Thinking about buying a used Daihatsu Sirion (1998–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, and suspension. 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.
15
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,800
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Daihatsu Sirion faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EJ-DE and K3-VE Timing Belt Failure (Interference Engine — Engine Destruction Risk)
CriticalCommonEngine $600–$8,000 to fix
Both M101 (EJ-DE 1.0L) and M300 (K3-VE 1.3L) Sirion engines use rubber timing belts in interference configurations. If the belt snaps, pistons contact valves causing catastrophic and irreparable engine damage. The EJ-DE has documented failures at lower mileages than expected when service history is absent. Belt replacement is due every 90,000 km or 6 years. The majority of imported Sirions arrive in NZ/AU with no documented belt history. This is the highest-risk pre-purchase check on any Sirion.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden engine stoppage while driving with no warning (belt snapped)
Engine cranks but does not fire (belt skipped or broken)
Ticking or slapping from the timing belt area before failure
Total loss of compression across all cylinders after belt failure
What to check
Establish timing belt replacement history before purchase — if unknown, treat as overdue and factor replacement into the purchase price. Inspect tensioner and belt condition through the cover if accessible. Check current mileage against the 90,000 km service interval.
Where to look: Front of engine, under the timing belt cover
Ask the seller
“When was the timing belt last replaced, and do you have the invoice?”
“If history is unknown, what is the current odometer reading?”
“Has the engine ever stopped unexpectedly while driving?”
02Rough idle / stalling from the idle-air valve and no-start sensor faults (M100)
MinorCommonEngine $250–$600 to fix
First-generation Sirions commonly idle poorly or stall at junctions, most often due to a dirty or failing idle-air control (IAC) valve. Some cars also suffer no-start or misfire problems traced to the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors and their wiring, which disrupt ignition timing. These are relatively cheap fixes but frustrating and common on this age of car; a Sirion that hunts at idle, stalls or is hard to start needs the idle system and sensors checked.
Symptoms to notice
Rough or hunting idle, stalling when you stop
Hard starting or intermittent no-start
Misfire or stumble with a check-engine light
What to check
At idle watch for the revs hunting up and down or the engine stalling. Try a few restarts to check it fires promptly each time. Ask whether the IAC valve or crank/cam sensors have been cleaned or replaced.
Where to look: Idle-air control valve on the throttle body; crank/cam position sensors on the engine
Ask the seller
“Does it idle roughly or stall when you stop?”
“Is it ever hard to start?”
“Have the idle valve or position sensors been serviced?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
13 more documented faults on the Daihatsu Sirion
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 15 documented faults for the Daihatsu Sirion, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Daihatsu Sirion 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 Sirion?
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We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Daihatsu Sirion, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. 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 Sirion?
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Most single repairs on the Daihatsu Sirion fall between $400–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 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 Sirion?
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Yes. A Daihatsu Sirion 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.