The 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine was fitted to the Toyota Auris 2 (2012–2018). In the EU that is 71.8 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.8 99 hp, 1.6 132 hp, 1.8, 1.3 99 hp.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch at high mileage: it usually appears at 130,000–250,000 km and costs €500–1,100 to fix.
Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Water pump leak or whine
usually 50,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant level drops, pink crust or wet spot under the pump, whine from the accessory side; ignored it can overheat the engine
Fix: Replace the water pump and refill with Toyota long-life coolant; check the coolant level at every oil change
€200–450
Timing chain stretch at high mileage
usually 130,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle from the chain side, timing correlation fault codes
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner, guides and, if worn, the VVT gears together
€500–1,100
Valvematic controller / actuator faults (FAE engines)
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Wear part
engine codes: 1ZR-FAE, 2ZR-FAE, 3ZR-FAE
Signs: Engine light, Valvematic fault codes, rough idle or limp mode, rarely the engine stalls
Fix: Read the codes, check wiring and the Valvematic control unit; replace the actuator or control unit if faulty
€300–900
Unstable idle from dirty throttle body / intake carbon
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Hunting or uneven idle, occasional stalling, mostly on gently driven cars
Fix: Clean the throttle body and intake, then run the idle relearn
€50–200
Faults typical of this model ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
Brake discs rust and show poor contact pattern, mainly rear
usually 30,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rust ring or grooves on the discs (check the inner face), grinding or weak braking; often noted at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Replace discs and pads per axle, service the caliper slides, and brake firmly now and then so the discs stay clean.
€150–350
Lighting defects above average, rear lamps let water in
usually 30,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Bulb out or misaligned headlight at the test; droplets or condensation inside the tail lights, sometimes water in the boot.
Fix: Replace bulbs and adjust the aim; reseal the tail light gasket, or replace the lamp unit if the circuit board has corroded.
€20–250
Brake lines corrode on cars over about 12 years
usually 120,000–300,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rusty brake lines found on a lift or at the test; possibly fluid seepage.
Fix: Replace the corroded line sections and protect the underbody.
€150–500
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Service plan for this engine
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Toyota Auris 2 with the 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
Versions of this engine in the Toyota Auris 2
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (15). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Fuel system High-Pressure Fuel Pump replacement on multiple models20/01/2025 · R/2024/514
- Fire risk Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.20/11/2023 · R/2023/298
- Fuel system The inside of the high pressure fuel pump may be worn or damaged over time during operation28/06/2021 · R/2021/185
- Cooling There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak31/05/2021 · R/2021/104
- Other Under certain circumstances the hybrid unit may shut down and cause loss of motive power27/07/2020 · R/2020/190
- Airbag Incorrectly installed covers could prevent the seat-mounted side airbag from deploying04/11/2019 · R/2019/333
- Engine / loss of power Incorrect tightening torque was possibly applied during previous injector removal or replacement25/02/2019 · R/2018/378
- Fuel system A potential crack could develop in the fuel evaporative emission control unit mounted in the fuel tank21/01/2019 · R/2018/340
Common questions
What are the biggest risks of the Toyota Auris 2 with the 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch at high mileage (130,000–250,000 km, €500–1,100); brake lines corrode on cars over about 12 years (120,000–300,000 km, €150–500); water pump leak or whine (50,000–160,000 km, €200–450); brake discs rust and show poor contact pattern, mainly rear (30,000–150,000 km, €150–350).
Does the Toyota Auris 2 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) have a timing belt or a chain?
Chain.
Which oil does the Toyota Auris 2 1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) need?
0W-20 / 5W-30 · API SN / ILSAC · ~4.2 L · every 15,000 km.
Sources and notes
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026