Toyota Echo problems

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The Toyota Platz (Japanese:トヨタ・プラッツ, Toyota Purattsu) is a subcompact car that was manufactured in Japan by Toyota from 1999 until 2005, when it was replaced by the Belta. Designated by Toyota as the XP10 series, the Platz was also sold in export markets as either the Toyota Yaris or Toyota Echo. The "Yaris" and "Echo" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Vitz hatchback, from which the Platz derives. In Japan, it was available at the Toyopet Store and the Netz Toyota Store dealerships.

Etymology

The name "Platz" is German for "space" (as defined by "the interior room is spacious"). Only straight-four engines were fitted to the Platz, which was sold in Japan as a four-door sedan only. A coupé version was also available in North America where the car was badged "Echo".

History

The Platz was introduced in 1999 as a sedan sold internationally, with a coupé version exclusive to North America following for the 2000 model year. The Platz is closely related to the Vitz hatchback with which it shares front doors, a common interior and mechanical componentry. The running gear is also shared to a lesser degree with the ist and bB, sold in the United States as the Scion xA and xB respectively, and the JDM-only WiLL Vi. The same platform is the base for the JDM-only Probox and Succeed wagons.

In the United States, the Echo sold almost 50,000 units in its first year, with just half that many in 2003. The Echo was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. The Echo sold in high volumes in Canada, where Toyota also offered the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the Vitz badged as the Echo beginning with the 2004 model year to replace the Echo coupé (which was dropped after 2003). The coupé remained on sale in the United States until the 2005 model year along with the sedan, while the hatchback variants were never sold there. It was the predecessor to the current North American Yaris, sharing many identical features, such as the odd (and somewhat controversial) center placement of the speedometer and gauges, as opposed to in front of the steering wheel. Power options on the Echo are a rare find; most models are equipped with manual windows and locks, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD and/or a cassette player.

photo of Toyota Echo car production

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Toyota Echo model years

toyota echo 2005 photo
Echo 2005
Toyota

5

0

34

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota echo 2004 photo
Echo 2004
Toyota

1

0

38

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota echo 2003 photo
Echo 2003
Toyota

28

0

36

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota echo 2002 photo
Echo 2002
Toyota

61

2

36

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota echo 2001 photo
Echo 2001
Toyota

59

2

39

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota echo 2000 photo
Echo 2000
Toyota

99

3

36

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Toyota Echo problems

The Toyota Echo, produced between 2000 and 2005, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:

  • Cleaning May Correct Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor: The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If it becomes dirty or faulty, it can cause various issues, including reduced performance, poor fuel efficiency, and the check engine light coming on. In some cases, cleaning the MAF sensor may resolve the issue.
  • Crank Sensor Failure: The crank sensor is responsible for providing information about the engine's speed and position to the vehicle's computer. If the crank sensor fails, it can cause issues with starting the vehicle, stalling, or poor performance. In some cases, the failure may be covered under warranty.
  • Airbag Non-Deployment: One of the most significant issues with the Toyota Echo is related to the airbags. There have been reports of airbags not deploying when they should, which is a major safety concern.
  • Brake Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the brakes, including at least one report of a collision due to the Echo not stopping properly.
  • Fuel Filler Neck Collapse: Another common problem with the Toyota Echo is the fuel filler neck collapsing, making it difficult to fill the gas tank. This issue has been reported by several owners.
  • Front Wheel Bearings: Some Echo owners have reported issues with the front wheel bearings, which can cause noise and vibration, and may require replacement.
  • Charcoal Canister: The charcoal canister, which is part of the EVAP system, has also been reported as a common issue in the Toyota Echo. It may need to be replaced due to failure or leaks.

These issues are based on complaints from owners and may not represent all Toyota Echo vehicles. It is essential to thoroughly inspect any used vehicle before purchasing and consider any known issues related to the specific model and year.

Toyota Echo

Why did the Toyota Echo fail?

Another problem: The Echo was cheap. Really cheap. Base models didn't even get power-assisted steering, let alone power windows, power locks, power mirrors or air conditioning. All could be added, at significant cost…

How long do Toyota Echos last?

