TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Toyota Yaris electrical problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
2fires
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Toyota Yaris in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Toyota vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch perfor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power window circuits have overheated and smoked while the car was running, creating genuine fire risk. Owners report dealer delays of over 30 days for recall parts, leaving families with unsafe vehicles and only a "recommendation" not to drive passengers. Fuel gauges frequently display incorrect readings—sometimes with no warning lights—causing stalling episodes and multiple dashboard warning lights at highway speeds. Instrument panel clusters have required replacement, though repairs often stall waiting for parts availability.
Ignition keys have become stuck in the start position, preventing normal engine starting and raising owner concerns about potential damage from continuous starter engagement. This fault has occurred as early as 100 miles and again at 102,000 miles. Audio system use—radio, CD, AUX—causes documented power loss and erratic throttle response in multiple vehicles, creating a genuine safety hazard during acceleration. Owners report this as a widespread issue among 2009 Yaris owners. Several owners have not pursued dealer repairs due to parts unavailability and manufacturer unresponsiveness. One vehicle with a pre-owned recall was purchased without claim history.
Same Toyota Yaris electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Power Window Master Switch Fire Hazard
Power window circuit board overheated and smoked while vehicle was in operation at highway speed. Owner reported the circuit board was smoking around the front driver-side door window area. An independent mechanic disconnected the board to prevent vehicle fire.
When: 70,185 miles
Symptoms owners cite: smoke visible around front driver-side door window; circuit board smoking; risk of vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic disconnected the circuit board; vehicle not taken to dealer for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall on power window master switch mentioned in complaint #1; NHTSA Campaign 15V689000 referenced but vehicle VIN not included in campaign
Fuel Gauge Inaccurate Readings
Fuel gauge displayed incorrect fuel level, with no warning lights to alert the driver. In one incident, inaccurate readings occurred alongside vehicle stalling and check engine light illumination.
When: 31,300–50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: fuel gauge showing incorrect fuel level; no warning lights before failure; check engine light illumination (when stalling occurred)
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Cruise Control, Oil Warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer ordered new instrument panel cluster in one case; another dealer was unable to replicate the failure; repairs not completed
Ignition Key Stuck in Start Position
Ignition key became stuck and failed to turn from ON to START mode, occurring multiple times. Starter did not fully engage the engine. Owner expressed concern about potential wheel and starter burnup.
When: 100–102,000 miles (one failure as early as 100 miles, another at 102,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: key stuck in ignition start position; inability to turn key from ON to START mode; starter failed to engage engine
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not diagnosed or repaired by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case (#7); no recall or TSB mentioned
Engine Stalling with Multiple Warning Lights
Vehicle stalled suddenly during acceleration at highway speed. Stalling was accompanied by illumination of check engine, cruise control, and oil warning lights. Dealer traced root cause to fuel gauge inaccuracy.
When: 31,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: sudden stalling during acceleration; check engine light; cruise control warning light; oil warning light
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Cruise Control, Oil Warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer ordered new instrument panel; vehicle not repaired prior to complaint
Audio System Interference with Engine Performance
Vehicle exhibited loss of power and erratic pedal response whenever radio, CD player, or AUX port was in use. Owner reported this as a known issue among other 2009 Yaris owners and noted the unsafe nature of the performance changes.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: loss of engine power when audio system in use; erratic accelerator pedal behavior; performance change when using radio/CD/AUX
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Toyota Yaris?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Toyota Yaris?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 57,382 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Toyota/Yaris.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.