Toyota Yaris Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Toyota Yaris options? We analyzed 10 model years (2011–2020) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota Yaris has 146 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2011–2020. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2012 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Yaris
- Model years analyzed
- 2011–2020 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 146
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 36
- Fire-related complaints
- 3
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2012 (35 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Toyota Yaris: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe TOYOTA YARIS has 146 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 36 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 24 federal recall campaigns
- 36 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
24 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
TIRES
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2020. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 146 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
146 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA YARIS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE SEAT BELT AUDIBLE WARNING CHIME SOUNDED, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE WEATHER TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN 20 AND 30 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDDIES TOYOTA (7333 E. KELLOGG DR.,WICHITA, KS), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER (MID WEST TOYOTA, 1100 E 30TH AVE, HUTCHINSON, KS), BUT THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
AT 19000 MILES I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY BREAKING SOMETIMES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WOULD WORK AND SOMETIMES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE DID NOT IN THE BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND SO WOULD THE TIRES . WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR I ATTEMPTED BREAK AND MAKE I TURN INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES MY BRAKES LOCKED UP AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I RAN UP ON A CURB AND INTO A STOP SIGN I DIDN'T HIT THE STOP SIGN VERY HARD BECAUSE I WAS APPLYING MY BRAKES THE ENTIRE TIME BUT NEEDLESS TO SAY IT DID HAPPEN. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER LITTLE THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN THE CAR THAT I REALLY DIDN'T PAY ANY ATTENTION TO BUT NOW I WILL LIKE MY SCREEN WENT OUT FOR JUST A LITTLE BIT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THEN CAME BACK ON AND MY ENGINE MADE A FUNNY SOUND THAT MORNING WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT AND KIND OF HAD A HARD TIME ACCELERATING, THEN LIKE MAYBE AN HOUR LATER THE WHOLE BREAKING INCIDENT HAPPENED I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S HAPPENING AND ALL THE TOYOTA YARIS HAS BUT I HAVE AN IA AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED ME THAT MY BRAKES WORK JUST FINE AND THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I'M NOT CONVINCED.
THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE FAR ENOUGH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN APPROACHING A 90 DEGREE LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT NIGHT. I NOTICED THIS RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND OWNED MANY VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY DIFFICULTY SEEING WHEN I WAS MAKING A TURN. I'M SURE IT IS NOT THE LIGHTS NEEDING ADJUSTMENT. IT IS A VERY BAD DESIGN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALSO VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THERE WILL BE MANY ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE HEADLIGHT DESIGN. I BELIEVE THIS FLAW SHOULD BE RE-CALLED AND REPAIRED.
TAKATA RECALL MY WIFE WAS HIT IN THE FRONT END AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF
The vehicle do unnecessary abrupt breaking in the highway when the road are reduced due to reparation. In addition in two times, when I tried to park to my garage in the back of other vehicle the breaking system related to collision is activate. This area of my garage is an inclined drive way zone and I put the vehicle back to other. In occasions when I go out to my residence, I need to go thru a control system that content a electrical barrier (electric arm), and around 4 or 5 times, when I close to this area the car did a hard stop, and the collision red light turned on with a beep sound, the same indication when the car activate the breaking system in the highway and when I try to park in some times to my garage. The most critical issue is when hard stooping in the highway due to in these times the other vehicles claimed me why reason I stopping without any reason, and them are very close to collision the back of my car. When this happen the sound of the tires of my car can be ear clearly the hard stopping. I very disappointment and very scare this defect was and will be in danger my life, due to the dealer retailer that I buy my car don't found any issue after my notification and I had no choice open a case directly with the Toyota, and now the dealer retailer will do an a correct inspection but I need to pay for this, is incredible due to my 2020 car only have 18,000 used miles.
This 2020 Yaris is registered to me but driven by my daughter to her workplace less that 3 miles away. The first incident involved the engine laboring to start and when she came home, the battery was dead. I was able to re-charge the battery at home but 2 days later, the car would not start at home. I have an auto engine scanner that registered a P2610 code stating "an Engine Control Module, ECM/PCM Engine Off Timer Performance". The battery had been completely drained of its liquid. This is a safety hazard that could have stranded my daughter as she sometimes drives to Houston which is about 30 miles away. I researched this code and found that the NHTSA has previously issued notices on these problems. We need help getting it resolved.Car is available for inspection.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Yaris. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Yaris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact they did not know when parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Yaris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was bucking and jerking while driving at slower speeds. The contact stated that also that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal to the flooring, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
i was at a stop light waiting for a left turn. there was a truck in front of me. the light turned green. the truck drove forward and was beginning to turn. there was a car space between me and the truck. i accelerated to turn and within a few seconds i felt the anti lock brakes activate, car stopped the engine shut off. i had to put the car in park and restart the engine. its a good thing there wasnt a car behind me.
THE OWNERS MANUAL CAPACITIES FOR AN OIL CHANGE WITH FILTER CALLS FOR 4.4QTS. WHEN THIS AMOUNT OF OIL IS USED AND THE PROPER INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED AS PER THE SAME MANUAL TO CHECK THE LEVEL WITH THE DIPSTICK IT SHOWS THAT IT IS OVERFILLED BY CLOSE TO 1QT. THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T EXPLAIN IT NOR CAN TOYOTA. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE EITHER PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE OR POSSIBLY AN ENGINE FIRE BECAUSE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW.
