Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | −81% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2003 | 17 | −53% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2002 | 35 | typical | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2001 | 50 | 2.0× | 2 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2000 | 88 | 3.2× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Echo year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Toyota Echo problems
Latest Toyota Echo recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper molding of the resin body of the crankshaft position senor installed on the engine block, engine oil May penetrate the seal and enter the sensor wiring connector. The wire harness connector May not be sufficiently attached to the locking tab of the sensor wiring connector.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2006. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Certain passenger vehicles have the possibility that the recess retains a rubber seal ring, which is located at the end of the cylinder body, and May be corroded due to an improper washing process.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the brake master cylinder and booster. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, if the vehicle is driven under repeated start and stop operation in low ambient temperatures and in deep snow, there is a possibility that snow could accumulate in large quantities inside the rear wheel and freeze.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake lines. Owner notification began November 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Due to a unique combination of conditions which consist of cold ambient temperatures, load applied from air conditioner and other electrical devices, and immediately after starting the engine, there is a possibility that the vacuum in the intake…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster and front brake pads. Owner notification began October 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vacuum port. Also, owners of the subject vehicles in states other than the recall states will be notified of the recall.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Toyota Echo should you avoid?
2000 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Echo years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Toyota Echo?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Echo years at the same age, followed by 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Toyota Echo problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (48), brakes (40) and speed control & acceleration (31). Airbag complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Toyota Echo had?
5 recalls across 2000–2005. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Toyota Echo recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.