Toyota

Aurion XV40 / XV50 inspection checklist

2006-2017 · 9 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highTakata airbag recall compliance

Look for: Aurions of this era fall within the Takata airbag recall (defective inflators that can rupture and fire shrapnel). Some early examples were fitted with the higher-risk Alpha inflators. Replacement is free but uncompleted recalls are a genuine safety hazard.

If you find it: Check the VIN against Toyota's recall portal and have any outstanding Takata airbag replaced free of charge before driving.

Any · ~$0 (recall - free)

mediumSuspension bushes, links and ball joints

Look for: Front lower control-arm bushes, sway-bar links and ball joints wear with age and km, causing clunks over bumps and vague handling - common on high-km local cars and ex-fleet/taxi examples.

If you find it: Replace worn bushes, links and ball joints; do a full front-end refresh and alignment together.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-1200

mediumEx-fleet / ex-taxi high-km examples

Look for: Many Aurions served as taxis, hire and fleet cars and rack up huge mileage. The drivetrain copes, but interiors, brakes, suspension and the auto can be heavily worn, and service history may be patchy.

If you find it: Favour a documented private/low-km car; budget for consumables and a transmission service if history is unclear.

From 200k+ km · Varies

3.5L 2GR-FE V6 petrol

highVVT-i oil supply hose rupture (pre-2009 builds)

Look for: 2GR-FE engines built up to around April 2008 use a rubber-section VVT-i oil supply hose that perishes and can split, draining engine oil in as little as 30 seconds and risking catastrophic engine damage. Toyota superseded it with a solid metal line on late-2008/2009-onward engines.

If you find it: Replace preventively with the updated full-metal line; if it still has the original rubber-section hose, do it now regardless of km. Confirm the yellow-tag/updated part is fitted before purchase.

From 70k-110k km · ~$150-450 (DIY part) / $400-900 fitted

mediumU660E cold-start shift flare and torque-converter shudder

Look for: The six-speed U660E auto commonly flares (sharp RPM rise) on the 3-4 upshift in the first ~10 minutes after a cold start, and develops a lock-up shudder at light/moderate throttle around 60-90km/h. Usually caused by deteriorated/incorrect fluid and valve-body/lock-up solenoid wear; Toyota released a revised valve body to address it.

If you find it: Fresh genuine Toyota WS fluid and a drain/fill; revised valve body or lock-up solenoid if it persists. Avoid examples that have never had a transmission service.

Any (worse with old/wrong fluid) · ~$300-2500

mediumWater pump seepage

Look for: The 2GR-FE water pump can weep coolant from the weep hole/seal with age and km, eventually dripping under the car.

If you find it: Replace the water pump (and check thermostat/hoses while in there); not urgent until it leaks consistently.

From 120k+ km · ~$400-900

3.5L 2GR-FE TRD supercharged V6 (3500S/3500SL)

highVVT-i oil supply hose rupture (early 2GR-FE)

Look for: Built within the affected 2007-2008 window, TRD Aurions can carry the same perishable rubber VVT-i oil hose that splits and drains oil in seconds.

If you find it: Replace with the updated full-metal line preventively; confirm it has been done before buying.

From 70k-110k km · ~$150-450 (part) / $400-900 fitted

mediumSupercharger and intercooler ancillaries

Look for: The Eaton TVS supercharger needs its own oil and a healthy supercharger/intercooler belt, pulley, idler and coupler; neglected examples can whine, leak or shed belts. TRD-specific parts are scarce now that TRD Australia is long gone.

If you find it: Verify supercharger oil and belt service history; source TRD/Eaton parts through specialists. Avoid modified/over-boosted examples.

From 100k+ km · ~$500-3000

mediumSevere torque steer and front-end wear

Look for: 400Nm through the front wheels produces strong torque steer and chews front tyres, CV joints and bushes faster than the standard Aurion, particularly if driven hard.

If you find it: Quality tyres and alignment; inspect CVs, ball joints and bushes; sympathetic throttle use.

Any · ~$300-1200

3 minor things (low severity)

lowBrake wear and rotor warping

Look for: A heavy, quick FWD V6 sedan goes through front pads and can warp rotors, giving brake shudder - more pronounced on the sportier/heavier grades.

If you find it: Quality pads and rotors; machine or replace warped rotors.

From 60k+ km · ~$300-800

lowInterior trim and dash UV ageing

Look for: Dash top, trim and seat surfaces can fade, crack or develop rattles under sustained Australian heat and UV on older examples.

If you find it: Cosmetic repair, dash mat/cover; not structural.

Any · ~$150-800

lowTorque steer / front tyre wear

Look for: 200kW through the front wheels produces pronounced torque steer under hard acceleration and accelerates front tyre wear, especially on the firmer-suspension Sportivo/SX6 grades. Not a fault.

If you find it: Quality tyres, sensible throttle from standstill; regular rotation and alignment.

Any · Running cost

From FlamingCars' Toyota Aurion guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.