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Toyota2012–2020 Major issues documented

Toyota Spade: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Toyota Spade (2012–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 12 known faults for this model spanning transmission, electrical, engine, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Toyota Spade

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

12

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$400–$900

Typical repair

12

Service milestones

Which Toyota Spade are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

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? These cover every year of this model.

1.3L petrol (1NR-FE)· 1.3 litre petrol1.5L petrol (1NZ-FE)· 1.5 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Toyota Spade

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Toyota SpadeEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Spade came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Spade

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

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

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

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

  • Costly issue

    Test drive at 20-50 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration.

    See why

    CVT K112/K113 Belt Judder

    The K112/K113 CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley surface wear. The Porte is frequently used for urban short trips which accelerate CVT fluid degradation. Toyota CVT fluid specification (Toyota CVTF FE or TC) is critical — wrong fluid causes rapid damage.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic vibration or buzz from drivetrain at 20-50 km/h under light acceleration from rest
    • CVT fluid appears brown and smells burnt rather than being clear red/pink

    Typically $600–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Perform a slow uphill acceleration test from 20 km/h to 80 km/h on light throttle to provoke belt shudder.

    See why

    K410/K411 CVT Belt Wear and Shudder (NCP141/NSP141)

    The NCP141 and NSP141 Porte use the Toyota K410 or K411 CVT paired with the 1NZ-FE or 1NR-FE engine. The same belt-and-pulley shudder pattern seen in the NCP80 Sienta occurs in these variants, particularly when CVT fluid has not been changed within recommended intervals. The side-entry sliding door layout of the Porte means the vehicle is commonly used for short urban trips (school runs, disability transport) that cause frequent CVT cold-start cycling and accelerate belt wear. Shudder under light load at 40–70 km/h is the primary symptom.

    What you would notice

    • Shudder or vibration during gentle acceleration from rest
    • Judder on light throttle at 40–70 km/h
    • Transmission whine or hum at highway speed
    • Hesitation or surge when engaging Drive from Park

    Typically $2,800–$7,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Arrive at inspection before seller has started the engine — the rattle only appears on a genuine cold start.

    See why

    1NZ-FE / 1NR-FE Timing Chain Tensioner Cold Rattle

    The NCP141 Porte with 1NZ-FE and NSP141 Porte with 1NR-FE both use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner with the same cold-start oil drainage issue documented on the NCP80 Sienta. The tensioner check valve does not perfectly retain oil in the plunger circuit during extended cold soak, and a 2–6 second rattle occurs on first start of the day. The 1NR-FE variant is slightly less prone than the 1NZ-FE due to revised tensioner casting from 2014, but both suffer if oil change intervals are extended. High-mileage NZ imports are the most affected population.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattle from engine front on cold start lasting 2–6 seconds
    • Rattle absent once engine oil pressure builds
    • Possible P0016 or P0017 DTC if timing has drifted
    • Increased fuel consumption if timing has slipped

    Typically $600–$1,700 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test for pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure from Corrosion

    Front and rear brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion in NZ conditions causing uneven pad wear and pulling under braking.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking with rapid pad wear on one side
    • One brake disc significantly hotter than the other after moderate use

    Typically $200–$600 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for EPS fault codes.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

    EPS column motor fails causing sudden loss of power assistance.

    What you would notice

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

    Typically $600–$2,000 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Cycle the sliding door through multiple open/close operations.

    See why

    Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure

    The Porte power sliding door cables fray at the guide rollers and door motors fail under load. Failures are common on higher mileage examples and in vehicles where the door has been operated frequently.

    What you would notice

    • Sliding door stops mid-travel or moves noticeably slower than normal
    • Unusual motor noise or grinding when operating the power sliding door

    Typically $400–$1,500 to put right.

Toyota Spade service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Toyota Spade. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Second Generation (XP140) · 2012–2020 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - F/Y/G trim levels

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Check the drive belt and cooling system parts for perishing.

