch touchscreen infotainment with rear-view reversing camera
  • •Introduction of BMW-supplied 1.6-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine in early 2014

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Diesel particulate filter (DPF) differential pressure sensor fault from urban driving
  • !Front suspension lower arm rear bush degradation
  • !Rear brake pad binding from road salt accumulation in caliper sliders
2
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Manual 6-Speed Gearbox Input and Output Shaft Bearing Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The 6-speed manual gearbox fitted across 1.6 and 1.8 petrol as well as 2.0 diesel models is susceptible to premature bearing wear on the main input and output shafts. Sub-standard case-hardening on the steel bearing races causes surface pitting, which produces an audible whining noise that rises in pitch with vehicle speed in 5th and 6th gear. If ignored, the bearing collapses completely, puncturing the transmission casing and destroying gear gearsets.

Est. Repair Cost: £700–£1,400
Warning Signs:

High-pitched mechanical whining noise noticeable in 5th and 6th gears at 50 to 70 mph, Low-frequency rumbling noise heard when idling in neutral that disappears when pressing the clutch pedal, Vibration felt through the gear lever when accelerating or lifting off the throttle on the motorway, Difficulty engaging 1st and reverse gears when the gearbox is cold

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the vehicle on a dual carriageway at 60 mph in 6th gear and listen for transmission whine under light throttle
  • Depress and release the clutch pedal several times while idling in neutral to listen for input bearing rumble
  • Inspect the gearbox casing underneath for oil weeping around the driveshaft oil seals
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electronic Parking Brake Actuator and Cable Mechanism Jamming

ModerateBrakes

The electronic parking brake (EPB) mechanism utilizes motorized cable pullers mounted underneath the rear floor pan. Moisture, road dirt, and winter salt spray penetrate the actuator casing and Bowden cables, causing internal corrosion of the gears and microswitches. This leaves the rear brakes locked on or triggers an instrument warning chime with a disabled parking brake, causing an MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£750
Warning Signs:

Warning message stating Check Parking Brake System illuminated on the multifunction display, Electric handbrake fails to disengage automatically when setting off in first gear, Loud screeching or grinding sound from underneath the rear floorpan when operating handbrake switch, Rear wheels remain partially locked or binding after releasing the parking brake

What to Inspect:
  • Engage and release the parking brake switch multiple times with the engine idling on a slight incline
  • Verify that the parking brake releases smoothly and quietly without warning chime alerts
  • Inspect the rear brake cables underneath for torn rubber boots and corroded outer sleeves
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2013 Toyota Verso (AR20)

  • Post-2013 facelift petrol models offer exceptional mechanical reliability for family duties
  • On 1.6 D-4D diesel models, verify that oil services were carried out at strict 10,000-mile intervals
  • Test the reversing camera and touchscreen display for dead pixels or slow response
2010–20122014–2015
Check a 2013 Toyota Verso (AR20) by Registration