Toyota ECHO Reliability for 2024

iSeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles to find out, and to determine how long each model can last. The Toyota ECHO (coupe) has an average lifespan of 197,687 miles or about 13 years.

How reliable is the Toyota Echo?

Toyota Echo Ratings Overview

20 car owners like you reviewed their Toyota Echo. The average rating is a 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Why did Toyota stop making the Echo?

Despite rocketing to the sales charts in 2000 (mainly due to the success of its predecessor, the Toyota Tercel), Echo sales fell through the roof in 2004, with only 4,000 units sold to American buyers. Toyota pulled the plug in 2005, but the Echo remained in production worldwide as the Yaris.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Echo years

We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Echo cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Echo model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Echo model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Echo years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Toyota Echo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Echo , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Echo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Echo model years

A total of 72 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Echo model years

There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Echo model years

There were a total of 60 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Echo model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 253 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Echo . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Echo vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Toyota Echo 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-06
  • Date Complaint: 2023-02-09
  • VIN: JTDAT123010
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: While entering interstate accelerator was depressed all the way and became stuck on a couple of occasions. I had to use my foot to release it and it popped out. Dealership recommended it was floor mat. I purchased aftermarket ridged floor mats that will not curl up and it is still an issue.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-07-23
  • Date Complaint: 2021-09-10
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo equipped with Nika Tires, Tire Line: Avatar, Tire Size: 175/65/R14, DOT Number: 16-MA-Z134-4919. The contact stated that she replaced the original tires on 6/29/2021 and within a month, the front passenger’s side tire experienced a blowout. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 211,774. The VIN was not available.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-09-09
  • Date Complaint: 2021-09-10
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Echo equipped with NEXEN Tire, Tire Line: N PRIZ, Tire Size: 175/65/R14, DOT Number: 8EJH. The contact replaced the original tires on July 1, 2021 and within 2 months the front driver’s side tire experienced a blowout. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,774. The VIN was not available.
Toyota Echo 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-16
  • Date Complaint: 2020-10-23
  • VIN: JTDBT123X10
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO EQUIPPED WITH PRIME WELL TIRES, TIRE LINE: PS830, TIRE SIZE: UNKNOWN: DOT: 7TB03MH13318. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HER FRONT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW. SHE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE BOTTOM SIDE. THE DAMAGE WAS A LONG TEAR AND HOLE IN THE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP. THE CONTACT DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT THE TIRE SHOP DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE BLOW OUT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 215,000.
Toyota Echo 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2018-12-03
  • VIN: JTDBT123X10
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS RESET, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-11-13
  • Date Complaint: 2018-11-13
  • VIN: JTDBT1233Y0
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT FROM MOVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COWBOY TOYOTA (9525 E R L THORNTON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75228, 888-434-4611), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1811131014. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,010.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2018-08-13
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT FAILURE (ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT SEAT FROM A COLLISION VEHICLE) ... SEAT BUTT PAN (MIDDLE METAL PANEL OF SEAT BASE/BOTTOM) METAL SPLIT, SPREADING APART TO THE POINT THAT CONNECTION TO THE METAL SEAT SIDE SUPPORTS SEPARATED FROM BUTT PAN ... STATIONARY
Toyota Echo 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-18
  • Date Complaint: 2018-07-31
  • VIN: JTDBT123235
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FITZGERALD TOYOTA GAITHERSBURG AT (301) 921-0300 (LOCATED AT 907 N FREDERICK AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED CALLED FITZGERALD TOYOTA BACK AFTER THEY CALLED. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN, BUT TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC WOULD BE $180/HR. HE SAID THEY COULD LOOK AT IT. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR ENTIRE TIME THAT WE HAVE HAD AND NO PROBLEMS, I WAS NOT GOING TO PAY $180/HR TO HAVE THAT DONE, WHEN REPOTS FROMECHP BURNERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA WON'T FIX. UPDATED 10/16/18*JB
Toyota Echo 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-03-06
  • Date Complaint: 2018-04-25
  • VIN: JTDAT123320
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG FRONT PASSENGER LOOKS THAT IS NOT WORKING, ALARM IN RED SHOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-15
  • Date Complaint: 2018-01-05
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD FROM THE LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Toyota Echo 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-09
  • Date Complaint: 2017-08-09
  • VIN: JTDBT123225
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL.NOTHING HAS HAPPENED SO FAR. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS ONE OF THE MODELS OF CARS AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL? PLEASE LET ME KNOW,SO I CAN GET IT REPAIRED, IF NECESSARY. THANK YOU!
Toyota Echo 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2016-10-29
  • VIN: JTDBT123610
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR! I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM A GENTLEMAN WHO HASN'T DRIVEN THE CAR FOR AWHILE AFTER IT DIED ON HIM AND HE WAS UNABLE TO START IT UP AGAIN. I HOOKED IT UP TO AN OBD READER AND IT GIVE S ME THE CODE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I CHECKED FUEL PUMP SPARK PLUGS TO MAKE SURE AND THOSE ARE GOOD WORKING ORDER.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-07-11
  • Date Complaint: 2016-07-27
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG DASH LIGHT REMAINS "ON" WHENEVER ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Toyota Echo 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-20
  • Date Complaint: 2016-04-21
  • VIN: JTDBT1235Y5
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: THE SRS WARNING LIGHT (FLASH'S).
Toyota Echo 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2015-12-30
  • Date Complaint: 2016-01-04
  • VIN: JTDAT123320
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: OUR TOYOTA EXCELS TO TOP SPEED ON ITS OWN FULL SPEED. THIS ALMOST HAD US IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT THIS HAPPENED TWICE LAST WEEK 12/30/15 TOYOTA GAVE US A CASE # NI50883640 HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO?

