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Quelle Occasion

Photo: Oq10pass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toyota 1.5 hybrid (M15A-FXE) engine: reliability and faults

Hybrid · 1,490 cm³ · 116, 130 hp · since 2020

Excellent choice
Reliability
5.0/5

2 known faults

Verdict

A naturally aspirated 1.5 three-cylinder with Atkinson cycle from the Dynamic Force family, introduced in 2020 on the Yaris IV and then used on the Yaris Cross: 116 hp combined, then 130 hp on the Yaris Cross from 2024 thanks to a more powerful electric motor. The hybrid system is judged sober and not very exposed to major mechanical failures. The two points to check: the 12 V battery, which discharges when the car is driven little, and, on Yaris cars built in late 2020, the hybrid system reprogramming recall.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
2023, 2024
To avoid
No year to avoid identified

Known faults

12 V battery discharging

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The auxiliary 12 V battery, considered undersized, discharges when the car is left standing for a few days or driven little; the car then will not start. Owners report repeated replacements of this battery. Ask for proof of replacement or of a 12 V battery diagnosis.

Versions
toyota-hybride-1-5-m15a
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Hybrid system cut out while driving (reprogramming recall, late 2020 Yaris)

Manufacturer recall

On hybrid Yaris cars built from 7 July to 13 November 2020 (7,805 in France), incorrect programming of the computer can shut down the hybrid system while driving, including at high speed, instead of switching to backup mode, which increases the risk of an accident. Toyota recalled these cars in 2022 to reprogramme the hybrid system computer: check that the work has been carried out.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
toyota-hybride-1-5-m15a
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

Maintain and diagnose this engine

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.