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Toyota · Known Issues

2016 Toyota Yaris Problems: 7 Known Issues

2016 model year · 1,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2016 Toyota Yaris has 7 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure ($300-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts with 780 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Yaris Suspension1
  • Yaris Transmission2
  • Yaris Engine2
  • Yaris Electrical1
  • Yaris Brakes1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension1
  • Transmission2
  • Engine2
  • Electrical1
  • Brakes1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006
Community reported
620 owners

On the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris, the Yaris's electric power steering system can fail, causing sudden loss of power assist and very heavy steering. The EPS motor or its control module malfunctions, typically with a power steering warning light. The failure is sudden and dangerous at low speeds.

Common Symptoms

  • Power steering warning light
  • Sudden heavy steering effort
  • Steering assist intermittent
  • Clunking from steering column
  • EPS error codes stored in ECU

How to Fix

Diagnose with Toyota Techstream to determine if the EPS motor or control module has failed. Replace EPS motor assembly (Toyota 45250-52210) or EPS ECU. Used EPS columns from salvage yards ($200-400) are a cost-effective option. After replacement, perform EPS calibration/initialization with Techstream.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 89650-52370 genuine early Yaris power-steering control module

    replace a circuit-tested failed EPS ECU on the matching early branch Fitment/availability: 2006-2011 Yaris NCP91 catalog branch and supersedes 89650-52050; ABS/body/production variants exist, so exact VIN and diagnosed ECU number must ma…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 45200-52300 genuine early Yaris EPS steering-column/post assembly

    replace a test-confirmed failed early EPS motor/column assembly Fitment/availability: 2006-2012 Yaris NCP91/NCP93 catalog branch; confirm VIN, body, production date and whether the ECU or column/motor is actually failed Fitment/availabil…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 45250-52764 genuine 2012-2015 Yaris electrical steering-column assembly

    replace a test-confirmed failed mid-generation EPS column after recall screening Fitment/availability: 2012-2015 Yaris NCP131 catalog branch and supersedes 45250-52763; VIN/production confirmation and recall completion check required Fit…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 4520A-0D221 genuine 2015-2018 Yaris electric-power-steering column subassembly

    replace a test-confirmed failed late EPS column subassembly Fitment/availability: 2015-2018 Yaris NCP131 catalog branch and supersedes 4520A-0D220; confirm VIN, production date and diagnosed assembly Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 bu…

    ToyotaPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 620 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence620 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
780 owners

On the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris, the U340E/U441E 4-speed automatic in the Yaris develops shudder during torque converter lockup and harsh shifts, particularly 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Worn transmission fluid and torque converter clutch material are the primary causes.

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder at 25-40 mph during light throttle
  • Harsh 1-2 and 2-3 gear shifts
  • Transmission slipping sensation
  • Delayed engagement from Park to Drive

How to Fix

Perform triple drain-and-fill with Toyota WS ATF (or Toyota Type T-IV for older models). If shudder persists, torque converter replacement. Regular ATF changes every 30,000 miles prevent the issue. The 4-speed automatic is otherwise quite reliable when maintained.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 00289-ATFWS genuine World Standard automatic-transmission fluid, 1 quart

    measured refill only after diagnosis shows fluid service is justified; never mix with Toyota Type T-IV Fitment/availability: 2007-2018 U.S.-market Yaris 4-speed automatic branches whose VIN-specific owner's or service manual calls for To…

    eBay — McGrath Elmhurst Toyota Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,800

Research This Issue

Based on 780 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence780 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2016-2020 Toyota Yaris Skyactiv-G 1.5L, the Mazda-sourced 6-speed automatic in the 2016-2018 Yaris iA and 2019-2020 Yaris sedan (a completely different unit from the Toyota U340E 4-speed in the hatchback) draws consistent owner complaints of a whistling or whining noise during the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, plus a grinding or clunking noise when selecting Drive from Park. Reports range from a noise-only nuisance to units replaced under warranty, and a few owners describe progression to gear slippage and a stall with audible metal-on-metal. Because this transmission uses a very small lock-up-early torque converter for economy, converter shudder and fluid degradation show up earlier than owners expect for a Toyota-badged car.

