Whether you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle, knowing the annual maintenance costs is essential. A vehicle’s estimated maintenance costs can give you a good idea of what it will cost you to own it. Regular services like oil changes and tune-ups are factored into the estimate, replacement parts, and repairs.

How do Toyota vehicles fare when it comes to maintenance costs? RepairPal explains that only one Toyota model has an annual maintenance cost of over $800.

Toyota maintenance costs and common issues

Toyota has built an automotive brand known for durability, reliability, and safety. Compared to other brands, Toyota typically has an annual repair cost less than its competitors. The quality of Toyota’s vehicles reflects the automaker’s focus on quality cars that need minimal maintenance.

The average annual repair cost, according to RepairPal, is $441, which is substantially lower than $652, which is the industry average. The figure is derived from the average cost of maintenance and repairs for Toyota vehicles in a year’s time.

Like any brand, Toyota’s vehicles have issues. Across the brand, the most common problems are failing center multi-function displays and issues with electric sliding doors. Despite the brand’s reputation for reliability, there are also instances of excessive oil consumption, transmission issues causing slipping and rough shifting, and airbag failures. It’s also not uncommon to see brake problems or battery issues in hybrid models.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the one Toyota model with an annual maintenance cost of more than $800. According to RepairPal, the yearly maintenance cost of the Land Cruiser is $843. It was discontinued after the 2021 model year. 

The Land Cruiser is popular for its off-road prowess and typical long lifespan. Still, like any vehicle, it’s prone to certain problems and needs regular service to keep it in good running condition. 

The most reported problem with the Land Cruiser is power steering pump leakage on models with V6 engines and high mileage (125,000 miles and up.) There were 10 model years affected, mainly in the ’90s, and the average cost of this repair is up to $771. 

Another issue that plagues the Toyota Land Cruiser is an electrical junction block. The block receives power from the battery and distributes it to the system that controls power mirrors and windows. Instances of this problem show up, on average, around 160,000 miles. 

Land Cruisers also report trouble with shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, engine and transmission elements, and other electrical problems.

The Toyota Paseo

On the other end of the scale is the Toyota Paseo, with an annual maintenance cost of just $306, according to RepairPal. The Toyota Paseo was available as either a convertible or a coupe, produced from 1991 to 1999. The Paseo offers affordability and good fuel economy without sacrificing a fun, sporty driving experience. It’s also known for its reliability.

A few common problems plaguing the Paseo include the transmission with trouble shifting on automatic transmissions on high mileage vehicles. Once the vehicle reaches 125,000 miles or more significant, it’s prone to having its throttle position sensor out of adjustment or needing a shift solenoid replacement. Fortunately, neither problem requires an overhaul or replacement of the transmission.

Regarding Paseo’s engine, there have been reports of the ignition coil within the distributor failing. Evidence of this usually shows up as a pause in acceleration, especially on cold, rainy days while the car’s warming up. It can also show up as a no-start condition. 

Other problems reported with the Paseo include the timing belt, which typically needs to be replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Reports of oil leaks, minor suspension problems, and electrical issues have also been reported. 

Regardless of the vehicle you buy, regular maintenance and repairs will head off many issues before they become significant problems. If you buy a used vehicle, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to check for potential issues.