2003 Toyota Yaris: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2003 Toyota Yaris
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Whining gearbox
A whining gearbox is the biggest complaint about the first Yaris. Many were replaced under warranty.
At the viewing: Listen for a whine that changes with speed, in each gear.
- Manual gearbox
Slipping clutch
Clutches can wear out early, especially on cars used mostly in town.
At the viewing: In a high gear at low speed, press the accelerator firmly. If the revs rise but the car doesn't speed up, the clutch is slipping.
- All engines
Uneven tyre wear
Uneven tyre wear and kerbed wheels can point to suspension that is out of alignment.
At the viewing: Look at the inner and outer edges of the front tyres, and check the wheels for kerb damage.
Looking at a Toyota Yaris?
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Other years
Every year of the Toyota Yaris compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,199 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 22,993 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 47,677 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 61,611 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 82,989 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 82,903 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 79,864 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 84,554 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 91,481 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 86,278 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 86,046 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 81,787 | Tyres 29% |
| 2011 | 48,171 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 55,604 | Suspension 35% |
| 2009 | 73,384 | Suspension 35% |
| 2008 | 67,114 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 62,625 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 51,516 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2005 | 49,444 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 40,521 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 27,079 | Suspension 54% |
| 2001 | 21,226 | Suspension 58% |
| 2000 | 10,634 | Suspension 60% |
| 1999 | 3,208 | Suspension 60% |