Common Symptoms

  • Whistling or whining during 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts
  • Grinding or heavy clunk shifting from Park into Drive
  • Shudder at light throttle around 35-45 mph
  • Slipping or flare between gears in advanced cases

How to Fix

Have the noise documented while still in powertrain warranty - dealers have replaced these units under warranty for the whine. Outside warranty, start with a proper drain-and-fill using the correct Mazda FZ/ATF-FZ specification fluid (Toyota WS fluid is NOT the correct spec for this Mazda unit and using it makes shudder worse), then re-evaluate. Persistent 1-2 whine with grind on engagement usually traces to the torque converter or pump; replacing the converter and flushing the cooler is the common repair short of a rebuild.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris 1.5L 1NZ-FE I4, the Yaris front engine mount (also called the dogbone mount or torque strut) fails prematurely, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. The rubber deteriorates and the mount collapses, allowing excessive engine movement during acceleration and braking. This causes a harsh clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, vibrations at idle, and can stress the CV axles and transmission mounts.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive
  • Excessive vibration at idle
  • Engine visibly rocks during acceleration
  • Harsh engagement when shifting
  • Vibration through steering wheel at stops

How to Fix

Replace the front engine mount (Toyota part 12361-21080 or equivalent). The repair is straightforward — support the engine from below, remove the through-bolt and bracket, and install the new mount. OEM mount costs $60-$100, aftermarket $30-$50. Replace all three mounts if the vehicle has over 120,000 miles, as the others are likely worn too.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 12351-21090 genuine engine-mount support damper/insulator

    replace a specifically inspection-confirmed failed engine-mounting damper Fitment/availability: 2007-2018 Yaris 1.5L catalog branch for automatic and manual transmissions; this is the damper/support insulator, not every side mount or con…

    Longo Toyota Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipThe front dogbone mount is the one that always goes first. You can check it by having someone shift Park-Drive-Reverse while you watch the engine from outside. If it lurches an inch or more, it's toast.
Typical repair cost:$100 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris, the 1NZ-FE/2NZ-FE coil-on-plug packs are a recurring failure point, and cylinder 1 - the one closest to the front of the engine and nearest the cowl drain area - fails disproportionately. Two mechanisms show up on the forums: the coil's internal windings break down with heat and age, and water gets down the plug tube (from a leaking valve cover gasket, a clogged cowl drain, or an engine bay wash) and sits on the coil boot, shorting the spark to ground. Owners describe replacing the plug and coil, getting a clean year, then having it recur if the water path was never fixed. A dying coil that is left alone dumps raw fuel into the catalyst and can eventually kill the converter.

Common Symptoms

  • Flashing or steady check engine light
  • Rough idle and shaking at a stop
  • Loss of power and hesitation under acceleration
  • Misfire worse in rain or after a car wash
  • Raw fuel smell from the exhaust

How to Fix

Swap the suspect coil to another cylinder - if the misfire code follows the coil, the coil is bad. Replace with an OEM Denso coil rather than a cheap aftermarket unit. Critically, fix the water source at the same time: pull the coils, dry the plug wells, replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals if oil or water is pooling, clear the cowl drains, and re-grease the boots with proper dielectric grease. Replace all four Denso iridium plugs at the same time if they are past interval.

Typical repair cost:$60 - $300

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2020 Toyota Yaris Skyactiv-G 1.5L, the 2016-2018 Yaris iA and the 2019-2020 Yaris sedan are rebadged Mazda2s and carry Mazda's Connect head unit, not a Toyota system - so this failure does not exist on the Toyota-built XP130 hatchback. Owners report the display going black and the unit entering an endless crash-and-reboot cycle, sometimes triggered by a specific USB device or by switching between a Bluetooth call and a streaming audio app. The reverse camera image also fails to appear or freezes, which matters because it is the federally required backing image. The root cause on the Mazda side is head unit firmware, aggravated by non-compliant USB cables/drives drawing on the port.

Common Symptoms

  • Center screen goes black and restarts repeatedly
  • Head unit locks up when switching between phone call and audio app
  • Backup camera image missing, frozen or delayed when shifting to reverse
  • USB source not recognized
  • Audio cuts out with the screen

How to Fix

Have the dealer flash the latest Mazda Connect / head unit firmware - most reboot-loop cases are resolved by the software update rather than hardware. Disconnect all USB devices and test; a failing USB hub board in the console is a known secondary cause and is replaceable separately from the head unit. For the camera, check the camera harness connector at the trunk lid grommet for chafe and corrosion before condemning the camera. A battery disconnect resets the unit but is only a temporary workaround.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris, a very common Yaris electrical fault: the rear wheel speed sensor is integrated into the rear hub/bearing assembly and is not sold separately. The weather seal where the harness plugs into the hub has a gap, so road spray and winter salt wick into the connector, corrode the pins and degrade the signal. The ABS light and the red brake/'!' light come on together, often intermittently at first and worse in wet or winter weather. Dealers routinely quote a complete rear hub assembly (owners report $650-750 CAD per side) when the actual fault is frequently just a dirty, corroded connector.

