Thinking about buying a used Toyota Premio (2001–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning suspension, transmission, engine, 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
Critical
$220–$950
4
Sharing the same platform as the Allion, the Premio ZZT240 and ZRT260 have the same front lower control arm ball joint as a documented wear item. NZ WOF inspection failures for ball joint play are commonly reported on JDM Premio imports. Worn joints produce clunking and imprecise steering, and pose a safety risk if the joint fully separates from the knuckle.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
The ZRT260 Allion uses a column-assist electric power steering (EPS) system. The steering rack internal yoke spring and yoke pad wear, allowing the rack bar to develop axial play within the housing. This produces a rattle or clunk that is most pronounced at low speeds over sharp bumps or during slow-speed parking manoeuvres. Toyota issued a revised yoke plug design for this rack, but many vehicles in the import fleet have not received the fix. In more advanced cases, the EPS motor control unit can develop intermittent faults producing a momentary loss of power assistance.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
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 Premio, the recurring problem areas are suspension, transmission, and engine. A Toyota Premio 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.
We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Toyota Premio, covering suspension, transmission, and engine. 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.
Most single repairs on the Toyota Premio fall between $220–$950 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.
Yes. A Toyota Premio 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.