Toyota Avensis III (2009–2018)

3.5/5
Reliability score Average
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

4 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 Valvematic (132 Hp) (1ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6i (132 Hp) (1ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 Valvematic (147 Hp) (2ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 Valvematic (147 Hp) Multidrive S (2ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
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1.8i (147 Hp) (2ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8i (147 Hp) Multidrive (2ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8i (147 Hp) Multidrive S (2ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Valvematic (152 Hp) (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Valvematic (152 Hp) CVT (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 Valvematic (152 Hp) Multidrive S (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0i (152 Hp) (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0i (152 Hp) Multidrive (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0i (152 Hp) Multidrive S (3ZR-FAE) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 D-4D (112 Hp) (1WW) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 D-4D (124 Hp) (1AD-FTV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 D-4D (126 Hp) (1AD-FTV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 D-4D (143 Hp) (2WW) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 5 more engines
2.2 D-4D (150 Hp) (2AD-FTV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 D-4D (150 Hp) Automatic (2AD-FTV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 D-CAT (150 Hp) (2AD-FHV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 D-CAT (150 Hp) Automatic (2AD-FHV) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.2 D-CAT (177 Hp) (2AD-FHV) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Avensis III Review

My example comes from the Polish market, with fully documented mileage and history. Mechanically, and surprisingly, there's nothing to fault bodywork-wise, perhaps except for the weak anti-corrosion protection on the rear underside. To its credit, the amount of cabin space is surprising, however, it's a typical Japanese car with very poor ergonomics. The armrests are placed way too low, making them unusable when holding the steering wheel correctly. Another annoying thing, especially

Pros: Fully documented mileage and history, Good cabin space
Cons: Weak anti-corrosion on rear underside, Poor ergonomics, Armrests too low
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Avensis III

A rather nice car, and frankly, that's about it for its advantages. My opinion concerns the CVT version. Toyota quality ended when the "Valeo" key fobs appeared. The 1.8 engine with CVT is a joke. The costs its two major factory defects can generate are dizzying. The transmission is a separate topic for grim jokes. This is a quiet, not at all economical, fuel-guzzling engine for an old grandpa who only drives to church and back home. The motor completely lacks any power; it drives from

Pros: Aesthetically pleasing car
Cons: Valeo key fob issues, 1.8 engine with CVT is a joke, High costs from factory defects, Transmission is a joke, Fuel-guzzling, underpowered engine, Not economical
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Avensis III: Reliability Concerns

This car shares little with Toyota's legendary reliability. Just read user forums. I did, but didn't believe them. I bought from the first owner, a PL dealer, with full ASO service history, 140,000 km, accident-free. Seemed perfect. Within 6 months: AC failure, catalytic converter issue, then a lambda sensor, and now the cherry on top – Valvematic, a new replacement costing 5000 PLN. Utterly disheartening. Now I worry about the gearbox rumors...

Pros: Accident-free history, Full authorized service history
Cons: Climate control failure, Catalytic converter issues, Lambda sensor failure, Valvematic system costly repair, Concerns about gearbox reliability
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Avensis III: A Solid Choice

I've had my Toyota for a short time, bought in April 2025 with 163,000 km. The car itself is very good and mechanically runs faultlessly. I'd been wanting this model for a while, specifically the 1.8 petrol. However, life had other plans, and I ended up with the 1.6 D4D diesel, featuring BMW's N47 engine. Toyota, however, integrated its own ancillaries with this German unit, ensuring the engine now runs reliably, with the timing chains...

Pros: Mechanically sound, Reliable operation
Cons: Originally desired petrol engine, but got diesel

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