2012 Yaris gripes

[mtiberio]

I like my Yaris, but it isn't perfect. I have an 3 door automatic LE. Things I don't like:

1) speed sensitive steering. I am not a stroke victim yet. I don't mind turning the wheel. My brain is not calibrated for this, and I'm all over the map while trying to back-up while parking.

2) lack of driver accessable button to open rear gate and/or an external key slot. I also don't like the solitary electronic button, preferring a mechanical linkage.

3) solo front wiper sounds like a great idea. I was driving is a bad rain the other day and even on fast, the blade was too slow to keep the windshield clear. Toyota, if you are going to do this you can't just use the same motor as before.

4) rear wiper is biased for right side drive. the pivot is on the right, and the upper left of the rear window is not wiped, and sub-optimal for left side drivers.

5) transponder keys. I dislike bulky keys, and a nice flat copy will not work.

I hope that the dealer can reprogram my car to take care of 1 & 5...

Mike

[12 yaris]

You could wax the outside of your windows,works for me.
As for the keys goodluck,Most if not all new cars are like that.
I like the steering, I did not have a stroke yet.
I like the clean look on the hatch.

[Slasher]

The car isn't bad for what it is... However, It could have some nicer options available a lil more like Europe

[tooter]

I like my Yaris, but it isn't perfect. I have an 3 door automatic LE. Things I don't like:

1) speed sensitive steering. I am not a stroke victim yet. I don't mind turning the wheel. My brain is not calibrated for this, and I'm all over the map while trying to back-up while parking.

I'm going to try pulling the fuse on the electric assist just to see how driveable the car is without it. I pulled the power steering pump on my Tacoma when I bought it because none came without power steering, and was totally pleased with the feel of the manual steering.

2) lack of driver accessable button to open rear gate and/or an external key slot. I also don't like the solitary electronic button, preferring a mechanical linkage.

I hear ya, Mike... and searched for one with regular key entry and an external key slot for the hatch. Also got it with non-electric hand crank windows.

My biggest peeve on the 2012 is the protruding rear taillights that have absolutely no relationship to the contours of the body as if they came off a completely different vehicle. The aftermaket will take care of that in good time. :smile:

[why?]

The car isn't bad for what it is... However, It could have some nicer options available a lil more like Europe

Probably the biggest and most quoted gripe about all Yaris.

[Yarizzle]

I know its not a Lexus but my SE on certain roads has a sharp creaking sound primarliy by the A-pillar. My speakers also have some distortion.

[carolinablue]

Crappy speakers are easily fixed.

[grelise]

The only real thing that has stopped me upgrading from my 07 HB to the MY12 Yaris is that the rear seats don't slide forward and back, giving you that vital bit of extra space in the boot without resorting to folding the seats down.

[tooter]

I'd keep the 07 just because the body styling is way better than the 12!:laugh:

[Chuck G]

I'd keep the 07 just because the body styling is way better than the 12!:laugh:

Agreed!! :thumbsup:

[junorico24]

Toyota completely changed the body and grille, looks like it's taking a dump.The 07 looks grows on you. But the new one



probably does the same but it looked better like an egg shell.

[etherdude]

I prefer the more aggressive look of the 2012 Yaris over the rounder appearance of the earlier model. I particularly was drawn to the front fascia of the SE model. As far as gripes...I second a few on my SE manual transmission:

1. No center armrest.
2. No interior release or manual release of any sort for the hatch. (Will not open if the battery is down).
3. Rear wiper is set up for right hand drive.

The steering, brakes, and handling of the SE model are superb. Quick, tossable, and tight. So much like my 1st generation VW GTI. Seats are very comfortable for me.

[tooter]

The steering, brakes, and handling of the SE model are superb. Quick, tossable, and tight. So much like my 1st generation VW GTI. Seats are very comfortable for me.

If you already think your Yaris handles great like it is... I highly recommend a rear sway bar which will raise the standard even higher. :thumbsup:

[nookandcrannycar]

The only real thing that has stopped me upgrading from my 07 HB to the MY12 Yaris is that the rear seats don't slide forward and back, giving you that vital bit of extra space in the boot without resorting to folding the seats down.

I agree. That rear seat feature is just one of the things I like better about my 07 LB vs. the 2012.

[nookandcrannycar]

I'd keep the 07 just because the body styling is way better than the 12!:laugh:

I think the body styling of the 07 LB is way better than the 12 LB, but re the 5-door I think the overall 2012 body style is better than the execution on the 2nd generation car. I like the way the the additional little fixed side windows rearward from the roll down rear door windows were eliminated....that change overshadows the (what I perceive to be) negative changes to the front and rear on the 5-door 2012.

