Toyota2004–2023 Major issues documented

Toyota Passo M700: common faults & what to check

The M700 is the Toyota Passo built 2016–2023. It was sold here with the 1.0 petrol. Of the 10 faults documented for the Passo, 3 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Odometer history
Money owing
Reported stolen
Ownership history

Official NZ vehicle register data
NZ owned and operated

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Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$250–$1,500

Typical repair

Service milestones

You're looking at the M700 · 1.0 petrol

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

2016–2023M700 Selected2016–2023M7001.0 petrolPetrolDocumented issues3 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Turbo-myu-z via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it?

1.0 petrol· 1.0 litre petrol

A 2017 Toyota Passo is the M700 generation (2016 to 2023).

Start your free check on this Toyota Passo

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Toyota Passo M700

Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Passo · 2017

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Toyota Passo before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Worth checking
Check the dipstick level and colour and ask how often it needs oil.
See why
Oil consumption on high-km imports
As these small engines age they can start using oil through hardened valve-stem seals and tired rings — easy to miss on a cheap runabout that isn't checked often, and risky because a tiny engine run low on oil wears fast. It's usually a live-with-it issue, but confirm the level and top-up habits.
What you would notice
- Oil level low between services
- Wisp of blue smoke on start-up
- Burnt-oil smell
Typically $200–$2,500 to put right.

A 2017 Toyota Passo: what is due, and when

Servicing

Next service

120,000 km

Check the water pump and cooling system hoses, which can deteriorate with age around this mark.

This car may already have passed it.

Placed by the car’s age, not read from the dash — 62,100–144,900 km after 9 years.

Timing

Our research does not record which this engine uses, and it depends on the engine rather than the model. Check the owner’s manual rather than assume: on a belt-driven engine, an overdue belt is the failure that takes the engine with it.

Behind it

80,000 kmA full transmission fluid service keeps the CVT gearbox working efficiently.
100,000 kmThe spark plugs may be due for a change, which keeps the 1.0L engine's good fuel economy.

Ahead of it

150,000 kmSuspension bushings and strut mounts start showing their age and are worth checking for ride comfort.

“Behind it” means the car has driven past that distance, not that the work was done — ask to see the receipts. These are the intervals for the Third Generation · 1.0L (1KR-FE) - Standard Efficiency · Petrol; only the car’s own service book says what has actually been done to it.

See all 3 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Oil consumption on high-km imports

Check the dipstick level and colour and ask how often it needs oil.petrol2004–2023Engine$200–$2,500

OccasionalEngine $200–$2,500 to fix

As these small engines age they can start using oil through hardened valve-stem seals and tired rings — easy to miss on a cheap runabout that isn't checked often, and risky because a tiny engine run low on oil wears fast. It's usually a live-with-it issue, but confirm the level and top-up habits.

Symptoms to notice

Oil level low between services
Wisp of blue smoke on start-up
Burnt-oil smell

What to check

Check the dipstick level and colour and ask how often it needs oil.
Watch the exhaust on cold start.
A clean, full dipstick and regular servicing are reassuring on these budget cars.

Where to look: Engine / dipstick

Ask the seller

“Does it use oil between services?”
“When was it last serviced?”

Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling2

01CVT shudder / hesitation (M700)

Do several slow-speed pull-aways and gentle accelerations feeling for shudder or hesitation.petrol2016–2023TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$250–$4,000

OccasionalTransmission $250–$4,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The later 1.0-litre Passo uses a CVT that can shudder or hesitate, especially from a standstill or on gentle acceleration, if the fluid is old or the transmission is worn. A fluid service helps early cases; a failing CVT is expensive relative to the value of the car. Test low-speed manoeuvres carefully.

Symptoms to notice

Shudder or vibration pulling away
Hesitation / rubber-band feel on light throttle
Whining noise from the transmission

What to check

Do several slow-speed pull-aways and gentle accelerations feeling for shudder or hesitation. Ask if the CVT fluid has ever been changed. Any jerkiness or whine warrants caution given repair cost vs value.

Where to look: CVT automatic transmission

Ask the seller

“Has the CVT fluid been serviced?”
“Any shudder or hesitation pulling away?”

02Timing-chain tensioner rattle on cold start (1KR/K3)

Be there for the very first cold start of the day and listen for a rattle from the timing (front) end of the engine.petrol2004–2023EngineCan't confirm for this car$800–$1,800

OccasionalEngine $800–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Passo's small Daihatsu-built engines (1.0 three-cylinder 1KR-FE and 1.3 K3-VE) use a timing chain that can rattle briefly on cold start as the tensioner and guides wear, particularly on cars run on long or dirty oil intervals. A short rattle that clears is usually just ageing; a loud or persistent rattle needs a chain kit before it does damage.

