Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2012 Toyota Yaris Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

92/ 100
LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A no-nonsense, highly dependable compact car that prioritizes longevity and economy over thrills.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is undeniably one of the most robust and budget-friendly used compact cars you can confidently purchase. Its legendary Toyota reliability means major mechanical failures are rare, offering peace of mind to any discerning buyer seeking dependable and economical transportation.

Biggest Strengths

  • Exceptional long-term durability of powertrain
  • Low maintenance and repair costs
  • Excellent fuel economy

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Cooling System (Water Pump)moderate
2
HVAC Blower Motor/Resistorminor
3
Suspension Components (Struts/Sway Bar Links)moderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles, located throughout the U.S., that previously received a “like-for-like” interim air bag inflator replacement. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

What breaks on the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Toyota Yaris by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Toyota Yaris. Click any year for its full report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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