[bcuzau]

Still looking checking the radio for the time. I wonder how long it'll take for me to remember it's on the speedo area? Lol

[Yaris SE Runner]

were can I get a rear stabilizer bar for my 2012 SE ?

[mtiberio]

http://www.trdtoyotaperformance.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=298260&cart=y

[MadMax]

Agreed!! :thumbsup:

x2! :thumbup:

[why?]

http://www.trdtoyotaperformance.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=298260&cart=y

eww, thats trd. You might catch an infection or some strange can't do anything original disease if you get that.

Go to Micro Image (http://shop.microimageonline.com/Bracing-Bars_c22.htm) to see companies that don't rebrand other companies products.

[Yaris SE Runner]

I will be ordering a rear stabilizer bar for my 2012 SE soon. Do you install with the car in the air or on the ground ?

[mtiberio]

eww, thats trd. You might catch an infection or some strange can't do anything original disease if you get that.

Go to Micro Image (http://shop.microimageonline.com/Bracing-Bars_c22.htm) to see companies that don't rebrand other companies products.

how do they sell it cheaper?

[daf62757]

The car isn't bad for what it is... However, It could have some nicer options available a lil more like Europe

Amen to that!

I think its Japan's punishment to the US form nuking them. :evil:

[Shroomster]

Hmmm, the rear seat doesn't have a floor track to go forwards/ backwards? Is that just the bench style or is that also for the 60/40 split......


My gripe is the rear headrests....we have them in fleet and they are terrible.....they should've kept all 3 rear headrests as able to be pushed flush into seat...

[nookandcrannycar]

Amen to that!

I think its Japan's punishment to the US form nuking them. :evil:

:bellyroll:

[carolinablue]

I have owned both a 2007 and a 2012 and at first I thought the 2007 did have better body styling, but after owning the 2012 for several months I have come to the conclusion that the 2012 is really a much more up to date and better looking car.

[MadMax]

I have owned both a 2007 and a 2012 and at first I thought the 2007 did have better body styling, but after owning the 2012 for several months I have come to the conclusion that the 2012 is really a much more up to date and better looking car.

Well, you're entitled to your opinion, even if it's wrong! :biggrin:

I read elsewhere that the auto-start feature is gone, the ability to just turn the key once and the Yaris starts on its own (you don't have to keep turning it until it starts). Is that true?

If so, that's a shame as it is a great feature. The only downside is if I drive my Jeep or the wife's Honda, I just turn the key and let it go, usually not long enough to start them.

But as for the looks, I don't think the third generation Yaris is distinctive enough. I keep thinking it's a Matrix or some other Toyota. The 3rd Gen stands out from all other cars in the class, squaring it off and adding the same nose as every other car in the Toyota line has taken away the uniqueness the previous generation had...

Cheers! M2

[tooter]

Well, you're entitled to your opinion, even if it's wrong! :biggrin:

I read elsewhere that the auto-start feature is gone, the ability to just turn the key once and the Yaris starts on its own (you don't have to keep turning it until it starts). Is that true?

If so, that's a shame as it is a great feature. The only downside is if I drive my Jeep or the wife's Honda, I just turn the key and let it go, usually not long enough to start them.

But as for the looks, I don't think the third generation Yaris is distinctive enough. I keep thinking it's a Matrix or some other Toyota. The 3rd Gen stands out from all other cars in the class, squaring it off and adding the same nose as every other car in the Toyota line has taken away the uniqueness the previous generation had...

Cheers! M2

While I love the operational, mechanical, and ergonomic aspects of my 2012, the biggest disappointment is the styling.

From the front you can't tell that it's not just another Prius coming at you, and from the rear the hideous taillights stick out like tumors, and look like they came off of a OSHA approved construction safety barrier.

I really like the Audi TT styling of the 2nd gens. :thumbsup:

[carolinablue]

If they were selling those tail lights as an aftermarket item, people would be lining up to buy them. And I for one like family resemblance in the visual identity of the Yaris/Vitz/Prius group.

[tooter]

The minute those sleek body profile matching European 2012 Yaris rear lights are available here, I'm ditching the crappy OEM's. :thumbsup:

[12 yaris]

Paint the crappy ones for now...

[carolinablue]

Gee, then the rear end of you car will look just like a Versa.

