10 Used Toyotas That Aren't Worth The Hassle

Sep 04, 2023

Despite its reputation for producing bulletproof vehicles, there are some used Toyota models to avoid due to reliability issues.

Since its establishment in 1937, Toyota has grown to become one of the most popular car brands in the world. Toyota wasn't well known outside Japan until the 1960s, when they began marketing economical cars to the middle classes. It was during this period that they began producing the Corolla model, which went on to become the world's number-one-selling car. A decade later, during the oil crisis of the '70s, Toyota capitalized on the demand for fuel-efficient automobiles, and their models began flooding into the American and European markets. Toyota vehicles also gained a reputation for affordability and reliability.

Vehicles like the Starlet and Corolla became renowned as bulletproof vehicles, and later, performance cars like the MR2 and Supra cemented the brand's reputation for dependability. Even Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, has a reputation for making cars that would seemingly last forever. The LS400 of the early 1990s is one model noted as an exceptionally reliable car. The IS range from Lexus is also highly recommended for its durability and drive quality.

The Toyota Hilux is probably the most reliable and durable pickup truck the company has ever produced. The 1995 model Hilux in particular scores 4.7/5 overall, and 98% of reviewers were happy to recommend it. The 4Runner is another that owners have mostly positive things to say about. However, they have also made some less than stellar models throughout the last couple of decades.

In this article, we’ll take you on a tour through this rogue's gallery, and let you know which models to avoid investing in.

We collected data from sources such as CarEdge, ConsumerReports and RepairPal to determine the Toyota models that should avoid investing in.

The Tacoma is one of Toyota's most recognizable pickups. This vehicle has been around since 1995, and there are many owners who swear by them. There were some models of the second generation that didn't have particularly high scores or reliability and owner satisfaction.

The second-generation Tacoma was available with two distinct powertrains. A 2.7-liter that produced 159 hp, and a 4.0-liter V6 that had a more respectable 236 hp. Owners have reported that the automatic transmission can wear out with high mileage. This pickup scores only 1/5 for fuel economy, and 2/5 for ride quality.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $408

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420

• Total Recalls: 11

RELATED: 10 Best Toyota Supra Models, Ranked

The Tundra is usually a solid pickup from Toyota and has been around since 2000. The Tundra is not without its flaws, though. The second-generation Tundra was available with engines ranging from a 4.0-liter V6 to a 5.7-liter V8.

2008 Tundra owners have reported ticking noises from failed exhaust manifolds, as well as air injection pump failures. The Tundra scores only 1/5 on Consumer Reports for fuel economy. Most notably, this model also scores 1/5 for braking.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $514

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,738

• Total Recalls: 13

Toyota Highlanders are relatively predictable crossover SUVs. The latest model is a fine vehicle, but some older editions aren't as reliable as you might expect. The 2008 edition was part of the second-generation Highlander and came with several engines, including a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid.

The most common issues owners have reported are massive oil leaks and loss of oil pressure. Consumer Reports have given the '08 Highlander a mere 2/5 for fuel economy.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $445

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,771

• Total Recalls: 13

The Prius has been around for over two decades now, and its popularity hasn't waned. The second generation isn't renowned for its appearance, but there are some other minor issues that have put some owners off this model.

Some of the main problems owners have reported include center multi-function display failure, premature hybrid transmission failure, and malfunctioning fuel gauge. It also scores pretty low for acceleration and comfort.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $392

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,008

• Total Recalls: 10

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars in the world. These compact cars have been on the world's roads since 1966 and are now in the twelfth model generation. They’ve always been generally regarded as solid and reliable vehicles, but some model years aren't recommended.

The 2009 Corolla model came in the middle of the tenth generation, which was available with an array of engine sizes ranging from 1.3-liter to 2.0-liter. This particular year model scored only 2/5 for owner satisfaction on Consumer Reports. The most commonly reported issue faced by owners was the Check Engine Light due to EVAP system.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $384

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,087

• Total Recalls: 13

The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact model that first saw the light of day in 1999. Toyota intended this vehicle to be the long-term successor to the ever-dependable Starlet. Although the hatchback edition is the most familiar Yaris, it was also available as a coupe and sedan.

The 2008 model was part of the second generation of the Toyota Yaris and came with a 1.5-liter engine that produced 106 hp. Owners have reported that the engine mounts can cause issues for this model, and lead to excessive vibration. They are also known for poor performance.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $256

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,027

• Total Recalls: 10

Toyota released this sedan in 1979 under the moniker of the "Celica Camry". Since then, it's evolved through several revisions, and is a strong seller for the Japanese manufacturer. Many of the Camry models are well-built and dependable cars, but the 2007 model is probably one to avoid if you can.

The XV40 edition of the Camry was in production for a mere five-year period before Toyota redesigned the car in 2011, leading to the release of the XV50. Engine size ranged from a 2.0-liter to a 3.5-liter V6. This model scores particularly low for minor engine issues, such as oil leaks, and engine cooling features. Both got an embarrassing 1/5 on Consumer Reports.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $329

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,203

• Total Recalls: 10

Today, the Toyota RAV4 has become considered a highly dependable vehicle, but this crossover SUV has had its problematic models in the past. Since 1994, there have been many generations of the RAV4, but the third generation that got released globally between 2006 and 2012 is a vehicle we’d suggest steering clear of.

Built on the MC platform, this model of the RAV4 was available with both gas and diesel engines of various outputs. Owners have reported both excessive oil consumption and oil leakage in this model year. It scores only 2/5 for major engine repair, and owner satisfaction is also disappointing, with a rating of 3/5 on Consumer Reports.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,160

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,531

• Total Recalls: 11

RELATED: 10 Super Reliable Japanese Cars With The Lowest Maintenance Costs

The second-generation Toyota Sienna minivan underwent a facelift in 2006, aimed at boosting sales. The result was a better-looking vehicle, but the 3.3-liter engine remained until it got replaced the following year.

The most common issue that owners of the 2006 Sienna have reported is with the sliding door. Other common faults are dashboard cracks and oxygen sensor failure. The Sienna scores a mere 1/5 on Consumer Reports for fuel economy.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,204

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,814

• Total Recalls: 11

Manufactured in Canada, the Toyota Matrix was largely based on the Corolla model. The Matrix production came to a close almost a decade ago, and there aren't many drivers who want to see them return. The second generation Matrix was not recognized as a good car. It was available in two different engine sizes and several trim options.

This car performed abysmally on Consumer Reports, scoring only 1/5 for overall driver satisfaction, engine cooling, and major transmission issues. Many owners reported excessive oil consumption, which was something that the Corolla also suffered from back in those days.

• Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $249

• Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: N/A

• Total Recalls: 11

Ian is an Irish based writer who has worked as a features writer and editor in the magazine trade, as a published author and a screenwriter. He ran an automotive firm for over a decade and has a particular love for upgrading Japanese sports cars. He has been supercar and racing fan since childhood, but has a deep love for anything with an engine and wheels.