2005 Toyota Echo problems
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.
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Common 2005 Toyota Echo problems
The Toyota Echo, produced from 2000 to 2005, is known for some common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues, along with others, have made the Toyota Echo an unreliable vehicle.
Another common problem reported by owners is the tendency for the fuel filler neck to collapse, making it tricky to get gas into the tank. This issue is not exclusive to the Echo, but it is a common problem that potential buyers should be aware of.
The exterior of the Toyota Echo has also been criticized for its unappealing design, with an odd toaster-like shape that many people find unattractive. While the design may not affect the car's performance, it can impact its resale value and overall appeal to potential buyers.
The engine and performance of the Toyota Echo are not particularly impressive, with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine that delivers mild performance and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.6 seconds. However, the car's performance is on par with other subcompact vehicles of the time.
Despite these issues, the Toyota Echo has its supporters, with some people praising its reliability and low maintenance costs. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common problems reported by owners and consider having the car inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase.
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 can Toyota Echos last?
The Toyota Echo should last over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. The most important thing You can do to help Your car last a long time is do the scheduled maintenance.
What is the mileage on a 2005 Toyota Echo?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2005 Toyota Echo | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Regular Gasoline |
| 31 MPG 28 36 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 3.2 gal/100mi | |
| 369 miles Total Range |
Are Toyota Echos good on gas?
And that 1.5-liter teamed with 4-speed automatic delivers 32 m.p.g. city and 38 m.p.g. highway. After a couple of days behind the wheel, we swore that the only way the fuel gauge would move off “F” was if we siphoned the tank. Whether gas is $1 or $2 a gallon, Echo will conserve the supply for everyone.
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 many km per litre toyota echo 2005?
Economy: 5.5 litres/100km highway (average); 7.6 city (outstanding).
What is the mileage on a 2005 Toyota Echo?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2005 Toyota Echo | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Regular Gasoline |
| 31 MPG 28 36 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 3.2 gal/100mi | |
| 369 miles Total Range |
How long can Toyota Echos last?
The Toyota Echo should last over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. The most important thing You can do to help Your car last a long time is do the scheduled maintenance.
2005 Toyota Echo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Echo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Toyota Echo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Toyota Echo complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Toyota Echo.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE AND FLIPPED OVER TWICE. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A MINOR CONTUSION AND INJURIES TO THE CHEST BONE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123650
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN HE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. A CRASH OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-15
- VIN: J1DAT123450
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNAL, THE BRAKES MADE THE VEHICLE PULL VIOLENT TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE DISC WHERE BENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP O MACHINED THEM TO EVEN THE SURFACES. FIVE MONTHS LATER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE DEALERSHIP MACHINED THE DISCS AGAIN. AFTER THE FORTH FAILURE OF THE BRAKES, THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO A LOCAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY RELATING TO THE LEMON LAW, BUT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY PROVIDED A REFERRAL TO THE OFFICE IN PUERTO RICO. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE DRIVING ON A HILLY AREA WITH DEFECTIVES BRAKES WOULD BE HIGHLY RISKY.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123850
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA ECHO. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON JULY 14, 2004. THE CONSUMER FELT VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, THE SHOCK ABSORBERS LEAKED AND THE DOOR LATCHES WERE BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FIXED THE LEAKING SHOCK ABSORBERS AND BROKEN DOOR LATCHES . THE WINDOW STICKER STATED THAT IT WOULD GET 39 MILES PER GALLON OF GAS WHEN IT ONLY GOT 24 TO 27 MILES PER GALLON OF GAS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STAY IN OVERDRIVE. A WEEK AGO THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED BACK, NECK, LEFT SHOULDER AND A RIGHT KNEE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WERE NO FIRES. *AK (11/30/05) OTHER PROBLEMS: TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD, ENGINE NOISE (TICKING/RATTLEING), THE BRAKES SQUEAKED, THERE WERE LOUD INTERIOR SQUEAKS, PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND ROUGH IDLE. *SC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: YOU DO NOT INCLUDE THE 2005 TOYOTA ECHO CAR IN ANY OF YOUR LISTS AND I OWN ONE. THE CAR WAS MADE IN JAPAN BUT SOLD IN THE U.S. TO US SPECS. I BOUGHT ONE IN 2005 AND IT SMELLS AWFUL LIKE RAW GASOLINE INSIDE (NO ONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT). PLEASE INCLUDE THE 2005 TOYOTA ECHO (AND PRIOR YEARS, TOO). *NM
Negative 2005 Toyota Echo car reviews
Positive 2005 Toyota Echo car reviews
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For a 17-year-old, this is definitely the best car you could buy! The Echo's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 108 horsepower makes it a sprightly little car. I would choose the Echo over a Focus, Civic, or Accent any day. The TDI system (Toyota Direct Ignition system) eliminates the need for a distributor, spark plug wires, rotor, and a bigger muffler for better breathing at higher revs. Plus, with six speakers and a great sound system, this car is awesome!
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Since my wife and I travel long distances to visit family, we decided to purchase the Echo. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel efficiency and performance of the car. On average, we get about 38-42 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on our speed. If more people drove cars like this, we could potentially see a decrease in gas prices due to lower demand.
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Hidden value. Purchased my Echo to travel to work and back. I'm so happy with it! It's been over 150000 miles with no major repairs and still gets 40+ miles per gallon. It's a hidden treasure. It's sad the Echo was discontinued. My husband now wants another one!
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I am very pleased to inform you that this is absolutely the best vehicle for the money. Not only that, but it is also a fun car to drive. Thank you so much, Toyota! - Walace R Langame
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This Echo is one of the best cars I've ever owned, alongside our Toyota Sienna. I use it every day for work and since I purchased it in May of 2000, I've only taken it in for routine maintenance. With over 125,000 miles on it, it's been a reliable companion. I'm planning to buy another Toyota next year.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Toyota Echo problems:
What are common echo issues? | Toyota Nation Forum
Jul 4, 2012 ... Two trouble issues on my Echo that has 250 thousand kms: 1) Front wheel bearings 2) Charcoal canister. The bearings on both front sides are on ...
Reliability of 2005 Toyota echo : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Oct 27, 2021 ... Those things are pretty reliable, a good friend of mine drove it for a solid 250k miles and it needed mostly basic maintenance (oil change, ...
Toyota Echo Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top Toyota Echo Problems · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System · Cleaning May Correct Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor · Crank sensor may fail, warranty may apply.
Q&A: 2005 Toyota Echo - Common Issues & Solutions
Aug 25, 2017 ... There is a possibilty of a problem with the block, specially since the vehicle overheated till it stopped. Bu since the engine is not actually ...
2005 Toyota Echo | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
Very reliable. No problems in the past few years I've been driving. Great gas mileage. I do a lot of highway driving - just wish that it was ...
Other years of Toyota Echo
Are you having problems with your 2005 Toyota Echo?
Arely Barrows 2024-07-01
The car is uncomfortable for local commutes and has a dull appearance. In comparison to my brother's Ford Focus, which is more enjoyable to drive and costs less, the fuel economy is lower. This experience has led me to decide not to purchase a Toyota again.