Toyota Yaris Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Yaris model year (2007–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Yaris Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 187 complaints
43 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 291
5 recalls · 167 complaints
33 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 248
6 recalls · 63 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 117
Best Toyota Yaris Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 2
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Problem score: 4
1 recall · 4 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 7
Found the right year? Verify that specific Yaris with a free VIN report.
Toyota Yaris — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 3 | 22 | 1 | — | 33 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 8 | — | — | 14 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 2 | 23 | 7 | — | 43 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 11 | 11 | — | 42 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 6 | 3 | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 4 | 25 | 6 | 1 | 54 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 15 | 7 | — | 38 | Good |
| 2010 | 5 | 48 | 13 | — | 89 | Good |
| 2009 | 6 | 63 | 18 | — | 117 | Caution |
| 2008 | 5 | 167 | 33 | — | 248 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 6 | 187 | 43 | — | 291 | Avoid |
All 14 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Yaris Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent Yaris models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 4 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade Yaris units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Yaris models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Yaris should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Toyota Yaris if possible. It has 6 recalls, 187 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 291 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Yaris to buy?+
The 2014 Toyota Yaris is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Yaris has the fewest problems?+
The 2014, 2020, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Yaris Research
Check a Specific Toyota Yaris VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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