2020 Toyota Yaris

The 2020 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, offered as a hatchback. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The Yaris is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Yaris’s affordability and fuel economy, but some dislike its limited cargo space and somewhat unrefined driving experience compared to other subcompacts.

Engine

1.5L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. The specific cause is often difficult to diagnose without extensive testing, but may be related to piston ring issues.
  • Solution: Initially, monitor oil levels regularly and top off as needed. If consumption is excessive, a compression test and leak-down test can help determine the source. Depending on the cause, potential fixes include piston ring replacement or valve seal repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some drivers experience rough or jerky shifting, especially when cold or during light acceleration. This can manifest as noticeable jolts between gears.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid change using the correct type of fluid specified by Toyota. If the problem persists, a more thorough inspection of the transmission may be required. In some cases, valve body issues could be the cause, requiring valve body replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $1,000+ (valve body repair/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or crashes, requiring a restart to restore functionality. This can happen during navigation, phone connectivity, or media playback.
  • Solution: Try performing a system reset by disconnecting the car battery for a short period. Also, ensure the infotainment system software is up-to-date. If the issue persists, the head unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $500+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the dashboard or door panels, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locate the source of the noise and attempt to dampen it with felt pads or foam tape. Securing loose trim pieces may also help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (DIY) - $100+ (professional repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2020 Toyota Yaris, while generally a reliable vehicle, has a few common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most concerning is potential excessive oil consumption, which can be expensive to fix. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and interior rattles are less severe but can be irritating. While some transmission issues have been reported they are generally minor. Overall, the Yaris remains a good option for those seeking a fuel-efficient and affordable subcompact, but a thorough inspection and test drive are recommended to identify any potential problems before purchase.