BatteryMedium
Hybrid battery decline on very high-mileage cars
- Typically appears
- 150,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Hybrid health check and state-of-charge behaviour
2012–2018 Toyota Auris · common problems & known faults
The hybrid Auris is a private-hire and family staple. Battery health and brake corrosion matter most.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2012–2018 Toyota Auris are Inverter electric water pump failure, leading to hybrid system overheating and dashboard warning lights, Hybrid battery decline on very high-mileage cars and Rear brake corrosion because of regenerative braking. 1 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
Reliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Toyota Auris.
6.0/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 3
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Toyota Auris problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
BrakesMedium
Rear brake corrosion because of regenerative braking
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect rear discs for scaling and lipping
ElectricalMedium
12V auxiliary battery failure
- Typically appears
- 5+ years
- What to inspect
- Test the 12V battery separately
SuspensionLow
Rear bushes and shock wear on high-mileage cars
- Typically appears
- 120,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Bounce test and listen for knocks
Engine (1.8 Hybrid)Medium
Severe engine rattle or judder during cold starts when the petrol engine first engages, caused by heavy carbon build-up in the EGR valve and intake manifold.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the car from cold, engage drive, and firmly press the accelerator while holding the footbrake to force the petrol engine to start. Listen for loud knocking or misfires.
Cooling System (Hybrid)High
Inverter electric water pump failure, leading to hybrid system overheating and dashboard warning lights.
- Typically appears
- 80,000-120,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Turn the ignition to 'Ready'. Open the bonnet and check the inverter coolant reservoir. You should see visible turbulence or swirling in the pink fluid, confirming the pump is running.
Body & LightingLow
Heavy condensation or water pooling inside the front headlight clusters due to failed factory seals, potentially causing electrical shorts or MOT failure.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Visually inspect both headlight lenses for milky fogging or water droplets on the inside. Switch on the dipped beams and check for flickering or blown bulbs.
Interior ElectronicsLow
Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system freezing, randomly rebooting, or dropping Bluetooth connections.
- Typically appears
- Any age
- What to inspect
- Turn on the infotainment unit, navigate through the menus quickly, and attempt to pair a phone via Bluetooth. Watch for screen lag, freezing, or spontaneous restarts.
Inspecting a Toyota Auris?
Get a full, tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Free preview, full report $9.
Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
Do high-mileage Auris hybrids hold up?
Yes, ex-private-hire cars often run past 200,000 miles with the original battery.
What is the retail story?
Hybrid health check certificate plus a clean MOT record.
What kills the deal?
Poor cosmetic condition, not mechanical failure.
What are the servicing requirements for the hybrid e-CVT transmission?
Unlike conventional CVTs, the Toyota e-CVT uses a planetary gearset with no belts or pulleys, making it exceptionally reliable. However, it still requires a transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles. Check the service history for this specific job, as neglected fluid can lead to whining bearings and eventual gear failure.
Is the 1.4 D-4D diesel engine a safe stock choice?
The 1.4 D-4D is robust but highly susceptible to DPF blockages if previous owners primarily drove short urban routes. During inspection, pull the dipstick and check if the oil level is significantly above the maximum mark. This indicates active regeneration failures, causing diesel fuel to dilute the engine oil.
Are there any known issues with the 1.2T petrol engine introduced in 2015?
The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is generally reliable but suffers from ignition coil failures and carbon build-up on the intake valves due to direct injection. On a test drive, apply heavy load in a high gear at low RPMs. Any hesitation or misfiring indicates coil degradation or coked valves requiring walnut blasting.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.