[tooter]

Yes. :smile:

I like it when taillights actually match the body like they belong there. One day, these will be available here. :thumbsup:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_jwYzmN27o/Tt-rcSKOqoI/AAAAAAAABBs/Nxsuma5esrQ/s1600/2012-Toyota-Vitz-Yaris-12.JPG

[Jamus]

I read elsewhere that the auto-start feature is gone, the ability to just turn the key once and the Yaris starts on its own (you don't have to keep turning it until it starts). Is that true?

If so, that's a shame as it is a great feature. The only downside is if I drive my Jeep or the wife's Honda, I just turn the key and let it go, usually not long enough to start them.

Auto-start, thank you. I posted a thread asking about this because I didn't know the name for it. I owned an 07 yaris with this feature and noticed the lack in my new 2012 the first day. It really helps to know the proper terms of things.:thumbup:

[carolinablue]

Tail lights with big circular centers? They certainly are odd looking! The lines in no way match the lines of the rest of the car.

[12 yaris]

So my Yaris looks like a Versa??????????

[carolinablue]

The new style tail lights have personality and they are unique and distinquish the 2012 Yaris from other small Japanese designed and engineered automobiles.

[kimona]

So my Yaris looks like a Versa??????????

I'm still hoping the 2012 model will grow on me. Afterall, it's a Toyota... and what else would I buy but a Toyota! However, I think the 2012 4-door model with that hideous A-shaped C-pillar looks like a Versa from the side. So, I'd have to opt for the 3-door version once again. Unfortunately, from the rear the 2012 looks like a Matrix, and from the front it looks like a Prius with a bad nose job.

[tooter]

Tail lights with big circular centers? They certainly are odd looking! The lines in no way match the lines of the rest of the car.

Ok... we agree that we disagree. :smile:

[joshthorsc]

So far I hate the single windshield wiper and the door panels and can get scruffed so easily.

[matti]

I recently posted a question in regard to the scuffing of the door panel plastic. Someone recommended Turtle Wax F21 protectant as a way to protect from the scuffs. I put it on this weekend and it really helped a lot. It was about $5 at my local auto supply store.

On my 2012 2-door, every time I shut the driver's side door, I think the glass slides down just a bit and I can hear it rattle. That bugs me a bit.

FWIW, I LOVE the design of the tail lights.

[muffin_top]

I recently posted a question in regard to the scuffing of the door panel plastic. Someone recommended Turtle Wax F21 protectant as a way to protect from the scuffs. I put it on this weekend and it really helped a lot. It was about $5 at my local auto supply store.

On my 2012 2-door, every time I shut the driver's side door, I think the glass slides down just a bit and I can hear it rattle. That bugs me a bit.

FWIW, I LOVE the design of the tail lights.

The door shouldn't make any noises when closed, take it in and have the regulator bolts checked.

[matti]

I have hand-crank windows: does that make a difference? When I shut the door, I can hear the glass rattling slightly. After shutting the door, I can see that the hand crank has rotated slightly, allowing the glass to slide down just a bit.

[carolinablue]

It should not do that. Contact your dealer, you are under warraanty, it is free.

[Chuck G]

I'm still hoping the 2012 model will grow on me. Afterall, it's a Toyota... and what else would I buy but a Toyota! However, I think the 2012 4-door model with that hideous A-shaped C-pillar looks like a Versa from the side. So, I'd have to opt for the 3-door version once again. Unfortunately, from the rear the 2012 looks like a Matrix, and from the front it looks like a Prius with a bad nose job.

I'm going through the exact same thing!

[carolinablue]

It takes a couple months, but the car grows on you..............

[matti]

The door shouldn't make any noises when closed, take it in and have the regulator bolts checked.

Hi there. Just wanted to give a quick update on my driver's side window (hand crank) rattle/movement in the 2012 Yaris L. I had it in for the 5k service today and they checked it out. They said they couldn't really see what was wrong, but they did order a new window regulator, which I'll get installed in about two weeks. I appreciate my dealer's good service so far.

[shrek]

My biggest gripe is with the stereo unit (non Nav). I play my music from the USB, but every time I turn the car off, it goes back to folder 1, song 1. It has no memory and now I hate Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the way. Screw you toyota.

[nookandcrannycar]

So far I hate the single windshield wiper and the door panels and can get scruffed so easily.

Some 2012 owners have posted that they feel the single blade windshield wiper on the 2012 doesn't do a good enough (safe enough?) job of maintaining visibility during a hard rain. Have you found that to be the case?

[nookandcrannycar]

I'm still hoping the 2012 model will grow on me. Afterall, it's a Toyota... and what else would I buy but a Toyota! However, I think the 2012 4-door model with that hideous A-shaped C-pillar looks like a Versa from the side. So, I'd have to opt for the 3-door version once again. Unfortunately, from the rear the 2012 looks like a Matrix, and from the front it looks like a Prius with a bad nose job.

