2017 Toyota Yaris Safety Report

2017 Toyota Yaris: Good crash ratings, but concerning airbag and acceleration issues noted in complaints and recalls.

15Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Air Bags (4)Service Brakes (2)Vehicle Speed Control (2)Electrical System,Engine (1)Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Tires (1)Suspension,Vehicle Speed Control,Wheels (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Power Train (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Toyota Yaris

The 2017 Toyota Yaris presents a generally solid safety profile, earning a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a 5-star rating in side crash tests. However, a closer look at the 15 total NHTSA complaints reveals some concerning patterns, particularly around the airbag system and vehicle speed control. Four complaints specifically mention AIR BAGS, including an instance where an airbag deployed without impact, leading to a crash and injuries, and another where a diagnostic code indicated an airbag circuit open error despite no active recalls for the VIN. This aligns with a significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V319000) concerning wire harnesses for side air bag sensors that could crack and corrode, increasing injury risk in a crash. Beyond airbags, 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' and 'POWER TRAIN' issues are also notable, with multiple complaints describing a dangerous lack of acceleration, where the vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate even with the pedal to the floor, nearly causing accidents. One complaint details the car stalling after starting and shifting into gear, and another mentions the car shutting on and off while driving. These issues, while fewer in number than airbag complaints, represent critical safety concerns given their direct impact on vehicle control and crash avoidance. The vehicle has been subject to three recalls. In addition to the airbag recall, there was a recall for incorrect load carrying capacity labels (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS) which could lead to overloading and increased crash risk, and another for improperly inflated spare tires (TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE), also increasing crash risk. While the overall NHTSA ratings are good, the specific complaint data and recall history highlight areas where the Yaris has demonstrated safety vulnerabilities, particularly with its airbag system and unexpected acceleration issues.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Toyota Yaris receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Toyota Yaris

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Yaris:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Sensor Wiring Corrosion
Wire harnesses for side air bag sensors may crack and corrode, potentially preventing deployment in a crash. Multiple complaints mention airbag issues, including unintended deployment and error codes.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Lack Of Acceleration/Stalling
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate when gas pedal is depressed, sometimes stalling or shutting off while driving, nearly causing accidents.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Brake Rotor Premature Wear
Front brake rotors needing replacement at unusually low mileage (21,000 miles) despite normal driving conditions.		 Medium Rare 21000 miles
Manual Transmission Shudder
Shuddering in manual transmission, particularly from a dead stop and in higher gears, leading to clutch and flywheel replacement at very low mileage.		 Medium Rare 500-2100 miles
Incorrect Load Capacity Label
Incorrect load carrying capacity label could lead to vehicle overloading, increasing crash risk. Subject to recall.		 Medium Common new miles
Improperly Inflated Spare Tire
Spare tire may not be inflated to proper value, increasing crash risk. Subject to recall.		 Medium Common new miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Toyota Yaris:

Air Bags 26% of complaints

Multiple complaints regarding airbag malfunctions, including unintended deployment and sensor errors, aligning with a recall for faulty wiring.

Vehicle Speed Control 13% of complaints

Issues with the vehicle failing to accelerate or stalling, posing a significant safety risk.

Service Brakes 13% of complaints

Premature wear of brake components, specifically front rotors needing early replacement.

Power Train 13% of complaints

Problems with acceleration, stalling, and manual transmission shudder.

Tires 6% of complaints

Complaints about low tire pressure warnings and tire wear, in addition to a recall for spare tire inflation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Toyota Yaris

Is the 2017 Toyota Yaris safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Toyota Yaris received a 4-star overall safety rating, with a 5-star side crash rating. However, it has 15 total complaints, including 3 crashes and 2 injuries, with notable issues concerning airbag malfunctions and unexpected acceleration problems, which have also led to recalls.

What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota Yaris?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Toyota Yaris are related to AIR BAGS (26.7% of complaints), including unintended deployment and sensor errors. Other common problems involve VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and POWER TRAIN (each 13.3% of complaints), manifesting as dangerous acceleration hesitation or stalling, and SERVICE BRAKES (13.3%) with premature rotor wear.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Toyota Yaris?

Yes, the 2017 Toyota Yaris has 3 recalls. These include issues with side airbag sensor wiring (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V319000), incorrect load carrying capacity labels, and improperly inflated spare tires.

How does the 2017 Toyota Yaris perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Toyota Yaris received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Toyota Yaris?

When considering a used 2017 Toyota Yaris, ensure all 3 recalls, especially the airbag recall (19V319000), have been addressed. Pay close attention during a test drive for any hesitation in acceleration, stalling, or unusual brake performance, and check for any airbag warning lights.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Yaris has good crash test ratings, potential buyers should prioritize verifying all recalls are completed and be vigilant for signs of airbag system faults or acceleration issues during inspection and test drives.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Toyota Yaris

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Toyota Yaris. The data includes 15 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Toyota Yaris an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.