2017 Toyota Yaris
The 2017 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ease of parking. It comes standard with a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Yaris’s affordability and practicality, but some dislike its basic interior and somewhat sluggish acceleration.
Engine
1.5L Inline-4
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms can include low oil level warnings, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: In some cases, replacing the piston rings can resolve the issue. Other fixes may include replacing valve stem seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Check Engine Light - Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP)
- Description/Symptoms: The check engine light may illuminate, and a diagnostic scan might reveal codes related to the EVAP system, such as leaks in the fuel tank or vapor lines.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the faulty EVAP system component, which may include replacing the fuel cap, vapor lines, or the purge valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid change may help. However, more serious cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $3,000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
No Issues Found
Electrical
- Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent disconnections, difficulty pairing devices, or distorted audio quality during Bluetooth calls or music streaming.
- Solution: Attempt to update the vehicle’s infotainment system software to the latest version. If the issue persists, the Bluetooth module may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use for an extended period. Symptoms can include a slow engine crank when starting, or the battery dying completely.
- Solution: Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the drain. Common causes include faulty alternators, aftermarket accessories that are not properly installed, or failing electrical components. Repair or replace the offending component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Poor Headlight Performance
- Description/Symptoms: Dim or insufficient headlight brightness, especially in low-light conditions. Can reduce visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
- Solution: Upgrade to higher-performance halogen bulbs or LED headlight bulbs. Ensure the headlight lenses are clean and clear of any oxidation or clouding. In severe cases, the headlight assemblies may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Radio Display Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The radio display screen may flicker, become unresponsive, or display distorted images.
- Solution: Resetting the system might temporarily fix it. Otherwise, the radio unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2017 Toyota Yaris, while generally reliable, can experience issues such as excessive oil consumption, harsh shifting in the automatic transmission, and minor electrical glitches. The severity of these issues ranges from inconvenient to potentially costly. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and address them promptly to maintain the vehicle’s longevity. While the Yaris is a safe and reliable option, these issues can impact the enjoyment of driving it.