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. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
12
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$400–$900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota Spade faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01K410/K411 CVT Belt Wear and Shudder (NCP141/NSP141)
MajorCommonTransmission $2,800–$7,200 to fix
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
Perform a slow uphill acceleration test from 20 km/h to 80 km/h on light throttle to provoke belt shudder. Check CVT fluid colour — it should be light red or pink, not dark or opaque. Inspect undercarriage for CVT fluid seepage around cooler line fittings. Ask about fluid change history; many NZ-imported Porte were never serviced on CVT fluid before compliance. 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
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?”
02Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure
MinorCommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix
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?”
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
10 more documented faults on the Toyota Spade
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 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?
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We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Toyota Spade, covering transmission, electrical, 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.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Spade?
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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?
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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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.