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Toyota · Known Issues

2020 Toyota Yaris Problems: 2 Known Issues

2020 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Toyota Yaris has 2 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Yaris Electrical1
  • Yaris Transmission1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical1
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006

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

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 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.

This issue also affects: Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Hatchback

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

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Community Reported
Low 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

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

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."

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Other Toyota Models

Toyota RAV460Toyota Corolla54Toyota Camry54Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Yaris problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Toyota Yaris has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Yaris iA / Yaris Sedan (Mazda2) Infotainment Head Unit Reboot Loop and Backup Camera Dropout, Yaris iA / Yaris Sedan 6-Speed Automatic Whine on Upshift and Park-to-Drive Grind. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Toyota Yaris reliable?

The 2020 Toyota Yaris has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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 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.

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 compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #19V50300028/06/2019

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Campaign #17V29500002/05/2017

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."

Campaign #19V24400027/03/2019

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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