2017 Toyota Yaris Ia Safety Report

The 2017 Toyota Yaris iA presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, the vehicle has a concerning pattern of safety-related complaints, particularly regarding its airbag system and propulsion. With 30 total complaints, 7 crashes, and 5 injuries reported, the most frequent issue cited is 'AIR BAGS' with 6 complaints. Several reports detail instances where airbags failed to deploy in significant collisions, leading to injuries and total loss of the vehicle. Conversely, one complaint describes an airbag deploying without impact, causing a crash and injuries. This inconsistency raises significant concerns about the reliability of the airbag system. Beyond airbags, the 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 'SERVICE BRAKES' each account for 3 complaints. Propulsion issues include the vehicle stalling at high speeds (70-80 mph), jerking during acceleration, and a faulty high-pressure fuel pump, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road. Steering problems, with 2 complaints, describe binding and light locking during highway driving, which dealers have sometimes identified as a 'dangerous problem' requiring steering shaft replacement. The absence of any recalls for this model year, despite these recurring and potentially severe issues, is noteworthy and suggests that some systemic problems may not have been addressed proactively by the manufacturer. Other reported issues include unexpected activation of the forward collision warning system and automatic emergency braking, leading to sudden braking and loss of control, as well as general acceleration hesitation. The low number of total complaints (30) for a vehicle of this age might suggest these issues are not widespread across all units, but their critical nature, especially concerning airbags and propulsion, warrants careful consideration. The high crash test ratings provide a baseline of structural integrity, but the real-world complaint data highlights potential failures in active and passive safety systems that could compromise occupant protection.

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Yaris iA has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring complaints regarding airbag malfunctions, propulsion system issues, and steering problems. Thoroughly inspect service records and conduct a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection focusing on these critical components.