2009 Toyota Yaris

The 2009 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and affordability. It comes with a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its reliability, ease of parking, and fuel economy. Common dislikes include its small size, basic interior, and sometimes underpowered feel, especially when accelerating or climbing hills.

Engine

1.5L Inline-4 (1NZ-FE)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report that their 2009 Yaris consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. The symptoms include the low oil level warning light illuminating or noticing a significant decrease in oil level on the dipstick. Blue smoke may also come out of the exhaust.
  • Solution: In some cases, replacing the piston rings can help mitigate the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Loose Gas Cap
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may display the check engine light due to a loose or faulty gas cap.
  • Solution: Remove and retighten the gas cap, or replace the gas cap if needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $50
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between first and second gear. This can be more pronounced when the transmission fluid is cold.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid change may help alleviate the problem. In more severe cases, valve body repair or replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150 (fluid change); $500 - $1500+ (valve body repair/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride comfort, excessive bouncing after bumps, and potentially compromised handling are all indications of worn struts and shocks.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts and/or shocks will restore the vehicle’s ride and handling.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Bulb Burnout
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report that bulbs frequently burnout.
  • Solution: Replace bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5 - $30
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Sand down the rust and repaint the affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Light
  • Description/Symptoms: The airbag warning light may illuminate due to a faulty sensor or wiring issue.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause and repair or replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Toyota Yaris is generally a reliable vehicle. The most reported issues revolve around excessive oil consumption, especially in the 1.5L engine, and occasional transmission issues in the 4-speed automatic. Suspension issues, like worn struts, are also common as the vehicle ages. Most of these issues are repairable, but the cost can vary significantly depending on the severity and the specific components needing replacement. While some repairs, like replacing a gas cap or bulbs, are inexpensive, others, like engine work or valve body repair, can be costly.