Thinking about buying a used Daihatsu Rocky (2019–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning electrical, body & rust, transmission, and engine. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$950
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Daihatsu Rocky faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Daihatsu Safety Test Data Falsification — Side Curtain Airbag Recall
CriticalVery commonElectrical $0 to fix
In December 2023 Daihatsu confirmed it had falsified safety certification test data across 174,000+ vehicles including the Rocky A200S. The specific issue for the Rocky involved side pole impact testing where curtain airbag deployment timing data submitted to regulators was manipulated. Toyota suspended Rocky and Raize production and sales in Japan, and issued market recalls in Australia and NZ. Vehicles produced before the halt require a dealer inspection to verify airbag system conformance. Unverified vehicles have an unvalidated airbag deployment window in side pole impacts.
Symptoms to notice
Airbag SRS warning light on at startup that does not extinguish (indicates stored SRS DTC)
Absence of completed recall inspection stamp in service history for vehicles built before January 2024
Dealer system showing open recall status when VIN is checked
What to check
Run the VIN through Toyota Australia or Daihatsu's online recall checker before purchase. Confirm the dealer has completed the airbag verification inspection (a stamped dealer report should be in service records). Check the airbag warning light illuminates and extinguishes normally on startup — a light remaining on indicates an unresolved SRS fault. Do not purchase without confirmation the recall inspection is completed.
Where to look: Side curtain airbag modules along roofline, both sides of cabin
Ask the seller
“Has this vehicle had the Daihatsu safety recall inspection completed, and can you provide the dealer completion report?”
“Has the airbag warning light ever been on, and has an SRS system scan been performed by a dealer?”
021KR-VET EGR Valve Carbon Fouling
MinorCommonEngine $380–$950 to fix
The 1KR-VET's EGR system recirculates exhaust gas through a cooled EGR valve that is particularly prone to soot accumulation due to the engine's short stroke and low displacement. Daihatsu's calibration runs higher EGR duty cycles at urban speeds than the equivalent Toyota Raize tune, accelerating deposit buildup. Heavy soot bridging the EGR valve seat causes it to stick partially open, introducing unmetered exhaust gas at idle and causing rough running. This is a documented consumable failure pattern, not a design recall, but very commonly reported by owners in NZ/AU markets.
Symptoms to notice
Rough or hunting idle (400-900rpm oscillation) when fully warm
Increased fuel consumption with no change in driving style
P0401 or P0402 fault codes stored
Occasional black smoke puff on cold start or light throttle tip-in
Mild hesitation on pulling away from rest
What to check
Check for rough or lumpy idle with the engine fully warmed up. Scan for P0401 (EGR insufficient flow) or P0402 (EGR excessive flow) codes. Ask for service history showing EGR cleaning at or before 80,000km. If a workshop inspection is possible: Inspect intake manifold runner area via borescope if accessible for heavy black oily deposits.
Where to look: EGR valve and cooler on intake manifold, rear of 1KR-VET engine
Ask the seller
“Has the EGR valve been inspected or cleaned, and at what mileage?”
“Is there any history of rough idle or engine management warning lights?”
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
ElectricalMinor
5 more documented faults on the Daihatsu Rocky
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Daihatsu Rocky, the recurring problem areas are electrical, body & rust, and transmission. A Daihatsu Rocky with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Daihatsu Rocky?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Daihatsu Rocky, covering electrical, body & rust, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Daihatsu Rocky?
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Most single repairs on the Daihatsu Rocky fall between $350–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Daihatsu Rocky?
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Yes. A Daihatsu Rocky inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.