I like the A-shaped C-pillar, and especially the fact that that the 5-door no longer has that small window in that area that can be (more easily and quietly than a big window) be broken by a thief.

[Superfly]

General gripe about all new cars including the Yaris: the A pillars are getting huge and the blind spot looking out forward and left is growing large enough now that I am forced to work my head around during big curves on the roads so I can maintain a good vantage point.

Biggest complaint about the 2012 Yaris: location of the USB/AUX inputs. Seriously Toyota, why the back of the glove box? What a major pain to deal with especially if I am not going to leave my iPod plugged in all the time.

[NJ Drive]

I've put 15,200 miles on my car since I purchased it in March of this year.

I don't really have much to complain about other than the fat A-pillars as mentioned above... and the lack of an LSD. :biggrin:

[GTBaker]

My biggest gripe is the washer for the front mono wiper. It only sprays 1/2 way up the windshield.

For now I fixed it by jamming one of those straws you get with WD-40. It helped a lot but will get the dealer to look at it when I bring it in for the oil change.

[NJ Drive]

My biggest gripe is the washer for the front mono wiper. It only sprays 1/2 way up the windshield.

For now I fixed it by jamming one of those straws you get with WD-40. It helped a lot but will get the dealer to look at it when I bring it in for the oil change.

If you look closely at the sprayer nozzle, there is a very small spherical-shaped jet. You are capable of moving it with a ball-point pen to help fine tune the spray onto the windshield. Be forewarned that the spray pattern is a lot different at speed than at rest, so a little trial and error is needed.

[nookandcrannycar]

General gripe about all new cars including the Yaris: the A pillars are getting huge and the blind spot looking out forward and left is growing large enough now that I am forced to work my head around during big curves on the roads so I can maintain a good vantage point.

Biggest complaint about the 2012 Yaris: location of the USB/AUX inputs. Seriously Toyota, why the back of the glove box? What a major pain to deal with especially if I am not going to leave my iPod plugged in all the time.

Yeah, they could have found a better location. However, I think it's better than the 2nd Gen stock location.

[mr_miles]

If you look closely at the sprayer nozzle, there is a very small spherical-shaped jet. You are capable of moving it with a ball-point pen to help fine tune the spray onto the windshield. Be forewarned that the spray pattern is a lot different at speed than at rest, so a little trial and error is needed.

had no idea! that's my only issue with it, totally going to go mess with that tomorrow lol.

[daf62757]

I like my Yaris, but it isn't perfect. I have an 3 door automatic LE. Things I don't like:

1) speed sensitive steering. I am not a stroke victim yet. I don't mind turning the wheel. My brain is not calibrated for this, and I'm all over the map while trying to back-up while parking.

2) lack of driver accessable button to open rear gate and/or an external key slot. I also don't like the solitary electronic button, preferring a mechanical linkage.

3) solo front wiper sounds like a great idea. I was driving is a bad rain the other day and even on fast, the blade was too slow to keep the windshield clear. Toyota, if you are going to do this you can't just use the same motor as before.

4) rear wiper is biased for right side drive. the pivot is on the right, and the upper left of the rear window is not wiped, and sub-optimal for left side drivers.

5) transponder keys. I dislike bulky keys, and a nice flat copy will not work.

I hope that the dealer can reprogram my car to take care of 1 & 5...

Mike


I use rainx religiously and it solves the rain issue. Also for the back window. The back wiper isn't very good to begin with and its hard to find another wiper blade that short for the back window.

As for the big key, I am agree. I always carry my valet key in hidden spot and then have a flat key in my wallet. That way I can always start the car in an emergency.

My 2009 doesn't have the electronic steering but my 2011 Sienna does and my wife complains about that is snow too.

[nookandcrannycar]

I use rainx religiously and it solves the rain issue. Also for the back window. The back wiper isn't very good to begin with and its hard to find another wiper blade that short for the back window.

As for the big key, I am agree. I always carry my valet key in hidden spot and then have a flat key in my wallet. That way I can always start the car in an emergency.

My 2009 doesn't have the electronic steering but my 2011 Sienna does and my wife complains about that is snow too.

I'll have to keep rainx in mind. The single blade was a concern of mine re a future 3rd Gen replacement. Absolutely Red 12 has no problems with the wiper clearing the windshield in his '12 in heavy rain in Los Angeles. Perhaps the rain the OP encounters is heavier/more of a burden on the wiper? OP doesn't state what area of Virginia. In any case, I'm glad you know of this product that seems likely to blur any potential distinction between different locales re the effectiveness of the wiper clearing a 3rd Gen windshield in the rain.

