2011 Toyota Yaris

The 2011 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. It comes equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Yaris for its nimble handling, ease of parking, and good gas mileage. Common complaints include a lack of power, a basic interior, and limited cargo space.

Engine

1.5L 1NZ-FE

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms may include needing to add oil every 1,000-3,000 miles and potentially blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: In some cases, replacing the piston rings may reduce oil consumption.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump may fail, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating. Symptoms include a visible coolant leak near the water pump, a whining noise coming from the engine, and an overheating engine.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning oxygen sensors can trigger the check engine light and cause poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor (either upstream or downstream).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear.
  • Solution: A transmission flush and filter change may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the valve body may need to be inspected and possibly replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for a flush; $800 - $1500+ for valve body replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the struts and shocks can wear out, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Stabilizer Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported issues with worn stabilizer bar links. This causes clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the stabilizer bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Bulb Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight and taillight bulbs may burn out frequently.
  • Solution: Replace the burnt-out bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $50 per bulb
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may fail to operate correctly, getting stuck, moving slowly, or not responding at all.
  • Solution: The window motor or regulator may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail causing dimming headlights, battery warning light illumination, and eventually, the car won’t start.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may crack, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dash replacement or a dash cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Loose Interior Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior trim pieces, such as door panels or dashboard components, may become loose or detached.
  • Solution: Reattach or replace the loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Toyota Yaris is generally a reliable vehicle, but some owners have reported issues with excessive oil consumption, water pump failure, transmission issues, and electrical problems. While some of these issues can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as engine or transmission repairs, can be more costly. Severity of the issues vary with how they affect the overall functionality of the car. It is important to get the car inspected by a mechanic before purchase.