Latest 5 recalls Toyota Echo

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Toyota Echo.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Toyota Echo 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2006-07-19
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
  • Consequence: ENGINE OIL INSIDE THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE EXPANSION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND COULD DEFORM THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
  • Model: Toyota Echo 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2006-07-19
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
  • Consequence: ENGINE OIL INSIDE THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE EXPANSION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND COULD DEFORM THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
  • Model: Toyota Echo 2000
  • Report Received Date: 2004-09-17
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
  • Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECESS RETAINS A RUBBER SEAL RING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE CYLINDER BODY, AND MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO AN IMPROPER WASHING PROCESS.
  • Consequence: IN THIS CONDITION, BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE SEAL, OR A SMALL AMOUNT OF AIR MAY ENTER THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
  • Model: Toyota Echo 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2002-10-01
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNDER REPEATED START AND STOP OPERATION IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND IN DEEP SNOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE IN LARGE QUANTITIES INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL AND FREEZE. THE SNOW FROZEN INSIDE THE WHEEL COULD CONTACT THE REAR BRAKE LINE DURING WHEEL ROTATION.
  • Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS FREQUENTLY, THE REAR BRAKE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID, CAUSING A DECREASE IN BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
  • Model: Toyota Echo 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2002-10-01
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNDER REPEATED START AND STOP OPERATION IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND IN DEEP SNOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE IN LARGE QUANTITIES INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL AND FREEZE. THE SNOW FROZEN INSIDE THE WHEEL COULD CONTACT THE REAR BRAKE LINE DURING WHEEL ROTATION.
  • Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS FREQUENTLY, THE REAR BRAKE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID, CAUSING A DECREASE IN BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Latest negative Toyota Echo car reviews

  1. Cordell Kessler 2025-04-19

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I have a different opinion than the Edmunds review. In my experience, this car is a tank! With 170k miles and no major repairs, it's a testament to Toyota's quality. They are the best maker in the world for the money. The interior is spacious, comparable to more expensive Corollas. It performs well in the snow with snow tires and has terrific mileage. The trunk is as big as a Camry's trunk. While the styling may not be for everyone, the build quality is solid, and the engine and transmission are typical Toyota. If you had 170k miles on an Audi, for example, you could expect to pay around 12k in repairs. The reviews may knock the appearance, but I guarantee that the build quality is solid. This car may not be suitable for a single guy, but if you buy it, you'll be okay for repairs.

