Thinking about buying a used Toyota Vitz (1999–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 29 known faults for this model spanning brakes, interior, transmission, 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.
29
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$950
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Toyota Vitz faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Brake Master Cylinder Internal Seal Failure
CriticalOccasionalBrakes $400–$950 to fix
The brake master cylinder on NCP90 models uses rubber cup seals that can deteriorate with age or contaminated brake fluid. Internal bypass occurs when a seal allows fluid to pass the piston, producing a pedal that slowly sinks to the floor under steady pressure even though the external fluid level does not drop rapidly. This is a safety-critical failure as braking force is progressively lost without any visible external leak to warn the driver.
Symptoms to notice
Brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor under sustained firm pressure during a static hold test, even though no external fluid leak is visible
Brake fluid reservoir level gradually dropping over weeks without any visible leaks at callipers, hoses, or wheel cylinders, indicating internal bypass to the booster side
What to check
With the engine off, depress the brake pedal firmly and hold constant pressure for 30 seconds — any pedal sinking more than 5 mm indicates internal bypass. Check brake fluid in the reservoir for dark brown or contaminated condition, which accelerates seal degradation. Inspect the master cylinder body and both brake lines at the master for weeping. Ask when the brake fluid was last flushed — the service interval is every 2 years regardless of appearance.
Where to look: Brake master cylinder on firewall, driver's side
Ask the seller
“Does the brake pedal hold firm under steady pressure, or does it slowly sink if you hold it for 30 seconds?”
“When was the brake fluid last changed and has the reservoir level ever dropped unexplainably?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle and Column Knock (NCP130)
MinorCommonSuspension $800–$1,900 to fix
The NCP130 Yaris replaced hydraulic power steering with a column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) motor. The coupling between the EPS motor shaft and the steering column intermediate shaft develops play over time, producing a knocking or rattle when the steering wheel is held at a small angle in corners or during parking manoeuvres. In some cases the EPS torque sensor deteriorates, causing the EPS warning light to appear and intermittent loss of power assistance.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or rattling sound from the steering column when making small steering inputs at low speed, such as lane changes or parking
EPS warning light appearing intermittently, sometimes accompanied by momentarily heavy steering before the system resets
What to check
With the engine running (EPS active), slowly oscillate the steering wheel 5–10 degrees either side of centre and listen for a knock or rattle from the column below the dash. Check the instrument cluster for the EPS warning light (orange steering wheel icon). Pull the steering wheel gently fore-aft to feel for column shaft end-play. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan with an OBD reader for EPS-specific codes C1511 or C1512 (torque sensor signal out of range).
Where to look: Steering column, EPS motor coupling beneath dashboard
Ask the seller
“Has the EPS warning light ever appeared, even briefly?”
“Is there any knocking or rattling from the steering column when parking or making slow-speed turns?”
InteriorCritical
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27 more documented faults on the Toyota Vitz
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 29 documented faults for the Toyota Vitz, the recurring problem areas are brakes, interior, and transmission. A Toyota Vitz 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 Vitz?
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We've catalogued 29 known faults for the Toyota Vitz, covering brakes, interior, and transmission. 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 Vitz?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Vitz fall between $350–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 29 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 Vitz?
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Yes. A Toyota Vitz 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.