Thinking about buying a used Toyota Wish (2003–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 36 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, suspension, and transmission. 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.
36
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,400
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Toyota Wish faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
011ZZ-FE Piston Ring Oil Consumption
CriticalVery commonEngine $2,800–$5,500 to fix
The 1ZZ-FE 1.8-litre engine fitted to ZE10 Wish models suffers from a design flaw in the piston oil control rings. The narrow, low-tension rings introduced for reduced internal friction are prone to carbon fouling and sticking in their grooves, preventing them from scraping oil from the cylinder walls. The engine consumes engine oil at rates exceeding 1 litre per 1,000 km without producing visible blue smoke at idle, making the problem easy to overlook until severe engine damage occurs. This defect was the subject of a US class action lawsuit settled by Toyota in 2012 covering multiple 1ZZ-FE applications.
Symptoms to notice
Engine oil level drops 1–2 litres between 5,000 km oil change intervals with no visible leak under the vehicle
Spark plugs show wet, dark carbon fouling on electrode despite recent replacement
Brief puff of blue-grey smoke on deceleration after sustained motorway running
What to check
Check engine oil level at every visit; dipstick will show 1+ litre low between standard service intervals. Pull spark plugs and inspect for oil fouling on plug tip. Request oil consumption documentation from seller. Check for carbon tracking on the underside of the intake manifold plenum. If a workshop inspection is possible: A compression test alone may not reveal the fault — a leak-down test is more diagnostic.
Where to look: Engine internals — piston ring land grooves on all four pistons
Ask the seller
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02ZE20 Electric Power Steering Column Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $750–$1,900 to fix
The ZE20 Wish uses a column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) motor and reduction gear assembly. The worm gear coupling between the EPS motor and the steering column develops freeplay as the plastic gear teeth wear, producing a rattle or clunk felt and heard through the steering wheel when driving over minor road imperfections at low speed. In some cases the intermediate shaft universal joint within the column assembly also develops play, amplifying the symptom. The rattle is present regardless of steering wheel position but worsens on rough surfaces. Toyota Japan issued internal guidance on gear lash adjustment and replacement criteria.
Symptoms to notice
Rattle or hollow knocking sound from the steering column area when driving over rough surfaces, audible from inside the cabin and felt through the steering wheel rim
Slight free play in the steering wheel before the road wheels respond, accompanied by a single click when changing steering direction from lock to lock at parking speed
What to check
Drive slowly over a rough surface or speed bump with both hands lightly on the wheel and listen for a rattle or knock transmitted through the rim. With the engine running and vehicle stationary, rock the steering wheel gently back and forth through a small angle — any free play or clunk before column movement indicates gear lash. Inspect the EPS motor housing for cracks in the plastic gear cover; inspect the intermediate shaft universal joint for visible play by rocking the column while a second person observes the u-joint from under the dash.
Where to look: EPS motor worm reduction gear housing on upper steering column, cabin side of firewall
Ask the seller
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EngineCritical
EngineCritical
CoolingCritical
CoolingCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
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EngineMajor
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ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
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EngineMajor
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SuspensionMajor
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BrakesMajor
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ElectricalMinor
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Body & RustMinor
34 more documented faults on the Toyota Wish
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 36 documented faults for the Toyota Wish, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and suspension. A Toyota Wish 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 Wish?
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We've catalogued 36 known faults for the Toyota Wish, covering engine, cooling, and suspension. 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 Wish?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Wish fall between $400–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 36 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 Wish?
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Yes. A Toyota Wish 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.