I HAVE A 2020 TOYOTA YARIS WITH 3500 MILES THAT HAS AN INTENSE AND REPEATED VIBRATION PROBLEM THAT STARTED APPEARING 9 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. WHEN I COME FULLY TO A STOP, SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL VIBRATE INTENSELY LIKE A MASSAGE CHAIR. THE VIBRATION CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT - IN SEATS, STEERING WHEEL, DASH, BRAKE PEDAL, EVEN THE DOORS AND WINDOWS. THE VIBRATION IS SO INTENSE IT CAN BE VISUALLY SEEN. WHEN I LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, THE ENGINE IS SHAKING INTENSELY. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS IN DRIVE/REVERSE AND WHEN STOPPED. IF THE CAR IS IN PARK/NEUTRAL, OR WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING, IT DOES NOT VIBRATE. THE VIBRATION COMES BACK WHEN PUT BACK INTO DRIVE/REVERSE. THE VIBRATION ONLY HAPPENS ONCE THE CAR IS WARM. CAR VIBRATES AT 500 RPM. WHEN RPM GOES UP TO 600 OR MORE, IT STOPS VIBRATING. IT ALSO STOPS VIBRATING IF THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS TURNED ON (RPMS RISING). AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A LOW IDLE BECAUSE IDLE RPMS WERE TOO LOW (NOT A ROUGH IDLE). I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND FILM IT HAPPENING BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO FIX IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHECKED OTHER CARS FOR THE PROBLEM; THEY FIRST TOLD ME THAT MY YARIS IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THAT PROBLEM, THEN THEY CHANGED THEIR STATEMENT AND SAID "3 OTHER YARIS AT OTHER DEALERSHIPS ALSO HAD THAT PROBLEM, BUT IT IS LIKE 3 OUT OF 30,000 YARIS". THIS MEANS THAT THE VIBRATION PROBLEM IS NOT NORMAL FOR THIS CAR AND A FEW OF THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE (WITH MINE BEING ONE OF THEM). I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 SEPARATE TIMES REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT THEY REFUSED OR GAVE ME AN EXCUSE, SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX IT, COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, ETC. MY CAR ONLY HAS 3,500 MILES AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A NEW CAR. TOYOTA SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND FIND AN EFFECTIVE REMEDY, TAKE THIS CAR BACK, OR COMPENSATE THE OWNER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURELY FASTEN INTO THE BUCKLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE MIRROR COVER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
Vehicle has safety recall, vehicle may stall at high speed, Toyota dealership replace fuel pump after replacements check engine light came on same day, and after few thousand miles light also came on , never fix the problem, now they charged me $280.00 to do the diagnostic check engine light even though that i purchased extended warranty for 125,000 miles and they also want to charge me $930.00 for engine de carburetor and test again…Thanks
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated although the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle crashed into a tree and the neighbor's house. The paramedics, fire department, and police arrived and created a report. The contact's wife suffered bruising and body aches upon impact. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an impound lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated that after his wife had arrived at her destination, a short time later she was made aware that the vehicle was on fire. Upon arriving on the scene, the contact's wife observed a fire originating in the engine compartment. Local emergency services were called and were able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Car driving with no one in front and brake assist went off on own. Also car driving and electrical system in car shut down and lost control of car. Then all dashboard lights came on, was able to regain control and pull in parking lot. Shut car off. Hooked up ODB. No codes. Then started car and ran fine. Had burning electrical smell.
2019 TOYOTA YARIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE BEING HACKED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IN HIS OPINION SOMEONE REMOTELY SHUTDOWN OR DISABLED THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. UPDATE 06/20/2023- CONSUMER IS REQUESTING PETITON AND HEARING. PETITION AND HEARING REQUEST DOCUMENT MAILED IN.
2019 TOYOTA YARIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE.
2019 TOYOTA YARIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGH, ENGINE NOISES, AND EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION DELAYS. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL THE LINES AND GDI ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUEL PUMP HAD CARBON BUILD UP. THE GDI LINS WERE FLUSHED. WHICH DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE FLUSHED EVERY SIX MONTHS, AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE OF 1200.00. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS UNREASONABLE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK AT A HIGH SPEED RATE, IN ORDER TO FORCE OUT THE BUILD UP. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS A LEMON.
Showing 20 of 146 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Toyota Yaris
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Toyota Yaris, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota Yaris has 146 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Toyota Yaris has 24 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 36 of the Toyota Yaris's 146 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Toyota Yaris vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Toyota Yaris vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Toyota Yaris has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a Toyota Yaris by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Toyota Yaris.
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Toyota Yaris reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Yaris reliable?
Below Average. The Toyota Yaris has 146 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Toyota Yaris years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2012 (35 complaints), 2019 (26 complaints), 2011 (25 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Toyota Yaris problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (55 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 complaints); VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (18 complaints).
Does the Toyota Yaris have recalls?
Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Toyota Yaris. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.