Thinking about buying a used Toyota Aurion (2006–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning fluid leaks, engine, electrical, and brakes. 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.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$300–$2,500
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Toyota Aurion faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01VVT-i oil supply hose pinhole — sudden oil loss and oil pressure light
CriticalCommonFluid Leaks $300–$4,500 to fix
Aurions built before about June 2009 use a 2GR-FE with a rubber section in the oil supply hose feeding the VVT-i actuator, and that rubber develops a pinhole. Corrosive gases drawn through the crankcase ventilation system attack the hole and enlarge it, and once it opens up the engine loses oil quickly rather than gradually — the warning is abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure light, both of which arrive after oil has already gone. Toyota addressed it under a service campaign that fitted a redesigned hose free of charge, so a car that has had the campaign done is fixed permanently. That makes this a two-part question for a buyer: has the hose been replaced, and if nobody knows, is there oil where there should not be. It is a cheap part protecting an expensive engine.
Symptoms to notice
Oil pressure warning light, especially under acceleration or at idle when hot
Abnormal engine noise — ticking, rattling or a general rise in mechanical noise
Oil on the ground under the front of the car, or a burning oil smell
Oil level dropping quickly rather than gradually
Oil spray or wet oil residue around the front of the engine
What to check
Ask first whether the VVT-i oil hose has been replaced under the Toyota campaign and ask to see the invoice or the dealer stamp — this is the answer that settles it, and any Toyota dealer can check the campaign status against the VIN for free. Then look for yourself with the bonnet up and the engine cold: work across the front and top of the engine looking for wet oil, oil spray patterns, or a build-up of dirt stuck to an oily patch, which is what a slow leak looks like once it has been there a while. Check the oil level and colour on the dipstick and note whether it is at the mark. Look at the ground where the car has been parked for fresh oil spots. Once running, watch the dash carefully for the oil pressure light at idle and again after a drive when the engine is fully hot, and listen for any ticking or rattling that was not there cold. Ask the owner how often they top the oil up. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask specifically for the VVT-i oil line to be inspected, since it is a known campaign item and any Toyota technician will know it by name.
Where to look: Front of the engine — VVT-i actuator oil supply hose
Ask the seller
“Has the VVT-i oil hose been replaced under the Toyota campaign?”
“Has the oil pressure light ever come on, even briefly?”
“Do you ever need to top the oil up between services?”
026-speed auto harsh shifts / torque-converter shudder
MinorOccasionalTransmission $250–$4,000 to fix
Both Aurion generations use a 6-speed auto (U660E) that can develop a shudder or harsh, flaring shifts as fluid ages — often felt as a light vibration around 60-80 km/h under gentle throttle. A fluid service catches many cases early; neglected transmissions can need a converter or rebuild.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or vibration at light throttle around 60-80 km/h
Harsh or delayed gear changes
Flare (revs rise) between shifts
What to check
On the test drive, accelerate gently through the gears and hold a light throttle at 60-80 km/h feeling for a fine shudder. Ask when the transmission fluid was last serviced (many owners never do it).
Where to look: Automatic transmission
Ask the seller
“Has the transmission fluid ever been changed?”
“Any shudder or harsh shifting?”
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
BrakesMajor
CoolingMinor
InteriorCosmetic
6 more documented faults on the Toyota Aurion
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 8 documented faults for the Toyota Aurion, the recurring problem areas are fluid leaks, engine, and electrical. A Toyota Aurion 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 Toyota Aurion?
+
We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Toyota Aurion, covering fluid leaks, engine, and electrical. 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 Toyota Aurion?
+
Most single repairs on the Toyota Aurion fall between $300–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 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 Toyota Aurion?
+
Yes. A Toyota Aurion 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.