Toyota Yaris Problems

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

The recall involves cars built between June 2005 and April 2007 and is part of a world-wide recall of 1.3 million cars.The carmaker says in severe front-end collisions, the seat belt is at risk of causing a foam pad in the car to ignite.Toyota Australia spokesman, Glenn Campbell, said three cars globally, including one in Australia, had experienced the problem.“There is a possibility that a noise-absorbent insulation could heat up when the seatbelt-tensioner is activated in a crash,” he said.“In extreme cases, this could lead to a post-crash fire.”Campbell said Toyota was contacting customers by mail to have their cars checked and have the faulty insulation removed.“The repair takes less than an hour and will be done at no cost to customers,” he said.The insulation was originally designed to reduce noise but subsequent testing by Toyota has found it does not increase noise levels when removed. 

Toyota Australia says the recall -- from a 7.4 million global batch -- affects Corolla, Kluger, RAV4, Yaris, Aurion and Camry vehicles built between 2006 and 2010.The recall is to replace the electric window master switch, located on the driver's armrest. There have been six cases reported in Australia from a total of 297,931 vehicles specified by Toyota Australia. Globally 7.4 million vehicles are impacted.It says the problem is that the switch doesn't operate smoothly and has a "sticky feel". "This is due to the non-uniform application of lubricating grease resulting in wear to the internal sliding contact points,'' it says in a recall notice. "In some instances, the switch may become inoperative.''In a further warning, Toyota Australia spokesperson Beck Angel says if a lubricant has been applied to the switch in an attempt to rectify this operation, "the switch assembly may overheat and melt''. "This recall is a precautionary measure,'' she says."The switch will be checked mechanically and electrically for correct operation and specialised electrical grease will then be applied to ensure it operates smoothly when pressed.'' Only a small number of vehicles will require the window's electrical circuit board to be replaced."The inspection and any required repairs will take approximately one hour to complete and will be at no cost to the owner,'' Ms Angel says. "Depending on the dealer's work schedule however, the car may need to be available for a longer period of time."Should Toyota owners experience sticking operation of the power window master switch, we recommend that the switch is no longer used prior to vehicle inspection and repair.'' Ms Angel would not put a figure on the cost of the recall to Toyota.Toyota will start a mailout to owners of affected vehicles at their last known address from mid-November asking them to make an appointment with their preferred Toyota dealer. For further information about the recall, customers can call Toyota on 1800 987 366.The recall is not Toyota's for 2012 - fears over fuel leaks and potential fire risk has forced a recall in August of nearly 20,000 Australian-built Camry and Aurion vehicles to fix a wrinkled fuel line in the engine bay. 

