Reliability
Toyota

Yaris (XP130)

2012-2018 · Subcompact · 2 engines
108 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
2 Fire Reports
36 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
YARISYARIS IAYARIS LIFTBACK
View all 3 generations of the Toyota Yaris → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.8 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar subcompacts

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 14 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 207.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall14 complaints against about 207 for similar vehicles
9.8
Last three years1 complaints against about 53 for similar vehicles
9.8
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced0 complaints against about 49 for similar vehicles
10.0
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20129.9
  • 20139.9
  • 20149.9
  • 20159.9
  • 20169.9
  • 20179.7
  • 20189.9

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

1NZ-FE

1.5L 4-cyl / 106 hp
92 complaints 9.3 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 6 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
33
other
15
brakes
12
body
12
electrical
9

Toyota Yaris Unidentified Engine

16 complaints 3.2 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
5
wheels tires
3
electrical
3
brakes
2
fuel system
2

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Yaris, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 38 owner complaints
Brakes: 14 owner complaints
Body/Trim: 13 owner complaints
Electrical System: 12 owner complaints
Wheels & Tires: 10 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris

On a used 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (38), the brakes (14) and the body and structure (13). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris about the brakes.
  3. Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris about the body and structure.
  4. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris about the electrical system.
  5. Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris about the wheels and tires.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris

Recalls (11)

19V741000Oct 17, 2019critical
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V503000Jun 28, 2019serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

19V319000Apr 23, 2019serious
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.

18V025000Jan 9, 2018critical
Air Bags

On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles, located throughout the U.S., that previously received a “like-for-like” interim air bag inflator replacement. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

17V295000May 2, 2017serious
Tires

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Show 6 older recalls
17V006000Jan 9, 2017critical
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V367000May 26, 2016serious
Suspension

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 27, 2015. The front strut mounting bearings can be damaged when a high load is applied to the strut, such as driving over a large bump.

16V236000Apr 22, 2016serious
Tires

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

15V134000Mar 9, 2015serious
Structure

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a roof headliner that does not provide the proper occupant protection in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, " Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

15V098000Feb 19, 2015serious
Suspension

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to January 9, 2015. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened rear axle bearing bolts.

13V292000Jul 3, 2013serious
Steering

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 21, 2011, through August 31, 2011. A relay in the Power Steering Control Module of the electronic power steering system could experience a short circuit due to insufficient distance between terminals in the relay and moisture contamination of relay coil windings. A short circuit in the relay could disable power steering assistance.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (17.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris complaints?

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the brakes and the body and trim.

Is the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris have?

NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls covering some 2012-2018 Toyota Yaris vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Yaris?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the brakes and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Yaris?

The 2018 Toyota Yaris received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (13.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 108 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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