Toyota's newest city car crossover with exceptional reliability - achieved 100% reliability rating in What Car? survey with zero reported faults. The 1.0 VVT-i engine is proven but needs diligent oil changes every 10,000 km. Main concerns are minor: premature clutch wear (especially on CVT models), infotainment glitches, occasional suspension knocks, and windscreen misting issues. Very cheap to insure (group 6-8) and excellent fuel economy around 50-55 mpg real-world. Small 231-litre boot limits practicality compared to Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.
Clutch can fail between 20,000-60,000 km, especially on CVT models · more· less
Multiple owners report clutches failing earlier than expected, typically between 20,000-60,000 km. This affects both manual and CVT transmission models, though CVT models show more frequent issues. Symptoms include difficulty engaging gears, juddering, and complete clutch failure. Independent garage replacement costs €275-500 on average, while Toyota dealerships charge €450-950 depending on whether flywheel replacement is also needed. The triplet cars (Aygo, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1) are known to use smaller 180mm clutches that wear prematurely - upgraded 190mm Yaris clutches are recommended replacements.
Infotainment system glitches€100 - €400
Touchscreen freezes, Bluetooth drops, CarPlay disconnections · more· less
Owners report frozen screens and dropped Bluetooth or CarPlay connections caused by software glitches or multimedia unit faults. The touchscreen can become unresponsive to touch commands. Most issues are resolved with software updates (free at dealer), but hardware replacement costs €100-400 if the unit itself fails. Despite being annoying, these issues don't affect vehicle safety or drivability and are relatively affordable to fix compared to mechanical problems.
VVT-i system degradation€200 - €600
Variable valve timing issues after 60,000 km cause rough idle, power loss · more· less
The 1.0 VVT-i engine develops problems with the VVT-i system after 60,000 km, particularly in cars mainly used for short trips or city driving. The valve timing solenoid fails to switch properly between camshaft positions, resulting in rough idling, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and occasional stuttering at low engine speeds. The VVT-i solenoid itself costs €80-150, but cleaning or replacement requires 2-3 hours labor. Preventive cleaning of the VVT-i valve every 40,000 km (€100-200) prevents most failures. Using high-quality engine oil (0W-20 specification) and 10,000 km oil change intervals is critical - owners who skip services or use cheap oil report significantly more VVT-i issues.
Front suspension knocks€80 - €200
Knocking or rattling over bumps from worn bushings or dampers · more· less
Some Aygo X owners report knocking or rattling noises over bumps, caused by worn suspension bushings or shock absorbers. Common sources include anti-roll bar bushings, control arm bushings, and worn dampers. Listen for suspension knocks on uneven roads during test drives. Individual bushing replacement costs €80-150, while full suspension component refresh runs €150-200 per corner. Despite the recall related to front suspension and battery fixings, most suspension issues are normal wear items rather than manufacturing defects.
Windscreen misting/condensation€0 - €50
Serious interior condensation requiring de-icing inside windscreen in cold weather · more· less
Multiple owners report serious windscreen misting when cold, requiring de-icing the inside before the outside. This is caused by moisture carried into the car via shoes, clothes, and damp air accumulating on carpets and interior surfaces. The issue is exacerbated when using Eco mode (which limits air conditioning use) or recirculation mode. Solutions: keep air conditioning on with recirculation OFF, set temperature to 22-24°C, use demister function, and place cheap dehumidifiers in the car overnight. Check carpets and mats for dampness - wet footwells can indicate door seal leaks. Cost to fix is minimal (dehumidifiers cost €10-20 each) unless door seals need replacement (€30-50 per seal).
CVT causes high revs and noise but no mechanical failures reported · more· less
The CVT automatic transmission in the Aygo X has achieved excellent reliability with no mechanical failures reported in What Car? surveys. However, drivers complain about the CVT programming: even at 30 mph, gentle acceleration causes the engine to overspeed with excessive noise. The combination of underpowered 72 hp engine and CVT calibration creates a loud, unrefined experience. The manual transmission avoids this issue entirely. Important: older Aygo models used MMT (MultiMode Transmission) which had serious reliability issues - the Aygo X CVT is completely different and mechanically reliable.
Excellent reliability for a city car
The Aygo X achieved a 100% reliability rating with zero faults reported in 24 months of What Car? owner surveys. Most issues are minor irritations (infotainment, misting) rather than expensive mechanical failures. The 1.0 VVT-i engine is proven and reliable when properly maintained with regular 10,000 km oil changes using correct 0W-20 specification oil.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km using 0W-20 specification oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Size: 175/65R17.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for rattling, rough idle, or VVT-i issues.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, door seal condition.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and uneven roads to check suspension.
Specific for this vehicle
Test clutch engagement (manual) or CVT shifts (auto)
On manual: clutch should engage smoothly with no juddering or slipping. On CVT: check for smooth acceleration without excessive engine revving or hesitation.
Listen for suspension knocks
Drive over speed bumps and uneven roads. Listen for knocking from front suspension.
Check windscreen for condensation residue
Look for water marks on inside of windscreen, check carpets for dampness, smell for musty odor indicating moisture problems.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Test touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Ensure screen doesn't freeze during 20-minute test drive.
Check for recalls completed
Verify with VIN that all 5 recalls completed: brake pedal (2022), curtain airbag (2022), brake booster (2022), battery terminal (2023), data module (2023).
Inspect boot and door seals
Check rubber seals around doors and boot for cracks or damage that could allow water ingress and cause condensation issues.
Brake booster malfunction (Jun-Aug 2022)Check production date - Verify completed
Battery terminal fault (Mar 2023)Affects power steering - Verify completed
Data communication module (Sep 2022-Aug 2023)247,951 vehicles worldwide - Verify completed
Contact Toyota dealer with VIN to verify all 5 recalls completed. The brake booster and airbag recalls are particularly important for safety.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 miles)Check purchase date
Toyota Relax service-activated warrantyUp to 10 years/100,000 miles
Extended warranty eligibilityCars under 10 years/185,000 km
Toyota Relax provides 12-month warranty extension with each annual service at authorized Toyota centers, up to maximum 10 years/100,000 miles at no extra cost. Servicing at Toyota maintains this warranty coverage. All 2022-2024 Aygo X models are still within original 3-year warranty if bought new.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.