  2. Braden Bechtelar 2025-04-08

    Vehicle year: 2000

    The design of this car is unique and may not be for everyone, but it has many great features. The powertrain is excellent, with peppy acceleration and great mileage. It even idles smoother than my Mercedes! With over 35 mpg in combined driving and 40 mpg on the highway, this car is a great choice for anyone looking for reliable and economical transportation. Plus, it has a timing chain instead of a timing belt, which makes maintenance easier. Overall, this is a great car for someone in the used car market.

  3. Colt Waters 2025-03-29

    Vehicle year: 2004

    Purchased as a second car for my wife. Although we were initially excited about the car, we have had some issues with the sheet metal being quite thin and the paint chipping easily (we have a silver model). Unfortunately, Toyota has not been able to assist us with this issue, even after going through arbitration. Additionally, we have noticed some rattling inside the car, likely due to the plastic components. Overall, we have been disappointed with the build quality of the car and are considering trading it in soon. Lastly, we have found the seats to be quite uncomfortable. We have decided to explore other options beyond Toyota for our future car purchases.

  4. Damion Runolfsdottir 2025-01-15

    Vehicle year: 2003

    I purchased this car back in 2006 and overall, it was a decent little car. However, I did find that it lacked the leg room that I needed which caused some muscle and joint aches in my right leg during my commutes. Once I switched back to our other car, a '96 Geo Prizm, the pain disappeared. Despite this, the car was still okay. It had an odd placement of the gauges, a little to the right of the steering wheel, which took some getting used to. On the bright side, it was very peppy and had excellent fuel economy. I can't recall any major issues with it. When we were rear-ended by a Dodge Ram in early '11, the trunk crumpled quite well which protected our daughter in the back seat. All in all, it did its job and now rests peacefully in a junk lot.

  5. Darren Jones 2025-01-05

    Vehicle year: 2003

    I drive 65 miles a day round trip. This vehicle is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, dependable, and cost-efficient option. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, it provides a comfortable ride for long commutes in the DC area and even long trips for one or two people. Additionally, there is ample headroom for taller individuals, and the backseat and trunk offer more space than expected for a small car.

Latest positive Toyota Echo car reviews

  1. Alexys Kuhn 2025-05-12

    Vehicle year: 2004

    It's a nimble and fun car to drive. You really have to be in control of it, but it won't go 80 mph unless you want it to. It might be a bit challenging if you have to drive up a mountain, but it performs well in the snow.

  2. Keshaun Ondricka 2025-05-11

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I have only positive things to say about this car. Despite the EPA estimates being low, I easily get 35 mpg. Although it may appear small, the interior is surprisingly spacious. It only cost me 11K brand new. Additionally, the speedometer is located in the middle and the back windows roll all the way down (pretty cool, right?). Despite having 190K hard miles on it, through some rough times, it's still going strong - an absolute trooper.

  3. Remington Botsford 2025-05-10

    Vehicle year: 2004

    Echos are great at shopping mall parking lots. I fit into any open parking space and have no problems maneuvering through small lanes (usually made small by monster cars trying to park). The tight turning radius makes it easy to zip around as needed. I'm particularly fond of the 35 mpg I'm getting. It's a great city car with good Toyota quality, nothing fancy.

  4. Ward Bode 2025-05-07

    Vehicle year: 2000

    The car has an impressive average of 36 mpg and handles well for its size. Although it's comfortable, as someone who is 6'1, I find that my shoulder hurts after sitting in it for too long since the armrest on the door isn't quite high enough to sit without slouching. The only issues I've encountered so far are with the catalytic converter and charcoal canister. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced at 79,000 miles and now again at 90,000 miles, which is a major expense only 11,000 miles apart. Despite these issues, I still love this car and I'm hopeful that once the catalytic converter is fixed, it will be back to its excellent driving condition. The Toyota dealership was pleased to see it and informed me that it's one of the best used Toyotas out there.

  5. Riley Schneider 2025-05-01

    Vehicle year: 2004

    We have over 100,000 miles on our Echo and still have the same spark plugs, coolant, battery, clutch...everything except 2 sets of tires and 1 set of brakes. Never had a minutes trouble out of this car, it still drives as well as the day we bought it new and the fuel economy is awesome. We will definitely buy another Echo in 2 years. YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS CAR!

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