FlagshipDrive.com took a look into all the problems with the Toyota Noah, one of the most desired minivans in Africa and Asia, where it competes with the Honda Freed and the Toyota Sienta. The new model recently launched in Japan, and it’s already taking over the minivan segment, along with its Voxy sibling. And our study’s results were nothing short of surprising. To assist you in troubleshooting or finding out if the minivan is right for now, we’ve put together the top-ranked Toyota Noah problems. This breakdown shows that engine and transmission problems are the most frequently experienced issues across all model years of the Toyota Noah, with 2002 and 2006 appearing to be particularly problematic years.
From the most to the least common, these are the Toyota Noah problems you should be aware of.
1. Engine Problems
The most prevalent problems with the Toyota Noah are engine failure and stalling, common with the 1995, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, and 2007 models. Many owners reported that their Noah minivan’s engine simply turned off while driving. The 2006 Toyota Noah is common with the problem of failure to start, which can easily be diagnosed and fixed.
Owners of the Toyota Noah with models ranging from the years 2001, 2002,2003, 2006, and 2007 reported engine hesitation, power loss, or shutting off right in the middle of the road. Sometimes, the car starts but switches off when the gear is engaged (2006). The models made in 199, 2002 and 2006 are also common with engine overheating issues, a problem largely related to the engine’s faulty cooling system. A few Toyota Noah drivers reported Cylinder head gasket issues with the 2001 model.
2. Transmission and Gearbox Issues
One of the Toyota Noah’s problems is the faulty transmission and gearbox. From its initial release, the Noah has been available with automatic transmissions that pair perfectly with the minivan’s 3ZR-fe engine. On the road, the transmission provides exceptional shifts and an overall exciting driving experience. Yet, despite its swift performance, the Toyota Noah’s transmission has many problems.
One of the most outstanding problems with the Toyota Noah’s transmission system has to do with shifting problems. Many users reported experiencing slipping, problems with shifting, and gears not engaging. The transmission problems are common in Toyota Noah models made in 1989, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2008. Aside from that, the 2007 model has CVT transmission faults (2007). The 1999 and 2009 models have crankshaft timing gear issues too.
Many Toyota Noah owners also reported Gear shifting problems and speed limits (e.g., not exceeding certain speeds) in the 1998, 2006, and 2008 models. Gearbox transmissions, like engine problems, are hard to fix by yourself. Consider having a mechanic diagnose the Toyota Noah transmission problem, then explore the possible solutions. Fixes to these gearbox issues will range from replacing worn-out components to adding transmission fluid.
CHECK OUT: Toyota Sienta Transmission Problems: Causes, Diagnosis And Solutions
3. Electrical Problems
Electrical issues are some of the most common Toyota Noah problems, which are known to cause speedometer malfunctions in 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2010 models.
If the ABS and warning lights in the Toyota Noah stay on, then your car has an electrical problem. This is common in 1999, 2001, and 2005. The electrical issue is sometimes worse in models that have a fully digital cluster gauge display, which may show false speedometer readings.
Other hints of electrical problems in the Toyota Noah are stuck windows, and faulty indicator blinks, common in 1997, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006 models.
4. Fuel Consumption
Aside from engine failure, high fuel consumption is another common Toyota Noah problem, common in the 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2007 model years. To find out if your Noah has high fuel consumption, fill up the tank and check out how long it takes for the fuel to run out, as compared to the past. If your Toyota Noah has a high fuel consumption problem, it means that the minivan is consuming much more fuel than expected. This problem is mostly caused by problems with the engine or fuel system.
Many owners reported problems with the fuel system or sensor issues in the 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2008 Toyota Noah models.
CHECK OUT: Toyota Sienta Engine Oil Consumption Issues – Causes and Solutions (2024 Update)
5. Suspension Issues
When a new and improved version of the Noah was released in 2023, it came with new technology and many cool features. Most importantly, the newer model corrected most of the problems that the previous models had. You’ll be glad to know that the 2023 Noah is one of the best models you can get today. However, despite being a new model, the 2023 Toyota Noah has a hugely reported problem with its suspension system.
6. Overdrive and Engine Check Light Issues
Many Toyota Noah owners reported experiencing overdrive light flickering, which points to problems with the electrical system.
If you see the check engine light staying on even after you checked and fixed issues with the engine, then your Toyota Noah has an electrical malfunction. Noah’s dreaded check engine light problem is common in the 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005 models.
7. Faulty Rear Doors
The Toyota Noah’s rear doors can sometimes stick and not move. This is a problem in the 2003 model. If the rear doors can’t move, have the door checked out by a mechanic. If nothing is lodged between the doors and the panels are fine, then it could be an electrical system.
Another problem with the Toyota Noah’s door system is the failure of the door closed indicator, even when the rear door is closed. If the dashboard door light stays on after you have closed the door, check the connection between the door and the minivan’s door panel.
8. Air conditioning (A/C) issues: 1998, 2006.
Problems with the Toyota Noah’s air conditioning system are prevalent in the 1998 and 2006 models.
If your Noah has a faulty A/C or sensors, there may be a bigger issue with the minivan’s electrical system. To fix the A/C problem, have a mechanic look at the electrical components that connect to the system
9. Ignition Timing And Sensor Issues
Having covered the common problems with the Toyota Noah, we’re down to the least most common issues with the minivan. If you own a newer model, the chances of experiencing these problems are fewer.
The Toyota Noah has been reported to have Ignition timing and sensor issues. Unlike the minivan suspension issue, the ignition timing issue is common in older models. Before you start exploring options on how to fix the issue, have the ignition system checked out by a mechanic first.
Some owners reported their Toyota Noah having a leaking water pump, particularly the 2004 model. To fix the water leaking problem, have the pump replaced with a new one.
10. Braking problems
Aside from the door-related issue, the Toyota Noah owners experienced braking problems in the 2003 model. To fix the braking issue, first check the brakes for wear and tear. There are so many signs of brake wear that will point you in the right direction. The solution to a faulty braking system is to have the brake pads replaced. For your safety and the safety of others, this is an issue that should be repaired in time.