Common Symptoms

  • ABS light and red brake/'!' light on together
  • Lights come on intermittently, worse in rain, snow or after driving on salted roads
  • ABS unavailable, traction/stability warning
  • Speed sensor circuit code stored for one rear wheel

How to Fix

Before buying a hub: unplug the rear speed sensor connector at the hub, clean the corrosion out of both halves with electrical contact cleaner, inspect the pins, repack with dielectric grease and seal the harness gap so spray can't re-enter. Check the harness routing for chafe points along the trailing arm too. If the pins are already eaten away or the sensor reads open/erratic on a scan tool, the rear hub/bearing assembly must be replaced as a unit - the sensor is not serviceable separately.

Typical repair cost:$20 - $700

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Yaris, Yaris Hatchback, and Yaris Sedan vehicles. An impeller within the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Campaign #21V61700027/09/2021

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #19V50300028/06/2019

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Yaris problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2016 Toyota Yaris has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts, Yaris iA / Yaris Sedan (Mazda2) Infotainment Head Unit Reboot Loop and Backup Camera Dropout. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Yaris reliable?

The 2016 Toyota Yaris has 7 known issues documented across 1,400+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Yaris problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Yaris issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure, typically costs $300-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure?

The Yaris's electric power steering system can fail, causing sudden loss of power assist and very heavy steering. The EPS motor or its control module malfunctions, typically with a power steering warning light. The failure is sudden and dangerous at low speeds. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts?

The U340E/U441E 4-speed automatic in the Yaris develops shudder during torque converter lockup and harsh shifts, particularly 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Worn transmission fluid and torque converter clutch material are the primary causes. Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,400+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #19V24400027/03/2019

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Yaris vehicles. The wire harnesses for the side air bag sensors located within the front doors may crack and corrode, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the front seat side air bags and the curtain shield air bags.

Campaign #19V31900023/04/2019

TIRES

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Yaris, Rav4, Land Cruiser and 4Runner vehicles, and Scion FR-S, iM, and TC vehicles manufactured January 28, 2016, to March 14, 2016. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Campaign #16V23600022/04/2016

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2016-2020 Toyota Yaris Yaris iA / Yaris Sedan (Mazda2) Infotainment Head Unit Reboot Loop and Backup Camera Dropout?

The 2016-2018 Yaris iA and the 2019-2020 Yaris sedan are rebadged Mazda2s and carry Mazda's Connect head unit, not a Toyota system - so this failure does not exist on the Toyota-built XP130 hatchback. Owners report the display going black and the unit entering an endless crash-an… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion at the Hub Connector (ABS and Brake Warning Lights)?

A very common Yaris electrical fault: the rear wheel speed sensor is integrated into the rear hub/bearing assembly and is not sold separately. The weather seal where the harness plugs into the hub has a gap, so road spray and winter salt wick into the connector, corrode the pins… Repairs typically run $20-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris Front Engine Mount Premature Failure?

The Yaris front engine mount (also called the dogbone mount or torque strut) fails prematurely, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. The rubber deteriorates and the mount collapses, allowing excessive engine movement during acceleration and braking. This causes a harsh clunk w… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 Toyota Yaris Cylinder #1 Ignition Coil-on-Plug Failure and Spark Plug Well Water Intrusion (1NZ-FE)?

The 1NZ-FE/2NZ-FE coil-on-plug packs are a recurring failure point, and cylinder 1 - the one closest to the front of the engine and nearest the cowl drain area - fails disproportionately. Two mechanisms show up on the forums: the coil's internal windings break down with heat and… Repairs typically run $60-$300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2020 Toyota Yaris Yaris iA / Yaris Sedan 6-Speed Automatic Whine on Upshift and Park-to-Drive Grind?

The Mazda-sourced 6-speed automatic in the 2016-2018 Yaris iA and 2019-2020 Yaris sedan (a completely different unit from the Toyota U340E 4-speed in the hatchback) draws consistent owner complaints of a whistling or whining noise during the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, plus a grinding… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.