  2. 150,000 km

    Good window to check the suspension bushings and CV joint boots for wear.

  3. 200,000 km

    Review the engine mounts and how much life is left in the transmission fluid.

Second Generation (XP140) · 2012–2020 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - AWD trim level

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Time for a full check of the AWD drivetrain fluids and the serpentine belt.

  2. 150,000 km

    Check the suspension bushings and struts, as New Zealand roads are hard on them over the years.

  3. 200,000 km

    Have a specialist check the CVT fluid and its internal sensors so it keeps shifting smoothly.

First Generation (XP10) · 2004–2012 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - G/X/F trim options

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    The accessory drive belt and spark plugs should have been checked or replaced by now to keep the engine efficient.

  2. 150,000 km

    Suspension parts such as strut mounts and sway bar links start showing age on New Zealand's varied roads.

  3. 200,000 km

    Keeping a close eye on cooling system parts such as the radiator hoses and water pump is wise from here so it does not overheat.

First Generation (XP10) · 2004–2012 · 1.3L (2NZ-FE) - Standard/Base trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    The original shocks and bushings can start feeling tired and are worth checking.

  2. 150,000 km

    Keep an eye on cooling system parts such as the radiator and hoses for age-related brittleness.

  3. 200,000 km

    Have the alternator and starter motor thoroughly checked, as they have done plenty of work by now.

See all 12 documented issuesEverything researched for the Toyota Spade.
Depends on which engine this Toyota Spade has — 12Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

01K410/K411 CVT Belt Wear and Shudder (NCP141/NSP141)

Perform a slow uphill acceleration test from 20 km/h to 80 km/h on light throttle to provoke belt shudder.petrol2012 onwardTransmission
CommonTransmission $2,800–$7,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The NCP141 and NSP141 Porte use the Toyota K410 or K411 CVT paired with the 1NZ-FE or 1NR-FE engine. The same belt-and-pulley shudder pattern seen in the NCP80 Sienta occurs in these variants, particularly when CVT fluid has not been changed within recommended intervals. The side-entry sliding door layout of the Porte means the vehicle is commonly used for short urban trips (school runs, disability transport) that cause frequent CVT cold-start cycling and accelerate belt wear. Shudder under light load at 40–70 km/h is the primary symptom.

Symptoms to notice

  • Shudder or vibration during gentle acceleration from rest
  • Judder on light throttle at 40–70 km/h
  • Transmission whine or hum at highway speed
  • Hesitation or surge when engaging Drive from Park

What to check

  1. Perform a slow uphill acceleration test from 20 km/h to 80 km/h on light throttle to provoke belt shudder.
  2. Check CVT fluid colour — it should be light red or pink, not dark or opaque.
  3. Inspect undercarriage for CVT fluid seepage around cooler line fittings.
  4. Ask about fluid change history; many NZ-imported Porte were never serviced on CVT fluid before compliance.
  5. A fresh fluid change with Toyota genuine CVT fluid can sometimes resolve early-stage shudder.

Where to look: Transaxle under front floor, driver's side of engine bay

Parts involved: CVT belt and pulleys.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the CVT fluid ever been changed?”
  • “Does the car vibrate or shudder when pulling away gently?”
  • “Has there been any transmission service or repair?”
  • “How many km has it done since import?”

02CVT K112/K113 Belt Judder

Test drive at 20-50 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration.petrol2012–2020Transmission
Very commonTransmission $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The K112/K113 CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley surface wear. The Porte is frequently used for urban short trips which accelerate CVT fluid degradation. Toyota CVT fluid specification (Toyota CVTF FE or TC) is critical — wrong fluid causes rapid damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic vibration or buzz from drivetrain at 20-50 km/h under light acceleration from rest
  • CVT fluid appears brown and smells burnt rather than being clear red/pink

What to check

  1. Test drive at 20-50 km/h with light throttle and feel for vibration.
  2. A fluid sample that is dark red/brown rather than the correct pink/red indicates degraded fluid.
  3. Check fluid change history.

