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Toyota2002–2020 Major issues documented

Toyota Succeed: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Toyota Succeed (2002–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning transmission, electrical, engine, and suspension. 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 Succeed

  • 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 →

8

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$300–$700

Typical repair

18

Service milestones

Which Toyota Succeed 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.

Start your free check on this Toyota Succeed

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 SucceedEngine not picked yet

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

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Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Succeed

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 Succeed 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 under light throttle and feel for vibration.

    See why

    CVT K110 Belt and Pulley Judder

    The NCP51 Succeed CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley wear. Frequent short trip loading and delivery use accelerates degradation. Toyota CVTF FE specification is critical.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic buzz or shudder from drivetrain during light acceleration
    • CVT fluid darker than the correct clear pink with a burnt smell

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

  • Costly issue

    Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine front.

    See why

    1NZ-FE Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle

    The 1NZ-FE timing chain tensioner rattles for 2-5 seconds on cold start from oil pressure lag. Persistent rattle beyond 10 seconds indicates worn tensioner or guides.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattle from engine front on cold start
    • Rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds or at operating temperature

    Typically $600–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for P0401/P0404 fault codes.

    See why

    1ND-TV Diesel EGR Valve Clogging

    The 1ND-TV 1.4 diesel EGR valve accumulates carbon deposits causing rough idle, power loss, and EGR-related fault codes.

    What you would notice

    • Rough idle and reduced power under load with black smoke on acceleration
    • P0401/P0404 EGR fault codes stored on scan tool

    Typically $300–$800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect boot for splitting.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

    Front lower arm ball joints wear on the commercial-use Succeed causing clunking and handling imprecision.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps and rough surfaces
    • Imprecise handling feel when cornering under load

    Typically $300–$700 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for pulling under braking.

    See why

    Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

    Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear, common on vehicles operated in wet commercial environments.

    What you would notice

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

    Typically $150–$500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for EPS fault codes.

    See why

    Electric Power Steering Failure

    EPS column motor or sensor fails causing loss of power assistance.

    What you would notice

    • Sudden loss of power steering assistance with EPS warning light
    • Heavy steering requiring significant effort especially when loaded

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

Toyota Succeed service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Toyota Succeed. 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.

Facelift/Rebrand - Toyota Probox/Succeed · 2018–2026 · 1.5L (1NZ-FXE) - Hybrid Fuel Efficient Trim

Hybrid/Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Book a full hybrid battery health diagnostic and have a professional check the cooling fan intake.

  2. 150,000 km

    Check the accessory drive belts and the engine mounts for vibration or perishing.

  3. 200,000 km

    Assess the transmission fluid and make sure the hybrid system's cooling loop has been serviced.

Facelift/Rebrand - Toyota Probox/Succeed · 2014–2026 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - AWD Commercial

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    A major check of the cooling system hoses and the auxiliary drive belt is due.

  2. 150,000 km

    Worth checking the suspension bushings and steering rack boots before they cause trouble.

  3. 200,000 km

    The original engine mounts often soften here, and cabin vibration increases.

Facelift/Rebrand - Toyota Probox/Succeed · 2014–2026 · 1.3L (1NR-FE) - Entry-Level Commercial

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Check the drive belts and the health of the cooling system parts.

  2. 150,000 km

    Review suspension parts such as the shocks and struts, which go soft after hard commercial use.

  3. 200,000 km

    Have a professional check the transmission fluid condition and look for slight oil seeps around the valve cover gasket.

First Generation (P50/P160) - Base Model · 2002–2014 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - Standard Commercial Trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    The standard suspension dampers usually start losing their original firmness here.

  2. 200,000 km

    A big checkpoint where the serpentine belt and cooling system parts are usually renewed before they fail.

  3. 250,000 km

    Worth keeping an eye on the engine mounts from here so the cabin stays comfortable.

First Generation (P50/P160) - AWD Model · 2002–2014 · 1.5L (1NZ-FE) - AWD Commercial Trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Suspension bushings and sway bar links can start feeling loose on NZ roads about now.

  2. 200,000 km

    Confirm the cooling system is healthy, checking the radiator and hoses for brittleness.

  3. 250,000 km

    Have a professional check the timing chain tensioner and auxiliary drive belts; these engines are tough, but staying ahead pays off by now.

First Generation (P50/P160) - Diesel Model · 2002–2008 · 1.4L (1ND-TV) - Diesel Commercial Trim

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Suspension bushings and sway bar links start showing natural wear from NZ road conditions.

  2. 200,000 km

    Assess the turbocharger, and make sure the timing chain or belt system has been serviced as the logbook requires.

  3. 250,000 km

    Engine ancillaries such as the alternator and water pump may reach the end of their working life here.

