IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Toyota Yaris Mk2

The final year of the Mk2 Yaris before the Mk3 arrived. Late cars are the best of the breed if they have been well-maintained, with the facelift improvements and proven reliability. Parts remain cheap and plentiful, and the simple mechanicals mean any decent independent garage can service them. The 1.33 manual remains the pick of the range for long-term reliability.

What changed for 2011

  • •Final production year before the Mk3 redesign
  • •All models now include stability control as standard

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Age-related corrosion starting to appear on earlier 2005-2006 cars
  • !MMT gearbox issues becoming more prominent on higher-mileage examples
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

MMT Gearbox Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The automated manual (MMT) gearbox can suffer actuator and ECU faults, leaving the car stuck in neutral or unable to select gears - a known weak point on Mk2 Yaris automated models that often requires specialist repair.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Flashing "N" on dash, Refusal to select gears, Jerky take-off

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive in stop-start traffic
  • Check for clutch smell
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Airbag Inflator Recall

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

Some models are subject to a recall for degraded airbag inflators that may not deploy correctly.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Recall)
Warning Signs:

Airbag warning light, Recall notice received

What to Inspect:
  • Check if the recall has been completed via Toyota or DVSA website
  • Confirm with a Toyota dealer using the VIN that the inflator replacement is signed off
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Water Pump Leak

ModerateCooling System

The water pump on the 1.0 and 1.33 petrol engines is a known failure point, often showing as pink crusty coolant residue around the pump and a dropping coolant level; left unchecked it can cause overheating.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£350
Warning Signs:

Pink "fur" around pulley, Dropping coolant level, Sweet smell when hot

What to Inspect:
  • Visual check of the pump area
  • Look for pink staining on the underside of the bonnet
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Speed Sensor Corrosion

ModerateBrakes

The speed sensors in the rear wheel bearings are prone to corrosion, triggering ABS warnings.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£300
Warning Signs:

ABS warning light, Brake failure warning, Erratic speedometer

What to Inspect:
  • Check for ABS warning lights
  • Inspect rear wheel bearings for corrosion
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2011 Toyota Yaris Mk2

  • Late 2011 cars offer the best value in the Mk2 range
  • Always check the MMT gearbox operation thoroughly if buying an automated manual
2010
Check a 2011 Toyota Yaris Mk2 by Registration