Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 – 2009) Review

VVT-i engines can start to use up to a litre of oil every 600 miles after 40,000 miles. Must be ckecked regularly of you may run out and wreck the engine. That seems to be the only complaint.

Actuator problem can leave MMTs with no usable gears. Toyota is aware and has extended the warranty on these models, though for how long remains to be seen.

2006: Official safety recall for problem of passenger airbags going off when ignition switched off: affected 2004 - 2006 build.

Have been some manual transmission failures on 1.8VVT-is at areound 5 years old.

On 2.0 belt cam D-4Ds reports of "turbos failing and destroying engines at 80k - 100k miles". Probably what is meant is that the swirl flaps in the inlet manifold break off and are ingested into the engine. Report of one turbo failing at just 9 months old.

Have been reports of head gasket failures on 2.0 litre D-4Ds and of cylinder head problems on 2.2 diesels.

2.2 chain cam diesels are gaining a reputation as moderate oil burners, consuming around 1 litre of oil every 5,000 miles with this considered "normal" by Toyota.

One report of diesel injector failure of T180 spiking cat converter.

Strange report that last year Toyota recalled a 2006/56 Verso 2.2D to replace the engine. No explanation given, the motor had not caused problems. The new engine came with a 12 month warranty. Engine problems arose Summer 2012, apparently related to the new engine. A visit to the dealer revealed an injector out of tolerance – a non-warranty item. Toyota had changed the design of the injectors and now they have to be replaced as a set, at a cost of just under £2,000. Toyota GB rejected a goodwill claim.

On belt-cam 2.0 litre diesel engines the waterpump must be replaced at the same time as the timing belt. They are prone to breaking up and when they do they throw the belt off.

On 1.8i, jerky drive may be due to failed crankshaft position sensor.

Reader with 2008 2.2 D-4D quoted £2,000 to replace the 'catalytic converter' (must mean the DPF).

Report of warning lights for VSC and TRC on 2006/56 Toyota Vewrso 1.8 petrol. Might be the same brake pressure sensor issue with ther ABS/ESC module as on many other cars. Check with http://www.ecutesting.com

Long history of problems with EGR of Toyota Verso 2.21 T180 diesel. Problems first occurred in April 2008 showing EGR valve error code meaning the car would not drive over 25mph. The EGR was cleaned and new software downloaded. Problem recurred between then and 2010 when EGR valve replaced. Due to ongoing problems with EGR valve the engine was replaced 2011 - out of warranty but Toyota agreed to repair as ongoing problem. Car has been serviced every 12 months. Low ash oil always used. All clear until 60,000 miles in March 2016: EGR fault again - error code P0400 Now informed the EGR needs replacing and the manifold needs cleaning at £452.65 but this may not resolve the problem and will probably need an engine de-coke at £2,100.

Report of MMT transmission of intermittently serviced 2008 Toyota Verso 1.8 VVTi T3 suffering problems at 37,683 miles, mostly local use. Engine doesn’t cut out, continues to run. It is in gear, but won’t engage. Foot on accelerator, engine revs but remains stationery. To get it started: Cut engine off and remove key. Usually it needs a short rest period before starting up and then is ok. Sometimes several start-ups are required. This happens periodically. Most days it is fine. Some days several times. Am only doing short local journeys and am avoiding heavy traffic roundabouts. Occurs, not when car is moving at a reasonable speed. Only when going slowly i.e. behind a queue of cars moving slowly and or coming to a standstill; pausing for whatever reason. Toyota dealer has costed worst case scenario: replacement clutch at £206.87, replacement clutch release bearing at £54.42, replacement actuator at £854.19 and replacement ECU at £758.47 and replacement ECU: total cost £2,845 including 6 hours labour.

Report and a tip about the fuel fillers of 2004-2009 Toyota Corolla Versos: At the point where the filler pipe goes into the tank there is a plastic flap the job if which is to to stop surge/anti theft/seal the tank in a car roll over. However, in hot weather when the ingoing fuel is very frothy it will combine with air in the tank and close the flap. The result is the pump keeps shutting off. Remove it and you can refuel quickly. Removal takes around 20 mins, either by you on your back or the local mechanic.