Toyota Yaris Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)
The Toyota Yaris is an accomplished subcompact automobile sold in North America for the 2011 – 2020 model years.
It impresses with pleasurable handling, superb maneuverability, and thrifty fuel consumption.
In this essay, we will examine both its finest and worst years.
VIDEO: Toyota Yaris Review
Toyota Yaris Best and Worst Years
The Toyota Yaris has a 4.5 out of 5.0 dependability rating from RepairPal, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a dependable used car, according to CoPilotSearch.com. However, the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Yaris model years are the worst because of issues with the body paint. The 2019 Toyota Yaris is suggested by CoPilotSearch.com as the best-used vehicle overall, with an average used price of $15,655 and an average mileage of 19,932. According to ConsumerReports.org, while other subcompacts are getting more enjoyable and rewarding, the Toyota Yaris remains essential and unremarkable. The Toyota Yaris underwent a revamp in 2012, which may have enhanced its features and performance[4]. Owners of Toyota Yaris may support the reliability and safety of their cars by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.
What Are The Toyota Yaris’ Best Years?
The Yaris’ best years are listed in detail below.
Toyota Yaris 2020
Our top option is the 2020 Yaris because it is the most well-rounded model and has the most advanced technology and safety features.
City slickers, anyone on a tight budget, or young drivers should consider it.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were added as standard features for 2020.
- Edmunds: 0
- 4.3/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- N/A JD Power
Toyota Yaris for 2019
The 2019 Yaris is another excellent option, including a beautiful exterior and interior, performance akin to a go-kart, and an impressive list of standard tech features.
There were no significant changes for this model year. However, it did receive a new grille design.
It’s available as a sedan body style alone and comes in three trim levels, L, LE, and XLE.
- Edmunds: 3.4 out of 5
- 4.3/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 78 / 100
Toyota Yaris, 2018
Another potential contender is the 2018 Yaris, which has received excellent evaluations and high-reliability ratings.
To refresh the Yaris’ athletic appearance for 2018, more prominent taillights, a lower rear bumper, and new headlight and grille designs were all added.
The revised instrument panel with an LCD was installed inside the L and LE trims.
A backup camera and audio controls on the steering wheel have been made standard features on all models.
- Edmunds: 4 out of 5
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 77 / 100
Toyota Yaris, 2017
The 2017 Yaris is a perennial favorite with owners and car critics because it is simple to use and reasonably priced.
Toyota Safety Sense-C, a new set of features that came standard for 2017 and were designed to warn of and even prevent an accident, includes the following:
- Automatic headlights Lane departure alert
- Emergency braking on demand
- Collision-prevention alert
However, we suggest selecting a 2018 model since it has a rearview camera.
- Edmunds: 0
- 4.6 out of 5.0 Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 78 out of 100
Toyota Yaris 2016
If you’re seeking an inexpensive and easy car to park, choosing a 2016 Yaris could be perfect.
The 2016 Yaris carried over unchanged from 2015, while some new color combos were offered.
Its stellar reputation and substantial resale value propel it to the top of our list.
- Edmunds: 3.3 out of 5
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- N/A JD Power
Toyota Yaris (2014)
The 2014 Yaris is an agile and comfortable city car that is small and fuel-efficient.
Compared to the 2013 model year, the 2014 Yaris received no significant updates or modifications.
Daytime running lights, however, were installed as standard equipment on all models.
- Edmunds: 4.3 out of 5
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 74 out of 100
Toyota Yaris (2013)
In addition to an unwavering reputation for dependability, the 2013 Yaris features a very inexpensive purchase price, excellent fuel efficiency, and low running costs.
Additionally, this model includes a respectable selection of audio and telecommunication functions,
Following a comprehensive redesign in 2012, the Yaris was unchanged in 2013.
- Edmunds: 3.9 out of 5.
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 82 out of 100
Toyota Yaris 2012
The 2012 Yaris is a practical subcompact that involves transporting you from A to B.