See all 8 documented issuesEverything researched for the Toyota Succeed.
Depends on which engine this Toyota Succeed has — 8Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

01CVT K110 Belt and Pulley Judder

Test drive at 20-50 km/h under light throttle and feel for vibration.petrol2002–2020Transmission
Very commonTransmission $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The NCP51 Succeed CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley wear. Frequent short trip loading and delivery use accelerates degradation. Toyota CVTF FE specification is critical.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic buzz or shudder from drivetrain during light acceleration
  • CVT fluid darker than the correct clear pink with a burnt smell

What to check

Test drive at 20-50 km/h under light throttle and feel for vibration. CVT fluid that is dark brown rather than pink indicates degraded fluid.

Where to look: CVT gearbox in engine bay

Ask the seller

  • “Has the cvt k110 belt and pulley been inspected or repaired?”

021NZ-FE Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine front.petrol2002–2020Engine
CommonEngine $600–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 1NZ-FE timing chain tensioner rattles for 2-5 seconds on cold start from oil pressure lag. Persistent rattle beyond 10 seconds indicates worn tensioner or guides.

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
  • Rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds or at operating temperature

What to check

Cold-start from overnight cold and listen for metallic rattle from engine front. Normal: clears in under 5 seconds.

Where to look: Front of engine, timing chain tensioner

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 1nz-fe timing chain tensioner cold-start been inspected or repaired?”

031ND-TV Diesel EGR Valve Clogging

Check for P0401/P0404 fault codes.diesel2002–2020Engine
CommonEngine $300–$800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 1ND-TV 1.4 diesel EGR valve accumulates carbon deposits causing rough idle, power loss, and EGR-related fault codes.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle and reduced power under load with black smoke on acceleration
  • P0401/P0404 EGR fault codes stored on scan tool

What to check

  1. Check for P0401/P0404 fault codes.
  2. Note rough idle with black smoke on acceleration.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the EGR valve and inspect bore for heavy carbon deposits.

Where to look: EGR valve on diesel intake manifold

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the 1nd-tv diesel egr valve clogging been inspected or repaired?”
Electrical1

01Electric Power Steering Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2002–2020Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

EPS column motor or sensor fails causing loss of power assistance.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power steering assistance with EPS warning light
  • Heavy steering requiring significant effort especially when loaded

What to check

  1. Scan for EPS fault codes.
  2. Test steering — any heavy or inconsistent feel indicates EPS fault.

Where to look: EPS column motor and control unit

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering failure been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect boot for splitting.2002–2020Suspension
CommonSuspension $300–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front lower arm ball joints wear on the commercial-use Succeed causing clunking and handling imprecision.

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

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps and rough surfaces
  • Imprecise handling feel when cornering under load

What to check

Inspect 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.2002–2020Brakes
CommonBrakes $150–$500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear, common on vehicles operated in wet commercial environments.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

  1. Check for pulling under braking.
  2. Feel for uneven wheel heat.
  3. Inspect guide pins for restricted movement.

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?”

03Rear Torsion Beam Bush Collapse

Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking.2002–2020Suspension
CommonSuspension $200–$550 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse from sustained commercial loading.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
  • Imprecise rear handling under loaded and unloaded conditions

What to check

  1. Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking.
  2. Push beam laterally — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear torsion beam bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
Fluid leaks1

011NZ-FE valve cover gasket oil seepage

Inspect the entire perimeter of the valve cover for oil seepage or dark residue after a warm run.petrol2002 onwardFluid Leaks
Very commonFluid Leaks $180–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The rubber valve cover gasket on the 1NZ-FE engine hardens with heat cycling and age, developing seeps along the gasket perimeter and at the four spark plug tube seals. On commercial-use Succeed vans accumulating high kilometres in short-trip service, this is one of the most consistently reported minor oil faults. Oil seeping onto the exhaust manifold heat shield produces a burnt oil smell during driving. Oil entering the spark plug recesses degrades the plug wire boots and can cause intermittent misfires that may be misdiagnosed as ignition coil failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Persistent burnt oil smell from engine bay after a warm run
  • Visible oil residue or dark staining around the valve cover perimeter
  • Oil found inside one or more spark plug tube recesses when plug leads are removed
  • Intermittent misfire or rough idle caused by oil contaminating plug boots

What to check

Inspect the entire perimeter of the valve cover for oil seepage or dark residue after a warm run. Check for oil drips on the exhaust manifold heat shield. Valve cover gaskets are inexpensive parts; check whether this has already been replaced as a routine service item. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove all four spark plug leads and look into each recess with a torch — any oil pooled at the bottom indicates failed spark plug tube seals within the gasket.

Where to look: Top of engine — valve cover perimeter gasket and integral spark plug tube seals

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the valve cover gasket been replaced, given the vehicle's mileage?”
  • “Is there any burning oil smell when the engine is at operating temperature?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Toyota Succeed’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 Altezza7 documented faultsToyota Avensis7 documented faultsToyota Carina7 documented faults

Toyota Succeed buyer questions

Is the Toyota Succeed reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Toyota Succeed, the recurring problem areas are transmission, electrical, and engine. A Toyota Succeed 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 Succeed?

We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Toyota Succeed, covering transmission, electrical, and engine. All 8 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 Succeed?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Succeed fall between $300–$700 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.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota Succeed?

Yes. A Toyota Succeed 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.