Despite being a fuel-economic and beloved compact car, there are so many Toyota Passo problems that you should be aware of. However, having discussed the solutions to the common issues reported by owners, this article covers the most problematic Toyota Passo years to avoid. So, this data came from reports collected from CarsDirectory and FixMyCar. A survey by FlagshipDrive shows that the most problematic Toyota Passo models are from 2004, 2005, and 2007, with these years experiencing the highest number of significant transmission, electrical, and fuel consumption issues. Owners of these models often face repeated mechanical failures, making these years the least reliable in the Passo lineup. In Malawi, the Toyota Passo competes with the Nissan Micra and the Bengo, among many others.Â
This ranking is based on the frequency and severity of the reported issues, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and performance concerns. These are the most unreliable Passo years.
1. 2004 Toyota Passo
The 2004 model is the most problematic Toyota Passo year, with numerous reports of severe issues such as transmission, electrical, engine, and ignition problems.
The Passo’s transmission has many faults. Owners frequently report that the car struggles to shift gears or won’t drive forward, only reversing. Also, the 2004 Passo has problems with the ignition system. Mostly, the ignition gets stuck, preventing the car from starting.
The compact car has many reports of engine problems. Owners reported Toyota Passo engine issues like knocking sounds, overheating, and even total engine failure.
Aside from powertrain problems, the 2004 Passo has several electrical Issues. The OD light flashes, EPS (Electric Power Steering) lights come on, and dashboard indicators fail.
The 2004 Toyota Passo suffers from widespread transmission, ignition, and electrical problems, making it the most problematic year.
2. 2005 Toyota Passo
The 2005 model also faces a wide array of issues, mainly with electrical components and fuel consumption.
The most reported problem with the 2005 Passo is high fuel consumption. Many owners complain about poor mileage, with no clear fixes for improving the situation. These problems are linked to the either fuel system or the engine components.
Just like the 2004 model, the 2005 Passo has electrical problems. Owners reported dashboard lights failing, and the OD light blinking.
Similar to the 2004 model, the ignition system can fail, making it difficult to start the car. While less severe than the 2004 model, the 2005 Toyota Passo still has a lot of electrical and fuel efficiency issues.
3. 2007 Toyota Passo
Another problematic Toyota Passo year is the 2007 model, which model suffers from issues with the engine and transmission system, among others.
The Passo has Gearbox and Transmission Problems. Owners reported experiencing failing gears, with reports of jerking during driving and gearbox failures.
Aside from gearbox problems, the 2007 Passo is riddled with engine and electrical Issues. Sometimes, the engine check light flashes on. Another indication of deeper engine problems is the flashing OD light. As with earlier models, owners note that fuel consumption in the 2007 Passo is higher than expected.
The 2007 Toyota Passo model faces recurring transmission and engine issues, ranking it high on the problematic list. Regular maintenance like changing your car’s oil, can help prevent some of these problems.
READ: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Change Your Car’s Oil
4. 2006 Toyota Passo
Similar to the 2007 and 2004 models, owners of the 2006 Toyota Passo report issues with gears not shifting or only reversing.
It also has high fuel consumption problems. This 2006 model continues the trend of poor fuel efficiency seen in earlier years.
Other Toyota Passo problems range from electrical, dashboard, and the unreliable ABS. The 2006 Passo has significant transmission and electrical problems, though not as severe as earlier models.
5. 2009 Toyota Passo
The 2009 Passo model has fewer severe issues but still suffers from notable mechanical problems.
Owners report knocking sounds from the steering rack and issues with EPS lights, leading to steering malfunctions.
The 2009 Passo has ignition Issues, with reports saying the car sometimes fails to start. Some owners have reported vibrations when driving at high speeds and general instability in the car’s performance.
While the 2009 model doesn’t have as many issues, the steering and ignition problems are significant enough to rank it among the more problematic years.
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6. 2012 Toyota Passo
The 2012 Toyota Passo model has a range of minor to moderate issues. The top problem is braking. Some owners have reported issues with the brakes, particularly in emergencies.
Though less severe than earlier models, the 2012 Passo has mechanical problems, especially with steering and braking. Owners reported hearing knocking noises from the steering rack persist in this model. There are complaints about the car wobbling at speeds over 110 km/h.
From its inception, the Toyota Passo underwent many overhauls. One revamp that I particularly loved was the Passo refresh done by Daihatsu in 2016, turning the Passo into a much more practical compact car. Since then, newer models have had fewer issues.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
