VehicleVerdict

2008 Toyota Yaris H/b problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b sits mid-pack among Yaris H/b years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 47% of all reports (17 of 36), far ahead of electrical system at 3.

36

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Yaris H/b years?

Yaris H/b NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted50 complaints2007: 50 complaints2008: 36 complaints2009: 17 complaints
Yaris H/b NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yaris H/b years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1747%
Brakes38%
Electrical System38%
Steering26%
Fuel System26%
Seats26%
Suspension26%
Body & Structure13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V223000OtherJune 15, 2009 · 27,080 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence

INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON APRIL 4, 2014 AT APPROX 2130. MY TOYOTA YARIS HIT A POLE AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH. AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS WAS A STRAIGHT ON HIT. !....UPDATED 07/31/14 *BF ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 4, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA YARIS H/B. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2015

“ON 12/19/2009 I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY I HIT THE GUARD RAIL CEMENT DIVIDER AT 40 MILES AN HOUR. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY ABS BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR IN A SNOW STORM. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. AGAIN WITH THE SAME CAR ON 10/7/2010 A WOMAN STOPPED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 7, 2010 · crash

“THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT BROKE OFF. I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE WHEN IT HAPPENED AND NOT GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED. SOME THING NEEDS TO GET DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 26, 2012

“I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 22, 2010 I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SEND ME TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN BROWNSVILLE, TX FOR THE REASON THAT IS THE ONLY DEALERSHIP WITH A BODY SHOP DEPARTMENT, THE TOOK LONGER THAN EXPECTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND THEY REFUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 22, 2010 · crash

2008 Toyota Yaris H/b — common questions

Is the 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yaris H/b: 36 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Yaris H/b problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (17 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Toyota Yaris H/b. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.