Since its creation in 1937, Toyota has become one of the most popular car brands in the world. Toyota was not widely known outside of Japan until the 1960s, when they began marketing economy cars to the middle classes. It was during this period that they began to produce the Corolla model, which became the best-selling car in the world. A decade later, during the oil crisis of the 1970s, Toyota capitalized on the demand for fuel-efficient cars, and its models began to flood the American and European markets. Toyota vehicles also gained a reputation for affordability and reliability.
Vehicles like the Starlet and Corolla became famous as bulletproof vehicles, and later, performance cars like the MR2 and Supra cemented the brand’s reputation for reliability. Even Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, has a reputation for making cars that seemingly last forever. The early 1990s LS400 is a standout model reliable car The Lexus IS range is also highly recommended for its durability and ride quality.
The Toyota Hilux is probably the most reliable and durable pickup truck the company has ever produced. The 1995 Hilux in particular gets an overall score of 4.7/5, and 98% of reviewers were happy to recommend it. The 4Runner is another one that owners have mostly positive things to say. However, they’ve also made some less-than-stellar models over the past few decades.
In this article, we’ll take you through this rogue’s gallery and let you know which models you should avoid investing in.
10 Toyota Tacoma 2008
Reliability Score: 4/5
The Tacoma is one of Toyota’s most popular pickups. This vehicle has been around since 1995, and many owners swear by it. There were some second generation models that did not have particularly high ratings for reliability or owner satisfaction.
2008 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
The second-generation Tacoma was available with two different engines. 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 only gets 1/5 for fuel economy and 2/5 for ride quality.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $408
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $6,420
• Total withdrawals: 11
9 Toyota Tundra 2008
Reliability Score: 4/5
The Tundra is usually a solid pickup truck from Toyota and has been around since 2000. However, the Tundra is not without its flaws. The second-generation Tundra was available with engines ranging from a 4.0-liter V6 to a 5.7-liter V8.
2008 Toyota Tundra Reliability
2008 Tundra owners have reported ticking noises from failed exhaust manifolds as well as air injection pump failures. The Tundra scores just a 1/5 at Consumer Reports for fuel economy. Most notably, this model also scores 1/5 for braking.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $514
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $6,738
• Total withdrawals: 13
8 Toyota Highlander 2008
Reliability Score: 4/5
Toyota Highlanders are relatively predictable crossover SUVs. The latest model is a good vehicle, but some earlier editions are not 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.
2008 Toyota Highlander Reliability
The most common problems reported by owners are massive oil leaks and loss of oil pressure. Consumer Reports gave the ’08 Highlander just 2/5 for fuel economy.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $445
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $5,771
• Total withdrawals: 13
7 Toyota Prius 2010
Reliability Score: 4/5
The Prius has been around for over two decades and its popularity has not waned. The second generation is not known for its looks, but there are other minor issues that have kept some owners away from this model.
2010 Toyota Prius Reliability
Some of the main problems reported by owners include a failure of the central multifunction display, premature failure of the hybrid transmission and a malfunction of the fuel gauge. It also scores fairly low in acceleration and comfort.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $392
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $4,008
• Total withdrawals: 10
6 Toyota Corolla 2009
Reliability Score: 4/5
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 their twelfth model generation. In general, they have always been considered as solid and reliable vehicles, but some model years are not recommended.
2009 Toyota Corolla Reliability
The 2009 Corolla model reached the middle of the tenth generation, which was available with a variety of engine sizes ranging from 1.3 liters to 2.0 liters. This particular model year scored just 2/5 for owner satisfaction at Consumer Reports. The most common problem owners faced was the Check Engine Light due to the EVAP system.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $384
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $4,087
• Total withdrawals: 13
5 Toyota Yaris 2008
Reliability Score: 3/5
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-reliable Starlet. Although the hatchback edition is the most familiar Yaris, it was also available as a coupe and sedan.
2008 Toyota Yaris Reliability
The 2008 model was part of the second generation Toyota Yaris and came with a 1.5-liter engine that produced 106 hp. Owners have reported that the engine mounts can cause problems for this model and cause excessive vibration. They are also known for their low performance.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $256
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $4,027
• Total withdrawals: 10
4 Toyota Camry 2007
Reliability Score: 3/5
Toyota launched this sedan in 1979 under the moniker “Celica Camry”. Since then, it has evolved through several revisions and is a big seller for the Japanese manufacturer. Many of the Camry models are well-built and reliable cars, but the 2007 model is probably one to avoid if you can.
2007 Toyota Camry Reliability
The XV40 edition of the Camry was in production for a period of five years before Toyota redesigned the car in 2011, leading to the launch 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 functions. Both scored an embarrassing 1/5 on Consumer Reports.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $329
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $4,203
• Total withdrawals: 10
3 Toyota RAV4 2006
Reliability Score: 3/5
Today, the Toyota RAV4 has been considered a very reliable vehicle, but this crossover SUV has had its troubled models in the past. Since 1994, there have been many generations of the RAV4, but the third generation that was launched globally between 2006 and 2012 is a vehicle we’d suggest not to.
2006 Toyota RAV4 Reliability
Built on the MC platform, this model of the RAV4 was available with gas and diesel engines of various outputs. Owners have reported both excessive oil consumption and oil leaks in this model year. It gets just a 2/5 for major engine repair, and owner satisfaction is also disappointing, with a 3/5 rating from Consumer Reports.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $1,160
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $5,531
• Total withdrawals: 11
2 Toyota Sienna 2006
Predicted Reliability Score: 3/5
The second-generation Toyota Sienna minivan underwent a facelift in 2006, with the aim of increasing sales. The result was a better-looking vehicle, but the 3.3-litre engine remained until it was replaced the following year.
2006 Toyota Sienna Reliability
The most common problem reported by 2006 Sienna owners is with the sliding door. Other common faults are dashboard cracks and oxygen sensor failure. The Sienna scores just a 1/5 at Consumer Reports for fuel economy.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $1,204
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: $5,814
• Total withdrawals: 11
1 Toyota Matrix 2009
Predicted Reliability Score: 3/5
Made in Canada, the Toyota Matrix was heavily based on the Corolla model. Matrix production ended nearly 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.
2009 Toyota Matrix Reliability
This car performed abysmally in Consumer Reports, scoring just 1/5 for overall driver satisfaction, engine cooling, and major transmission issues. Many owners reported excessive oil consumption, something the Corolla also suffered from in those days.
• Average. Annual maintenance costs: $249
• East. Maintenance costs for the first 10 years: N/A
• Total withdrawals: 11