Symptoms to notice

Brief metallic rattle for a second or two on cold start
Rattle that grows louder over time
Rough running if the chain has jumped

What to check

Be there for the very first cold start of the day and listen for a rattle from the timing (front) end of the engine. A quick chirp that clears is common; a sustained rattle is a warning. Ask about oil-change frequency.

Where to look: Timing chain / tensioner (front of engine)

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Any rattle on cold start?”
“How often has the oil been changed?”

Other Toyota Passo engines and years7 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling3

01CVT K110 Belt Judder on Automatic

Test drive and feel for rhythmic vibration during light acceleration from rest.petrol2004–2016TransmissionDoes not apply$600–$3,500

Very commonTransmission $600–$3,500 to fix

Does not apply

The Toyota Passo K110 CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley wear on urban short-trip examples. Toyota CVTF FE specification must be used — incorrect fluid accelerates belt degradation.

Symptoms to notice

Rhythmic shudder or buzz during light acceleration from rest
CVT fluid darker than the correct clear pink Toyota CVTF FE specification

What to check

Test drive and feel for rhythmic vibration during light acceleration from rest. CVT fluid darker than the correct clear pink indicates degraded fluid.

Where to look: CVT gearbox in engine bay

Ask the seller

“Has the cvt k110 belt judder on been inspected or repaired?”

021KR-FE Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption

Check oil level and note consumption rate.petrol2004–2016EngineDoes not apply$500–$1,500

CommonEngine $500–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

The Toyota Passo KGC10/KGC30 1KR-FE 1.0 engine consumes oil from worn valve stem seals on high-mileage examples, producing blue smoke from the exhaust on startup after an overnight park. The small oil capacity of the 1KR-FE means even moderate valve stem seal leakage causes noticeable oil level drops between services.

Symptoms to notice

Blue smoke from exhaust on startup and deceleration
Frequent oil top-ups needed between regular service intervals

What to check

Check oil level and note consumption rate.
Blue smoke from exhaust on startup after overnight park indicates valve stem seal wear.
Check that oil level has not dropped significantly between standard service intervals.

Where to look: 1KR-FE cylinder head valve stem seals and valve guides

Ask the seller

“Has the 1kr-fe valve stem seal oil been inspected or repaired?”

03Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2004–2016EngineDoes not apply$80–$300

CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Does not apply

1KR-FE throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon causing rough idle and hesitation.

Symptoms to notice

Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic

What to check

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
Note rough idle and hesitation.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

“Has the throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”

Electrical1

01Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2004–2016ElectricalDoes not apply$600–$2,000

OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

EPS column motor fails causing sudden or gradual loss of power assistance.

Symptoms to notice

Sudden loss of power steering with EPS warning light
Heavy steering requiring effort especially at low speeds

What to check

Scan for EPS fault codes.
Test steering — heavy or inconsistent feel warrants investigation.

Where to look: EPS column motor and control unit

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the electric power steering column motor been inspected or repaired?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the boot for splitting.2004–2016SuspensionDoes not apply$250–$600

CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Does not apply

Front lower arm ball joints wear causing clunking and handling imprecision.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension over bumps
Imprecise handling feel when cornering

What to check

Inspect the boot for splitting. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle raised, lever the lower arm and check for ball joint play.

Where to look: Front lower suspension control arms

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Has the front lower arm ball joint been inspected or repaired?”

02Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2004–2016BrakesDoes not apply$150–$500

CommonBrakes $150–$500 to fix

Does not apply

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
One front disc hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

Check for pulling under braking.
Feel for uneven wheel heat.
Inspect guide pins.

Where to look: Front brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

“Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

03Front Strut Top Mount Bearing Clunking

Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.2004–2016SuspensionDoes not apply$250–$600

CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Does not apply

Front strut top mount bearings wear causing clunking when turning the steering wheel on this small car.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front struts when turning or over bumps
Clunking repeatable at the same steering angle each sweep

What to check

Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.

Where to look: Front strut top mount bearings both sides

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

“Has the front strut top mount bearing been inspected or repaired?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Toyota Passo’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

CVT Gearbox Repair Cost

Buying guides that cover the Toyota Passo

Best first cars in New Zealand

Other Toyota models

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Toyota Passo buyer questions

Is the Toyota Passo reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 documented faults for the Toyota Passo, the recurring problem areas are transmission, electrical, and engine. A Toyota Passo 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 Passo?

We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Toyota Passo, covering transmission, electrical, and engine. All 10 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Passo?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Passo fall between $250–$1,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 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 Passo?

Yes. A Toyota Passo 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.