2012 Toyota Yaris

Introduction: The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact hatchback that comes with two engine options: a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VVTi engine. The 1.5-liter engine produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.5-liter VVTi engine produces 118 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Yaris is known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability. However, like all vehicles, it has some reported issues.

Engine

1.5-liter 4-cylinder Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption: Description/Symptoms: Burning oil at a faster than normal rate. Solution: Piston ring replacement or engine rebuild. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover area. Solution: Replace valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300

1.5-liter 4-cylinder VVTi Engine

• Timing Chain Stretch: Description/Symptoms: Noise from the engine, especially on startup. Decreased engine performance. Solution: Replace timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
• Oil Sludge Buildup: Description/Symptoms: Plugging of oil passages leading to engine damage. Solution: Frequent oil changes and use of high-quality oil. Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A

Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Shifting Problems: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears or gears grinding. Solution: Clutch replacement or transmission rebuild. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder: Description/Symptoms: Vibration felt during acceleration. Solution: Torque converter replacement. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: Description/Symptoms: Noise and vibration from the front suspension. Solution: Replace strut mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Faulty Immobilizer System: Description/Symptoms: Vehicle won’t start. Solution: Replace immobilizer module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Electrical Harness Issues: Description/Symptoms: Electrical malfunctions such as flickering lights or power window failure. Solution: Repair or replace electrical harness. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Rust on Tailgate Latch: Description/Symptoms: Rust buildup on the tailgate latch. Solution: Replace tailgate latch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle: Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the dashboard. Solution: Diagnose source of rattle and fix accordingly. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
• Climate Control Failure: Description/Symptoms: HVAC system not functioning properly. Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+

Summary: While the 2012 Toyota Yaris has earned a reputation for reliability, it has some reported issues that can be costly to repair. The severity of the issues can vary depending on the specific problem, and the cost of repairs can range from minor to major. It’s important for potential buyers and owners to be aware of these issues and to factor in the potential costs of repairs when making purchase or maintenance decisions.