2005-2011 (XP90) · 1.0L 1KR-FE 3-cylinder petrol (68 hp)
Reliable Japanese city car with excellent fuel economy and Toyota's legendary build quality. The second-generation Yaris scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests and is popular with first-time buyers and urban commuters. The 1.0 VVT-i engine is adequate for city use but underpowered on highways. Main concerns: VVT-i system can develop issues after 60,000 km causing rough idle, timing chain tensioner rattles on cold starts (common after 100,000 km), premature clutch wear in manual versions, and notorious clear coat peeling especially on 2007-2008 models. Avoid automatic versions - the MMT transmission is problematic. Parts are affordable and widely available.
Paint degrades, peels on roof and hood first, especially 2007-2008 models · more· less
This is the most common problem with the XP90 Yaris, particularly 2007-2008 models. Clear coat peeling typically starts on the roof, then spreads to the hood and other body panels. Average occurrence at 65,000-85,000 km regardless of how well the car is maintained. Many complaints involve Caribbean Blue paint specifically. Factory warranty doesn't cover this after 3 years. Roof-only repair costs €450-1,000, while full respray costs €1,500-2,200. Toyota has offered 50% goodwill contributions in some cases. DIY vinyl wrapping is an alternative for €300-500.
Premature clutch wear (manual)€550 - €900
Clutch judders when changing gears, wears faster than expected in city driving · more· less
Yaris manual clutches are known to wear prematurely, especially in heavy urban use. Owners report clutch judder appearing as early as 50,000-60,000 km, with full failure requiring replacement between 60,000-100,000 km (earlier than the typical 100,000+ km expectancy). Some cases reported clutch slipping at just 18,000 km. UK replacement costs average £595 (€700). Independent garages charge €550-650, while dealers ask €750-900. Symptoms include juddering during gear changes, high biting point, and clutch slippage under acceleration.
VVT-i system malfunction€300 - €650
Rough idling and power loss after 60,000 km, especially with irregular maintenance · more· less
The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing) system often develops problems after 60,000 km, particularly in cars used mainly for short city trips or with infrequent oil changes. Valve timing doesn't switch properly between camshaft positions, causing rough idle, increased fuel consumption, and occasional stuttering at low engine speeds. VVT solenoid replacement costs €300-370. More extensive repairs involving timing system components run €500-650. Preventive VVT-i valve cleaning every 40,000 km (costs €80-150) can prevent most issues. Use only high-quality oil and change every 10,000 km maximum.
The timing chain tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive metallic rattle on cold starts lasting 1-30 seconds, typically appearing between 60,000-120,000 km. If rattle persists beyond a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing to prevent chain skip and catastrophic engine damage. Toyota has updated the tensioner design. Complete timing chain kit replacement costs €850-1,200 including labor. Unlike timing belts, chains don't need scheduled replacement if properly maintained with regular oil changes.
Engine mount vibration€280 - €460
Excessive vibration especially at idle and gear changes, common on manual transmissions · more· less
Engine mount failure is one of the most commonly reported Yaris problems, especially on 2007-2010 models with manual transmission. Symptoms include noticeable vibration when starting the engine, during idle, when accelerating from a stop, or when shifting gears. You may also hear clunking when putting the car into drive or reverse. The 3-cylinder engine naturally has more vibration than 4-cylinder engines, making mount wear more noticeable. Replacement costs €280-460 depending on which mount fails. Using OEM mounts is recommended as cheap aftermarket mounts may not dampen vibration adequately.
Power window switch melting€280 - €300
Driver's side master switch melts due to improper lubrication during manufacturing · more· less
Many second-generation Yaris owners reported their driver's side power window master switch melting. During manufacturing, grease lubricant was inconsistently applied to sliding electrical contacts. Without proper lubrication, debris and moisture enter the switch causing short circuits, overheating, and melting - potentially causing a fire. Toyota issued a recall in late 2015 for 2006-2010 models. If your car hasn't had this recall completed, get it done immediately. Replacement cost is €280-300 if not covered under recall. The master switch (driver's side) fails most often as it's used most frequently.
