Thinking about buying a used Toyota Rush (2006–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning suspension, transmission, fluid leaks, and electrical. 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.
16
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$380–$1,100
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Toyota Rush faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
CriticalCommonSuspension $350–$750 to fix
The front lower control arm ball joints on the J200E platform are a known wear item. The ball joint operates under both compressive load (vehicle weight) and lateral load (cornering), and the factory rubber boot is prone to cracking on vehicles operating in wet or road-salt environments. Once moisture and grit enter the joint the bearing surface wears rapidly. A failed ball joint can separate, causing sudden and complete loss of steering control.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking sound from the front suspension over bumps, speed humps, or when turning at low speed
Vague, imprecise steering feel with mild pulling to one side on acceleration or braking
Uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edge of the tread
What to check
Inspect the ball joint dust boot for cracking or tearing. Ask a helper to turn the steering wheel while watching the ball joint for movement or binding. Check for uneven front tyre wear across the tread face. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it — any vertical play indicates ball joint or wheel bearing wear.
Where to look: Lower control arm, inboard pivot point on the front subframe — visible from beneath the front of the vehicle
Ask the seller
“Has the front suspension been inspected or had any work done, including ball joints or control arms?”
“Does the car clunk or knock from the front when going over bumps or turning?”
“When was the last wheel alignment performed, and was any wear noted at that time?”
02Lower sill and rear body rust on imports
MinorOccasionalBody & Rust $300–$1,800 to fix
Rush imports rust in the lower sills, rear wheel arches and around the tailgate as seam sealant fails, a common WOF fail point on older Japanese-import examples in coastal NZ.
Symptoms to notice
Bubbling paint on sills
Rust at rear wheel arch lips
Corrosion around tailgate
Flaking underbody
What to check
Probe the lower sills and wheel-arch lips for soft metal, inspect the tailgate lower edge, and check underbody condition.
Where to look: Lower sills, rear wheel arches, tailgate
Ask the seller
“Any rust repair or welding done?”
“Is it a fresh import?”
“Has the underbody been treated?”
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
14 more documented faults on the Toyota Rush
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 16 documented faults for the Toyota Rush, the recurring problem areas are suspension, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Toyota Rush 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 Rush?
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We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Toyota Rush, covering suspension, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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 Rush?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Rush fall between $380–$1,100 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 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 Rush?
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Yes. A Toyota Rush 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.