Where to look: CVT gearbox in engine bay

Ask the seller

  • “Has the cvt k112/k113 belt judder been inspected or repaired?”

031NZ-FE / 1NR-FE Timing Chain Tensioner Cold Rattle

Arrive at inspection before seller has started the engine — the rattle only appears on a genuine cold start.petrol2012 onwardEngine
CommonEngine $600–$1,700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The NCP141 Porte with 1NZ-FE and NSP141 Porte with 1NR-FE both use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner with the same cold-start oil drainage issue documented on the NCP80 Sienta. The tensioner check valve does not perfectly retain oil in the plunger circuit during extended cold soak, and a 2–6 second rattle occurs on first start of the day. The 1NR-FE variant is slightly less prone than the 1NZ-FE due to revised tensioner casting from 2014, but both suffer if oil change intervals are extended. High-mileage NZ imports are the most affected population.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattle from engine front on cold start lasting 2–6 seconds
  • Rattle absent once engine oil pressure builds
  • Possible P0016 or P0017 DTC if timing has drifted
  • Increased fuel consumption if timing has slipped

What to check

  1. Arrive at inspection before seller has started the engine — the rattle only appears on a genuine cold start.
  2. Listen with the bonnet up immediately after starting.
  3. Duration over 5 seconds indicates tensioner is failing or chain is stretched.
  4. Pull the engine oil dipstick and check for low level or dark, sludgy oil indicating overdue changes.
  5. Request full service history showing oil changes every 5,000–7,500 km maximum.

Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain cover, right side of engine bay

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced?”
  • “Can I start the car from cold myself at the inspection?”
  • “How often has the oil been changed and what spec oil?”
  • “Are there any engine warning lights active?”

041NR-FE Throttle Body Carbon and Idle Surge

With engine fully warm (after 10+ minute drive), observe idle on a flat surface in Park with A/C on and off.petrol2012 onwardEngine
CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The NSP141 Spade with 1NR-FE engine develops throttle body carbon deposits at a similar rate to the 1NZ-FE in the NCP141 Porte. Carbon accumulation on the butterfly valve seat causes the electronic throttle control to struggle to maintain stable idle, producing a hunting or surging idle condition at operating temperature. The Spade's characteristic short-trip city use profile in Japan before export compounds the problem, as the engine rarely reaches temperatures that self-clean the intake. A throttle body clean resolves the symptom, but reappearance within 20,000 km is possible without addressing PCV oil vapour contribution.

Symptoms to notice

  • Idle oscillating between 500 and 1,100 rpm when engine is warm
  • Occasional stall when coming to a stop at traffic lights
  • Rough idle when accessories such as A/C or headlights are switched on
  • Slight fuel smell at idle from incomplete combustion at low rpm

What to check

With engine fully warm (after 10+ minute drive), observe idle on a flat surface in Park with A/C on and off. Any rpm hunt above 100 rpm peak-to-peak is abnormal. Inspect throttle body bore by removing intake hose — carbon ring around butterfly is visible. Check for any related DTC such as P0505 (idle control fault). If a workshop inspection is possible: Verify throttle body idle relearn procedure is performed after cleaning (requires Toyota Techstream or equivalent scan tool).

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold, centre-front of engine

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the throttle body been cleaned recently?”
  • “Does the car idle smoothly in traffic?”
  • “Has the car ever stalled at idle or at traffic lights?”
  • “Is there a service record showing intake system maintenance?”

05Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2012 onwardEngine
CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon from crankcase vapours 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

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

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

  • “Has the throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”
Electrical3

01Electric Power Steering Column Motor Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2012 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

EPS column motor fails causing sudden 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

  1. Scan for EPS fault codes.
  2. Test steering — any 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?”

02Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure

Cycle the sliding door through multiple open/close operations.2012–2020Electrical
CommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Porte power sliding door cables fray at the guide rollers and door motors fail under load. Failures are common on higher mileage examples and in vehicles where the door has been operated frequently.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door stops mid-travel or moves noticeably slower than normal
  • Unusual motor noise or grinding when operating the power sliding door

What to check

Cycle the sliding door through multiple open/close operations. Listen for grinding or reduced motor speed. Doors that stop mid-travel or are unusually slow have worn cables or a failing motor.

Where to look: Power sliding door mechanism

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power sliding door cable been inspected or repaired?”

03Electric Power Steering Column Bearing Noise

The EPS column bearing wears causing a low-frequency grinding or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel.2012–2020Electrical
CommonElectrical $500–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The EPS column bearing wears causing a low-frequency grinding or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. The noise is most pronounced at low speed and is sometimes mistaken for a suspension fault.

Symptoms to notice

  • Low-frequency grinding or rumbling from steering column when turning wheel at low speed
  • Occasional clunking from steering column when hitting bumps with steering wheel turned

What to check

With the vehicle stopped and engine running, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock and listen for grinding or clunking from the steering column area inside the cabin.

Where to look: EPS column assembly inside cabin, below steering wheel

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering column been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Brake Caliper Slide Pin Seizure from Corrosion

Test for pulling under braking.2012–2020Brakes
CommonBrakes $200–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front and rear brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion in NZ conditions causing uneven pad wear and pulling under braking.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking with rapid pad wear on one side
  • One brake disc significantly hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

  1. Test for pulling under braking.
  2. After stopping feel for uneven disc heat between sides.
  3. Remove calipers and inspect guide pins — seized pins require caliper replacement or rebuild.

Where to look: Front and rear brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads, Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake caliper slide pin been inspected or repaired?”

02Front Lower Arm Bush Deterioration

Inspect front lower arm bushes from below with vehicle raised — crack or deformation indicates deterioration.2012–2020Suspension
CommonSuspension $400–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front lower suspension arm compliance bushes harden and crack with age causing handling imprecision and noise over bumps. The Porte urban use pattern with frequent full-lock turns accelerates bush wear.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Imprecise handling feel and vague steering response when cornering at moderate speed
  • Occasional knocking from front suspension when turning on rough surfaces

What to check

  1. Inspect front lower arm bushes from below with vehicle raised — crack or deformation indicates deterioration.
  2. Feel for imprecise steering response during cornering.

Where to look: Front lower suspension arm inner mounting bushes

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the front lower arm bush been inspected or repaired?”

03Rear Torsion Beam Axle Bush Collapse

Inspect rear beam mounting bushes from below — cracking or deformation indicates replacement is needed.2012–2020Suspension
CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse causing rear suspension noise and imprecision. Very common in NZ on vehicles over 10 years old.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces and speed humps
  • Imprecise rear handling feel and mild wandering on uneven road surfaces

What to check

  1. Inspect rear beam mounting bushes from below — cracking or deformation indicates replacement is needed.
  2. Push beam laterally with vehicle raised — any clunking indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear torsion beam axle been inspected or repaired?”

04Front Strut Top Mount Bearing Clunking

Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock with vehicle stationary — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.2012 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front strut top mount bearings wear causing clunking when turning the steering wheel. Common on urban-use Porte examples.

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 with vehicle stationary — 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 Spade’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Toyota models

Toyota Prado64 documented faultsToyota RAV463 documented faultsToyota Hilux59 documented faultsToyota Ipsum11 documented faultsToyota Isis11 documented faultsToyota LC10011 documented faults

Toyota Spade buyer questions

Is the Toyota Spade reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Toyota Spade, the recurring problem areas are transmission, electrical, and engine. A Toyota Spade 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 Spade?

We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Toyota Spade, covering transmission, electrical, and engine. All 12 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 Spade?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Spade fall between $400–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 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 Spade?

Yes. A Toyota Spade 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.