Rear wheel speed sensor corrosion€200 - €800
ABS and brake warning lights due to corroded sensors in rear wheel bearings · more· less
The speed sensors in rear wheel bearings are prone to early corrosion in the XP90 Yaris. Symptoms include ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and occasional brake system warnings. Basic sensor replacement costs €200-310 if the sensor can be replaced separately. However, on many Yaris models, the sensor is integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly and cannot be serviced separately. In these cases, the entire hub must be replaced at €700-800 per side including labor. This is particularly common on 2008-2012 models.
Water pump failure€530 - €650
Water pump typically fails between 70,000-100,000 km causing overheating · more· less
Water pump failures typically occur between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, or coolant leaks. The 1KR-FE engine has some cold-start issues in winter related to the cooling system. Replacement costs €530-650 including labor. Always replace the thermostat (adds €80-100) at the same time as both involve opening the cooling system. Early detection prevents expensive engine damage from overheating. Check coolant level regularly and watch for sweet-smelling coolant odor or puddles under the car.
Very reliable mechanically, but bodywork issues common
The Yaris XP90 is one of Toyota's most reliable models, ranking 7th overall and 1st in the small car class for used car reliability. The 1.0 VVT-i engine is mechanically sound when properly maintained. Most issues are minor and predictable. The clear coat peeling is almost universal on 2007-2008 models but doesn't affect safety or reliability. Manual transmission versions are significantly more reliable than automatic/MMT versions. Average annual repair costs of €333 are among the lowest in the segment.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km maximum - this engine needs frequent oil changes.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), uneven wear patterns. Small 14" or 15" tires are affordable to replace.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for kerb damage on wheels and body panels - common on first cars and urban runabouts.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Manual clutch should engage smoothly without judder.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect all paint surfaces for clear coat peeling
Look carefully at roof, hood, and trunk lid for bubbling or peeling. 2007-2008 models most affected. Not a deal-breaker but factor repair cost into negotiation.
Cold start timing chain noise test
Start engine completely cold. Listen for metallic rattling in first 1-30 seconds. Brief rattle (1-2 seconds) is acceptable; longer indicates tensioner/chain wear needing €850+ repair.
Test clutch operation thoroughly (manual)
Feel for juddering during gear changes, especially 1st to 2nd. Check biting point isn't excessively high. Clutch should engage smoothly without vibration or slippage.
Check for engine vibration and mount condition
With engine running at idle, check for excessive vibration in cabin. Put car in drive/reverse and listen for clunking - indicates worn engine mounts.
Verify power window switch recall completed
Check driver's power window master switch for any signs of melting or discoloration. Verify recall work done - this is a fire hazard.
Test all electrical functions
Operate all windows, locks, lights. Check for ABS warning lights on dashboard. Test air conditioning if equipped.
Inspect for oil leaks and consumption
Check oil level - should be between marks. Ask owner about oil consumption. Look under engine for leaks. Brown/milky oil indicates problems.
Check coolant condition and level
Coolant should be clean and pink/red, not brown or rusty. Low level may indicate water pump issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Power window master switch fire hazard (2006-2010)Verify completed
Contact a Toyota dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The power window switch recall is particularly important as it's a fire hazard. Takata airbag recall affects multiple model years and requires replacement even if previously replaced under recall.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all XP90 models
Anti-perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2012+ models
Extended warranty availabilityAvailable from third-party providers
All XP90 Yaris models (2005-2011) are outside their original 3-year factory warranty. The 12-year anti-perforation warranty may still apply on later models but does not cover clear coat peeling. Independent extended warranty coverage is available but often excludes wear items like clutches. Given the car's excellent reliability record, extended warranty may not be cost-effective.
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.