[Yury]

^ My rear wiper works very well after I replaced it with an OEM toyota one. Before that I had an aftermarket one that really sucked. It looked 100% the same as oem but left certain areas untouched. The lesson I learned was never buy aftermarket for the rear.

[mirapatec]

The only gripe I have with my new 2012 is the lack of an arm rest. However, I knew this before purchasing. So, with an arm rest being the only issue with the entire car, I consider this trivial.

For the record, I do believe Toyota should offer a well-designed arm rest for this vehicle.

[Frank Necrosis]

I recently posted a question in regard to the scuffing of the door panel plastic. Someone recommended Turtle Wax F21 protectant as a way to protect from the scuffs. I put it on this weekend and it really helped a lot. It was about $5 at my local auto supply store.

On my 2012 2-door, every time I shut the driver's side door, I think the glass slides down just a bit and I can hear it rattle. That bugs me a bit.

FWIW, I LOVE the design of the tail lights.

The interior panels of my L are rough, very rough. I haven't scratched them yet, but they do a good job of removing the outer layers of any skin that rubs against it. The result is smears of dead skin cells all over the door. It is kind of gross when you really think about it. Windex wipes off the cells and leaves no trace.

[matti]

I also found that the interior panels on the 2012 Yaris tended to mark VERY easily. Thanks to a tip from this website, I put on one application of Turtle Was F21, which helped immensely.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40989

[odg495]

My biggest gripe is with the stereo unit (non Nav). I play my music from the USB, but every time I turn the car off, it goes back to folder 1, song 1. It has no memory and now I hate Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the way. Screw you toyota.

This is my one genuine gripe with my Yaris, too ... CD players have had a memory for years now, don't see why USB can't! :iono:

[AntrimMan]

^
may be a different radio in the 2012 USDM Yaris L models from yours.
I had Lexar card reader work fine but Sandisk not remember where it was.
Perhaps it is your particular reader rather than the radio?
All the best.

[shrek]

What capacity (2gb, 4gb, 8gb?) was it and what brands have people had success with?

[AntrimMan]

Works and currently in use... Lexar LRWMU01U-70000, white and grey coloured, with generic 2GB micro SD.
I have used multiple types of 2, 4, 8GB cards with no issues with this reader. Never had any trouble remembering where it left off. Picks right up in the middle of the tune.
The radio displays READING USB then begins playing.

Didn't and continues not to remember where it left off... Sandisk, the little red and black coloured model. I dont see a part number on it other than a lasered lot number but there is a M2 that is ink stenciled just where the SD card would be inserted, I suppose this could be called the mouth. It does work, as in plays just fine, and I can search through the folders, but no joy as when starting the car it always just defaults to the beginning of the file structure no matter what brand or capacity (2, 4, 8GB) of SD card is inserted. I use it for other file storage and transfer functions and it works flawlessly well for that purpose. Just no good in the Yaris USB.
All the best.

[mtiberio]

I use one of those short USB extensions so I'm not groping around. Currently running a thumbnail sized 32GB drive from HP. I can't even fill it...

Also on my '13, the player remembers which song and at what point it was at, even after a shutoff...


Yeah, they could have found a better location. However, I think it's better than the 2nd Gen stock location.

[odg495]

^
may be a different radio in the 2012 USDM Yaris L models from yours.
I had Lexar card reader work fine but Sandisk not remember where it was.
Perhaps it is your particular reader rather than the radio?
All the best.

That's interesting, the one I've been using is a Sandisk, I might try my others, maybe that's the issue ...

[odg495]

That's interesting, the one I've been using is a Sandisk, I might try my others, maybe that's the issue ...

Well, I've tried two other USB drives, one an Emtec, the other a generic supermarket one, but we have the same problem.

Here is a pic of the unit in the base Yaris' (the YR) here in Australia, you'll note our USB port is at bottom centre of the unit, not in the glovebox like in other countries:

[frog13]

I've put 15,200 miles on my car since I purchased it in March of this year.

I don't really have much to complain about other than the fat A-pillars as mentioned above... and the lack of an LSD. :biggrin:



LSD on a FWD vehicle....c'mon.

[NJ Drive]

LSD on a FWD vehicle....c'mon.

Okay?

[why?]

a lsd should help wheel spin. I seem to be getting rampant wheel spin if i am even slightly aggressive on the throttle at takeoff. I can't imagine what a turbo feels like.