2015 Toyota Yaris Problems: 9 Known Issues

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.

On the 2015 Toyota Yaris 1NZ-FE, a narrow-build defect on 2015 Yaris hatchbacks built 13 January 2015 to 27 February 2015 - about 3,106 cars - recalled as NHTSA 16V367 (Toyota campaign G0S). The strut mounting bearing that sits between the top of the strut rod and the suspension support can be damaged when a high load is applied to the strut, for example driving over a large bump or a deep pothole. If the bearing is damaged, the driver may hear an abnormal noise over uneven roads or when turning the steering wheel. If the car keeps being driven in that state, the upper end of the strut rod can separate from the suspension support entirely, dropping that corner and causing an immediate loss of vehicle stability. Abnormal noise can be a warning of this condition, but its absence does not establish that the vehicle is unaffected.

On the 2015 Toyota Yaris 1NZ-FE, recall 15V098 concerns 226 US-market 2015 Yaris vehicles built September 8, 2014 through January 9, 2015. Insufficiently tightened rear axle bearing bolts may loosen and detach. A detached bolt can damage rear brake components during rotation, reducing braking or potentially locking a wheel. Toyota identifies rear rattling or grinding as a possible indication of detachment; the notice does not define a road-speed-versus-brake-application diagnostic test.

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.

On the 2015-2017 Toyota Yaris 1NZ-FE, certain 2015–2017 Yaris hatchbacks have front-door airbag-sensor wiring whose insulation can crack. Water intrusion associated with harness installation can then corrode the conductors and open the circuit. Front seat side airbags may be deactivated and curtain airbags may not deploy as intended. Toyota identified 43,221 vehicles built June 26, 2014–January 18, 2017. Its chronology includes a Canadian report of intermittent SRS illumination during door operation; that is a reported observation, not an established usual first warning.

On the 2012-2015 Toyota Yaris 1NZ-FE, uS recall 15V134 concerns 16,582 model-year 2012–2015 Yaris vehicles built August 31, 2011 through February 9, 2015 and sold in Puerto Rico. An affected roof headliner may not meet FMVSS 201 occupant-protection requirements, increasing injury risk in a crash. This is a compliance issue, not a documented wear interval or a symptom-based diagnosis.

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.

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.

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.