2012 Toyota Avanza

The 2012 Toyota Avanza is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) known for its affordability and practicality, especially in markets like Southeast Asia. It typically came with a 1.3L or 1.5L inline-4 gasoline engine. The 1.5L engine produced around 103 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. It’s often praised for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency, but criticized for its underpowered engine and basic features. Transmission options are usually a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

Engine

1.3L Inline-4 Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-ups between oil changes. This is usually noticed after the vehicle has accumulated a significant number of miles.
  • Solution: Switching to a higher viscosity oil or performing an engine flush may temporarily alleviate the problem. However, the underlying issue might require more extensive repairs, such as piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.5L Inline-4 Engine

• Valve Train Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noises coming from the engine, particularly noticeable at idle or low speeds.
  • Solution: Adjustment of valve clearances or replacement of worn valve lifters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, or 2nd and 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or replacement of solenoids inside the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing or instability when driving over bumps, particularly with a loaded vehicle. Leaking fluid may also be visible on the shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows stop working intermittently or completely, often accompanied by a clicking sound from the door panel.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rusting Around Wheel Arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the metal around the wheel wells, especially in regions with high humidity or where road salt is used.
  • Solution: Sanding down the rust, applying rust converter, and repainting the affected area. In severe cases, welding in new metal panels may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

In summary, the 2012 Toyota Avanza has some common issues, with the most frequently reported problems being related to engine oil consumption, harsh shifting in the automatic transmission, and rear shock absorber failure. The dashboard cracking and rusting around the wheel arches are also concerns. Most of these issues are considered moderate in severity, and the repair costs can range from relatively inexpensive (around $100) to more substantial expenses exceeding $500 or more, depending on the specific problem and repair method.