Toyota Yaris Transmission Problems – Symptoms and What You Should Do

Economical yet efficient, the Toyota Yaris model has enjoyed a good name ever since it came out. Indeed, its well-organized interior and wonderful trim options make it a particularly popular family car.

Automatic transmission malfunction highlights

• Level of importance:Medium
• Reasons:Electronic control problems, shifter issues, sensor-related issues
• Needed expertise:High
• Needed tools:Professional tools set
• Time taken:1-8 hours
• Can you drive? Not recommended
• Possible issues: Fatal damage, overheating, torque converter damage, TCU damage.

Toyota Yaris transmission options

The model comes with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Whichever one you opt for depends entirely on your preferences. 

Here are just some benefits and drawbacks of each type.

The manual transmission is significantly cheaper in addition to being easier to maintain. That being said, it does call for extra multi-tasking. It might not be your thing, especially if you consider driving a necessity rather than a hobby. On the other hand, passionate drivers seldom go for automatic transmission, as they want to feel more in touch with their vehicle.

Yaris drivers who chose the automatic transmission enjoy better fuel economy. What's more, they have it easier when driving in heavy-traffic urban areas. However, they also report more issues as it is more likely to break down. These problems include trouble with accelerations, stalling, and improper shifting of gears.

Just how much more you pay for an automatic transmission over the manual one depends on the variant. The estimated cost could climb all the way up to $1,000. Bear in mind that the price you pay for it is not finite, as it is also more expensive to maintain than a manual transmission.

Known problems with Toyota Yaris transmission

Though generally a very reliable model, Toyota Yaris is notorious for its transmission issues. 

Manual

Drivers with manual transmission report problems with shifting lower gears, namely from 1st to 2nd and to 3rd gear. There have also been some reports of the model stalling regularly, with the situation worsening in inclement weather.

Automatic

The most prevalent issue with the automatic version is its unresponsiveness. Oftentimes, it can feel as if your Yaris is taking its sweet time when shifting gears.

Another common issue is erratic speed management. This is especially dangerous, as the haphazard assignment of velocity might cause car accidents. 

The model has also been known to stall randomly.

Other known issues include grinding noises and a burnt smell whenever the gears are shifted.

Toyota Yaris powertrain warranty

What does a powertrain have to do with a faulty transmission? The powertrain is a system in every car that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It comprises various components, one of them being transmission. As such, a valid warranty might greatly reduce your repair expenses.

The powertrain of your Yaris should have a warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Symptoms your transmission is failing

Whichever transmission your Yaris has, it will atrophy as your mileage increases. This is because it is constantly exposed to a lot of heat and friction. We are going to go over some symptoms that may indicate possible issues with your gear shift. In case you think it is faulty, address the issue without delay. It is always a good idea to nip it in the bud to avoid exorbitant expenses later.

• 'Check engine' sign lights up on your dashboard

The first step of troubleshooting your car should always be checking your dashboard. While numerous issues might cause the check-engine sign to light up, it may link to a faulty transmission when accompanied by the symptoms below.

• Slipping gears

When there is too little pressure in the transmission, you may feel as if your gears are slipping whenever you drive the Yaris. Often accompanied by odd noises coming from the engine, loose gears might negatively affect your acceleration.

• The shift takes too long       

The transition from one speed to another should always be swift, especially when you shift from park to drive. In case the engine revs as you hold down the gas pedal, but your Yaris stays still, there is an issue with your transmission. 

• The shift feels jagged and rough

The shift from one gear to another must also be seamless. Notice if you feel any resistance when changing gears. Does it require extra effort? 

In the worst-case scenario, it might not budge no matter how much strength you exert. This symptom is often concomitant with clunking noises whenever you shift the gears.

• Burning smell

As a flammable liquid, transmission fluid might catch fire if its levels run too low. Although this happens only in extreme cases, make sure you deal with it as soon as possible. Driving your Toyota in this condition will severely harm it and might call for expensive repairs. Simply having your fluid replaced is an affordable fix.

• Low transmission fluid levels

The final symptom to look out for is a transmission fluid leak. Since it is inert, disturbances in its levels always point to a leak.

A simple way to check for leaks is to place a cardboard sheet under the transmission. After a while, check whether it's stained. These stains should appear red and give off a sweet smell. If either the color or smell seems off, it might be a good idea to replace it. 

• Wrong transmission fluid

If you've recently had the fluid changed, check whether the correct type was poured in. There are different fluids on the market designed specifically for automatic or manual transmission. 

• Faulty Torque Converter

In case you notice unusually high RPM while on the highway, your torque converter might be to blame. It contains two clutches that link the engine to the transmission when locked. When they don't, not all power is being directed to the wheels.

• Faulty solenoids

Solenoids are responsible for adjusting the pressure that passes through the transmission. Insufficient pressure will cause slipping while too much might lock the gear in place.

• Faulty transmission speed sensor

Long story short, these sensors are responsible for gathering and processing information about your current velocity. If the sensor goes haywire, it will fail to accurately assess your speed. This will cause the transmission to shift into the wrong gear. In some cases, it might render it non-functional.

• Damaged transmission bands

These bands coil around the transmission and hold the gears together. If they are damaged, the transmission might come loose. Depending on the scale of the damage, can either readjust them or replace them completely. 

How to fix a faulty transmission on Toyota Yaris?

Although all the symptoms can be fixed, we have some bad news. Given the high mechanical knowledge required, you are unlikely to handle the repairs yourself. What's more, certain parts due for replacement might call for inordinate amounts of money. Here are some of the most common procedures devised to fix your mischievous transmission.

• Transmission fluid replacement

Whether you experience any issues or not, we recommend that you have your transmission fluid changed every 30,000 miles to ensure it functions smoothly. Replacing the fluid in the pan is a relatively cheap procedure, with the average price being $200-$400. 

• Transmission flush

More rigorous than fluid replacement, transmission flush is designed to change the fluid in the entire system. Though the price can scale up to $600, it is done only in case the fluid is polluted. The dark color and precipitate within the liquid both indicate that it's been contaminated. The higher price is because it requires much more fluid to perform.

• Transmission replacement

If the mechanics deemed your transmission inoperable, you might need to have it replaced. This will take a heavy toll on your wallet - up to $6,000. Depending on how old your car is, you might consider buying a new one. 

• Transmission restoration

Although similar in name, this procedure differs from replacement. Rather than replacing the entire thing, only its faulty components are exchanged for new ones. The prices for restoration move around $2,000.

Factors such as whether the spare parts are new or used play a part in determining the final cost. If you can afford a replacement, we recommend you choose it over restoration. It might seem more expensive now, but it will save you money in the long run. 

• Transmission sensor replacement

If the sensor is to blame, changing it is really the only viable option. It can be done at any auto shop but expect to pay up to $300 for a new one.

Final words

In conclusion, Toyota Yaris is a very affordable model which enjoys a good reputation worldwide. However, it's known to exhibit symptoms of faulty transmission sometimes, whether manual or automatic. Regrettably, most of these issues need to be tackled by a professional.

Depending on which part is to blame, the costs range from $100 to $4,000. The repair costs might be covered by your powertrain warranty if it is still valid.