For 2012 the Yaris was substantially revamped, including:
- More precise sheet metal
- Increased wheelbase
- Fresh interior
- A better suspension
- More cargo space
These improvements improved its standings among tiny cars.
- Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 85 out of 100
Toyota Yaris year 2011
We wouldn’t suggest purchasing a Yaris before the 2011 model if you’re in the market for one for this reason: the reliability from 2011 onwards was significantly better.
For those on a limited budget, the 2011 Yaris is an excellent option; ensure the car has been regularly maintained, and the owner can give supporting documentation.
Although there were no significant alterations for 2011, the sun visor did get an extension.
- Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- 83 of 100 for JD Power
Consumer Scores For Best Toyota Yaris Years
Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Yaris model years from reputable vehicle websites:
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue BookConsumer Rating | JD PowerConsumer Rating |
| 2020 Toyota Yaris | NA | 4.3 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2019 Toyota Yaris | 3.4 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2018 Toyota Yaris | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 77 / 100 |
| 2017 Toyota Yaris | NA | 4.6 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2016 Toyota Yaris | 3.3 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2015 Toyota Yaris | 3.5 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 77 / 100 |
| 2014 Toyota Yaris | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 74 / 100 |
| 2013 Toyota Yaris | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 85 / 100 |
| 2011 Toyota Yaris | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
What Are The Toyota Yaris’ Worst Years?
Even though Toyota manufactured several fantastic Yaris model years, there are still some that you should be aware of.
Toyota Yaris (2010)
The 2010 Yaris was considered a suitable vehicle in many areas except for airbags.
It had the infamous Takata airbags, which exploded and shot shrapnel.
A malfunction in the airbag inflator might have caused metal pieces to shoot through the car, causing significant damage or even death.
Owners had to wait excessively for repairs because the problem was so widespread.
The 2010 Yaris was the subject of 117 issues at CarProblemZoo.com and 18 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common issues:
- Takata recall electric power steering (EPS) warning light
- Clear coat peeling
- The vehicle won’t start
Toyota Yaris, 2009
The 2009 Yaris was impacted by the exploding Takata airbags, which were recalled, like the 2010 model year.
Additionally, a handful of owners stated that when they were in a collision, the airbags would not deploy.
The 2009 Yaris was the subject of 142 problems at CarProblemZoo.com and 17 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common issues:
- Clear coat peeling
- Brake failure
Toyota Yaris 2008
The Takata airbag recalls significantly impacted the 2008 Yaris, and there were reports that the airbags did not always deploy as intended.
The 2008 Yaris was the subject of 314 issues at CarProblemZoo.com and 49 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common issues:
- Clear coat peeling
- peeling paint
- At highway speed, I lost control
- The engine shuts down when idle
2007 Toyota Yaris
The 2007 Yaris was, by far, the most problematic and frequently complained-about model year of all the years listed here.
Owners reported numerous crashes and accidents with non-deploying airbags.
It was also recalled due to Takata airbags that could explode.
It has multiple reports of the Anti-lock braking system failing, with owners reporting that the warning lights would come on and off randomly and that other reports state the brakes failed to work correctly.
Another widespread criticism was that the clear coat paint would peel off, which generally cost owners $1500 to repaint the car.
The last coat of paint on the car is a clear, glossy coating.
Total complaints and difficulties for the 2007 Yaris were 94 at CarComplaints.com and 367 at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common issues:
- Clear coat peeling
- There is a check engine light on the Peeling paint
How Safe Is Toyota Yaris?
The 2020 Toyota Yaris achieved excellent ratings in front crash prevention, good ratings in crashworthiness, and crash avoidance and mitigation, according to IIHS.org. Additionally, the 2017 Toyota Yaris received good crashworthiness ratings and a basic front crash prevention rating.
However, it is essential to note that the Toyota Yaris underwent a redesign in 2020, which may have improved its safety features and performance. The Toyota Yaris has a 4.5 out of 5.0 dependability rating from RepairPal, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a dependable used car, according to CoPilotSearch.com.
