Thinking about buying a used Daihatsu Storia (1998–2012) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 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.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$2,200
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Daihatsu Storia 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?”
02Front Engine Mount Rubber Fatigue and Vibration
MinorVery commonEngine $180–$520 to fix
The M300 Sirion uses a front transverse engine mount with a hydraulically damped rubber isolator that is shared in design philosophy with the Move L150 platform. The K3-VE2 engine's torque reaction under acceleration loads the front mount in a shear direction, which accelerates rubber-to-metal bond separation particularly on the inner sleeve. Extended idle periods common in city use (the Sirion's primary role) expose the mount rubber to prolonged heat soak without the cooling airflow of highway driving, compounding ozone and thermal degradation. Failure is progressive and often ignored by owners who attribute early-stage vibration to tyre imbalance. A collapsed front mount on the M300 can cause the lower engine cover to contact the steering rack under severe engine movement.
Symptoms to notice
Vibration through floor and steering column especially at idle in gear
Clunk when engaging Drive or Reverse from Park
Engine visibly rocks under hard acceleration
Increased drone or rumble felt through seat at low speeds
Rattling from engine bay at idle that stops when engine is switched off
What to check
Inspect front engine mount rubber visually for cracking and separation. With engine running, have an assistant blip the throttle while you observe engine movement from a safe distance — more than 10–15 mm of movement indicates a failed mount. Check adjacent gearbox mount and rear dogbone torque rod. Inspect lower engine cover for contact marks indicating prior excessive engine movement.
Where to look: Front engine mount, engine crossmember, between engine block and front subframe
Ask the seller
“Has any engine mount been replaced on this vehicle?”
“Is there vibration felt in the cabin at idle, particularly with air conditioning on?”
“Does the engine make any clunking sounds when changing gears or accelerating from rest?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMinor
9 more documented faults on the Daihatsu Storia
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 11 documented faults for the Daihatsu Storia, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Daihatsu Storia 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 Storia?
+
We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Daihatsu Storia, 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 Storia?
+
Most single repairs on the Daihatsu Storia fall between $400–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 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 Storia?
+
Yes. A Daihatsu Storia 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.