Thinking about buying a used Toyota Auris (2006–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, and transmission. 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.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$4,500
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Toyota Auris faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
012ZR-FXE EGR/intake clogging, oil consumption and head gasket failure (Auris hybrid = Prius Gen 3 drivetrain)
CriticalCommonEngine $400–$5,500 to fix
The Auris hybrid uses the third-generation Prius 1.8 2ZR-FXE drivetrain and inherits its best-known failure chain: the EGR cooler and intake manifold passages clog with carbon, early engines (roughly 2012-2014 build) burn oil due to poor piston ring design (Toyota covers the repair; the US ZE7 warranty extension never applied to NZ/JDM cars), and the combination is widely blamed for head gasket failure - classically felt as a rough shake or misfire for a second or two when the engine kicks in after EV running. Toyota Owners Club Auris forums carry multiple dedicated threads on exactly this EGR/head gasket/oil consumption trio. An EGR/intake clean every 80-100,000 km is cheap insurance; a head gasket left misfiring can hydrolock the engine.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder, shake or brief misfire when the petrol engine restarts after coasting in EV mode, especially first start on a cold morning
Coolant level in the reservoir slowly dropping with no visible leak
White exhaust smoke on cold start
Oil needing a litre top-up every 1,000-2,000 km
Check engine light with misfire codes (P0301-P0304) or EGR flow codes (P0401/P0402)
What to check
Arrive for a stone-cold start. Press Start and listen/feel for a rough shake in the first seconds when the petrol engine fires - a healthy 2ZR-FXE is almost seamless. Check the coolant reservoir level and ask when it was last topped up; check the oil level and the underside of the filler cap for mayonnaise. Ask for invoices showing an EGR system clean. A hybrid-specialist pre-purchase inspection with a cylinder leak check is strongly advised on 150,000 km+ cars.
Where to look: Petrol engine: EGR valve/cooler at the rear of the engine, intake manifold, head gasket between head and block; coolant reservoir at front of bay
Ask the seller
“Has the EGR cooler and intake manifold ever been cleaned?”
“Has it ever needed coolant topping up between services?”
“How much oil does it use?”
“Does it ever shudder when the engine cuts in?”
“Has the head gasket been done - is there an invoice?”
02Clutch wear/slip and notchy manual gearbox (E150)
MajorOccasionalTransmission $1,200–$2,200 to fix
UK and European owner data flags clutch slipping and outright clutch failure as one of the recurring Auris E150 complaints, along with baulky or notchy manual gearshifts. Causes range from normal friction wear (accelerated by city driving) to clutch actuator and release bearing problems and old gearbox oil that was never changed. It is a full clutch kit replacement when it goes, and on an import with no service history there is no way to know how much clutch is left except by testing. The gearbox itself is robust once fresh oil is in it.
Symptoms to notice
Engine revs rising without the car accelerating, especially in 4th/5th gear up a hill
Burning smell after hill starts or towing
Clutch biting point very high near the top of pedal travel
Notchy or crunchy shifts into 2nd or 3rd, worst when cold
Judder pulling away from a stop
What to check
On the test drive, in 4th gear at about 50 km/h, floor the accelerator: if revs flare but speed doesn't build, the clutch is slipping and you should budget a full replacement. Feel where the clutch bites - high engagement means it is worn. Work through every gear including reverse, cold and warm. Ask whether the gearbox oil has ever been changed.
Where to look: Clutch and gearbox between engine and front wheels; test from the driver's seat
Ask the seller
“Has the clutch ever been replaced, and at what mileage?”
“Does it ever crunch going into 2nd or 3rd?”
“Has the gearbox oil been changed?”
EngineCritical
ElectricalMajor
TransmissionMajor
3 more documented faults on the Toyota Auris
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 5 documented faults for the Toyota Auris, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and transmission. A Toyota Auris 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 Auris?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Toyota Auris, covering engine, electrical, 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 Toyota Auris?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Auris fall between $400–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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 Auris?
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Yes. A Toyota Auris 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.