The Yaris is widely acknowledged as one of the most reliable subcompact cars, with an average lifespan of 250,000 to 300,000 miles, dependent on regular maintenance and excellent driving habits. However, the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Yaris model years are the worst because of issues with the body paint.
Nevertheless, Toyota Yaris owners may support their cars’ reliability and safety by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.
Reliability of Toyota Yaris
According to RepairPal, the Toyota Yaris has a high-reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 and is rated first out of 21 other subcompact cars. The Yaris is widely acknowledged as one of the most reliable subcompact cars, with an average lifespan of 250,000 to 300,000 miles, dependent on regular maintenance and excellent driving habits.
However, due to peeling clear coat concerns, the 2007 Toyota Yaris has the most significant complaints, with 399 NHTSA complaints and ten recalls. Avoid this Yaris year if possible. Owners of Toyota Yaris may support the reliability and safety of their cars by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris achieved good ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation, as well as a superior rating in front accident prevention, according to IIHS.org.
Additionally, the Yaris has a combination of quality and dependability scores, according to J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings.
How To Find The Best Deals on Toyota Yaris?
Consider purchasing a used Toyota Yaris to get the best deals. The 2019 Toyota Yaris is a well-used car option, according to CoPilotSearch.com, with an average used price of $15,655 and average mileage of 19,932.
Several pre-owned vehicles with low mileage and many of the same amenities as the 2020 Yaris are also readily available, up to 26% less than the 2020 MSRP listed price. An excellent site to look for a used Toyota Yaris for sale is CarGurus.com.
The Toyota Yaris’s reputation for dependability should also be considered; according to RepairPal, it has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 and is ranked #1 out of 21 other subcompact automobiles.
Buyers of the Toyota Yaris can get the best deals on their cars by keeping track of these aspects and the most current discounts and incentives. Toyota.com is a beautiful source for current deals and incentives on new Toyota vehicles.
Tips for Maintaining your Toyota Yaris
Regular maintenance and necessary repairs are required to maintain the dependability and safety of a Toyota Yaris. The Toyota Yaris is scored favorably in dependability by CarParts.com, receiving a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating, and is ranked top out of 21 subcompact cars by RepairPal.
Follow the suggested maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer, which calls for frequent oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Furthermore, since letting the battery go entirely flat can harm it, it is crucial to maintain the battery charged.
Regular tire pressure checks are also advised because underinflated tires can affect a vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. Owners of Toyota Yaris may support the reliability and safety of their cars by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.
The 2007 Toyota Yaris, which has received 399 NHTSA complaints and ten recalls for apparent coat problems, has the most complaints overall. Stay away from this Yaris year.
How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?
Purchase a vehicle history report.
There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.
The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.
The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.
However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.
However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.
Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.
Owner Background
You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.
While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.
You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.
Repair Record
Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.
You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.
Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.
Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.
Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.
The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.
Inspection before purchase
Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.
A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.
A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.
Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.
Toyota Yaris FAQ’s
Which model of the Toyota Yaris is best?
The ideal Toyota Yaris for… The Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid CVT Active 5dr returns a claimed 76.3mpg, making it the most economical Yaris, as well as the cheapest hybrid version. Larger wheels mean Design, Design Bi-Tone, and Excel versions return less, while Icon and Icon Tech versions return the same number.
Is a used Toyota Yaris a wise investment?
Is the Toyota Yaris a reliable used car? The Toyota Yaris should be one of your top choices if you’re looking for a small car with affordable maintenance costs and high reliability. There is little risk of any significant problems because the Japanese corporation has a great track record of dependability.
Is the Toyota Yaris the safest vehicle?
The Toyota Yaris scores 92.55 out of 100, which is considered to be very reliable. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
How long does the engine on a Toyota Yaris last?
A 2008 Toyota Yaris with good maintenance ought to have a lifespan of about 300,000 miles, which is comparable to that of rivals like the Honda Fit.
What was the Toyota Yaris’ worst year?
Although there are less complaints about the 2008 Yaris, it has more serious issues at low mileage. Because of this, CarComplaints designated the 2008 Toyota Yaris as the worst model year.
John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer
Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.