Spiralling petrol prices mostly fuelled the demand for affordable, well-built small cars that were economical and practical, and Toyota responded with the Yaris.The Yaris took over from the Echo as the starter model in the Toyota range, but it represented a huge step forward in the small car class.MODEL WATCH While the Echo was popular and offered the usual Toyota qualities of build quality and reliability it was still a bare bones small car built for people who couldn't afford anything bigger.The Yaris was bigger than the Echo and brought with it a new level of refinement for those who chose to drive small.There was also plenty of choice in the Yaris range, with a selection of three-door and five-door hatch body styles, and a four-door sedan, and three levels of equipment.With a curvy, sculptured shape the Yaris presented a fresh, vibrant face to the small car world when it was launched in 2005, and it has remained so six years later.Despite its small size the Yaris offered a surprising amount of room and comfort thanks to some clever packaging and efficient use of space.A high, upright seating position created a roomy cabin with generous headroom and ample knee room, even in the rear.Not only was the cabin roomy for four - it was a squeeze for five - but it was also quite practical with the rear seat able to slide and fold to liberate a decent amount of space to carry bulkier items in the rear.Storage throughout the cabin was also generous with 25 storage compartments to swallow all manner of smaller items.The range starter YR was powered by a 1.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that gave 63 kW at 6000 revs and 121 Nm at 4400 revs, the other models had a 1.5-litre double overhead cam engine that delivered 80 kW at 6000 revs and 141 Nm at 4200 revs.There was also a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox and a four- speed auto, and drive was through the front wheels.On the road the 1.3-litre engine, while adequate for the task, lost some of its edge when connected to the auto.With more punch the 1.5-litre got the job done more comfortably with either gearbox and was more pleasant to drive as a result.Equipment levels were quite good with even the base model having air, remote central locking, CD sound, and power windows, mirrors and steering.IN THE SHOP There has been little complaint from Yaris owners suggesting they are content with their lot.With little to be concerned about potential buyers should focus on the service side and check to make sure their potential buy has seen the inside of a service shop every 10,000 km or six months as Toyota recommends.Once that's established start looking closely at the body for signs of crash damage that hasn't been repaired well. Mismatching colours, overspray, oddly coloured window tinting that doesn't match the other windows, doors, bonnets and hatches that don't open and close smoothly are some of the giveaways to look for.Listen for clunks and rattles inside and out when driving, and make sure the transmissions shift readily without hesitation.IN A CRASH All models had the safety basics of dual front airbags and antilock brakes, but there was also an optional Enhanced Safety Pack that added front side and curtain airbags along with a knee airbag for the driver for comprehensive crash coverage.ANCAP gave the small Toyota a creditable four stars in its base form, but five stars when equipped with the safety pack.AT THE PUMP It's came as no surprise that the Yaris was an economical little car, after all that was one of Toyota's design objectives.Toyota claimed the 1.5-litre models would do an average of 6.1 L/100 km with the manual gearbox and 6.7 L/100 km with the auto.Having to haul the same body as the larger engine the 1.3-litre models were only marginally more economical at 6.0 L/100 km in manual form and 6.5 L/100 km in auto guise.Road testers recorded figures slightly higher than that, the 1.5- litre models typically giving around 7.0-7.2 L/100 km.LOOK FOR . Fresh looksRoomy cabinQuiet and comfortableZippy 1.5-litre performanceOptional safety packToyota build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE A step up in class, drives smoothly, is quiet, roomy and comfortable. 80/100

Small cars are in, in fashion that is, since downsizing became sensible in this gridlocked world. In the shrinking process they became serious cars for most people rather than cars just for the impoverished.NEWMarketing men threw around words like, refined, sophisticated, funky and safe, words that were once unheard when the conversation turned to mini motors. The Yaris was Toyota's entry in the new small car world, and you guessed it, it was bigger and more refined.The stylish newcomer had broad appeal with the choice of 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch body styles, two engines, and the option of 5-star safety. If compared to its predecessor, the Echo, the Yaris comes up trumps for it roominess and comfort. Front seat passengers treated to improved comfort and rear seat occupants given more space.The two engines on offer were a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit that delivered 63 kW and 121 Nm, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit that gave a more appealing 80 kW and 141 Nm. With extra power and torque, and only marginally more fuel consumption, the larger engine is clearly the one to go for.It delivers smooth drivability and sits comfortably on the highway speed limit, and only uses a little more fuel than the smaller unit, which has to work harder to get the job done. Yaris buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic.The auto didn't have a manual mode, but that's nothing to be concerned about, those systems aren't often used in any case. Road testers at the time were high in praise for the Yaris's comfort and build quality, rating it higher than its rivals. Its ride was rated as comfortable, its handling responsive, the only criticism that consistently came to the fore was a jerky throttle.NOWToyota vehicles have a perception of perfection when it comes to quality and reliability, but the reality is that they can break down like any other car. But the Yaris is generally sound and has no serious flaws that would cause potential buyers any concern.The engines are robust and reliable, and the same goes for the transmissions and drivelines. Reports we have received from Yaris owners show that they are happy with the reliability of their cars, and they like the resale value, both laudable attributes in a car.On top of that they praise the roomy cabin, the storage space, the performance and the fuel economy. Their criticisms are that the headlights are inadequate outside the urban area, the seats are small and unsupportive, the throttle is jerky and the front grounds out when crossing drains and gutters.Check for a service record that shows a regular routine of servicing. Like all modern cars the Yaris thrives on fresh oil and clean filters, fail to service them only leads to greater expense long term. Being a small car and often bought by those on a tight budget, servicing can be neglected, with some owners hoping to pass the car on before trouble strikes.SMITHY SAYS If you're a small shopper give the Yaris a go, it's a good little car. 4 starsToyota Yaris 2005-2010Price new: $16,490 to $21,790Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder, 63 kW/121 Nm; 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 80 kW/141 NmTransmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manualEconomy: 6.0-6.1 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: YR, YRS, YRXSafety: 4-star ANCAP, 5-star with safety pack