Toyota brand mark

Is the 2012–2018 Toyota Auris reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

6.0/ 10
Mixed

On our documented-fault scoring the Toyota Auris rates 6.0 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around battery, brakes and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults

What the score is built from

Critical
0
High
1
Medium
4
Low
3

Weak points cluster around battery, brakes, electrical, suspension.

Two faults free · full checklist for this exact Toyota Auris for $9.

Check this car

The faults that decide it

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.
Typical repair
Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
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
Typical repair
Routine repair · £180–£700
BrakesMedium

Rear brake corrosion because of regenerative braking

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Inspect rear discs for scaling and lipping
Typical repair
Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
ElectricalMedium

12V auxiliary battery failure

Typically appears
5+ years
What to inspect
Test the 12V battery separately
Typical repair
Starting & charging parts · £150–£650
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.
Typical repair
EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

Inspecting a Toyota Auris?

See two faults free, then get the full tickable checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Full report $9.

Check this exact car