Thinking about buying a used Daihatsu Tanto (2003–2019) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and body & rust. 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
$550–$2,400
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Daihatsu Tanto faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01KF-DET Turbocharger Oil Feed Clogging and Bearing Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $1,600–$3,800 to fix
The oil feed banjo bolt and internal oil passage supplying the KF-DET turbocharger become blocked with carbon sludge, typically from extended oil change intervals or short-trip use. Oil starvation causes the turbo's floating bearing to overheat and fail. Failure accelerates rapidly once oil feed is compromised, leading to complete turbo destruction and metal contamination of the engine oil circuit.
Symptoms to notice
Blue or white smoke from exhaust on startup and under acceleration, clearing after engine warm-up
Audible high-pitched whine or grinding from turbocharger that changes with engine speed
Loss of boost pressure and noticeably reduced power under load above 3000 rpm
Rapid oil consumption increase with no external leaks visible
What to check
With engine warm and idling, check for shaft play by gripping the compressor wheel — any radial movement indicates bearing failure. Inspect oil for metallic particles using a magnet on the drain plug. Check for blue or white smoke under sustained load at 3000 rpm. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and inspect the turbo oil feed banjo bolt orifice for carbon blockage using a fine probe.
Where to look: Turbocharger mounted on the rear of the KF-DET engine block, left side of engine bay; oil feed banjo fitting at the top of the turbo centre housing
Ask the seller
“Has the turbo oil feed banjo bolt ever been inspected or replaced?”
“What oil change interval has been followed — was it ever extended beyond 5000 km?”
“Has there been any smoke from the exhaust or loss of power under acceleration?”
02Power sliding door cable and motor failure
MinorCommonElectrical $300–$1,200 to fix
The Tanto's power sliding door mechanism suffers cable fraying, motor wear and roller/track wear, leaving the door slow, noisy, jamming or refusing to open or close automatically. Debris in the track worsens it. Repairs involve dismantling the door and sourcing kei-specific parts.
Symptoms to notice
Power sliding door jams or stops
Grinding or clicking from door
Door will not auto-close
Slow or noisy operation
What to check
Cycle the power sliding door several times, listening for grinding and checking it opens and closes fully without jamming.
Where to look: Power sliding door mechanism and track
Ask the seller
“Does the power sliding door work reliably?”
“Any grinding or jamming?”
“Has the motor or cable been replaced?”
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
9 more documented faults on the Daihatsu Tanto
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 Tanto, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Daihatsu Tanto 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 Tanto?
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We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Daihatsu Tanto, covering engine, suspension, 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 Tanto?
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Most single repairs on the Daihatsu Tanto fall between $550–$2,400 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 Tanto?
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Yes. A Daihatsu Tanto 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.