Toyota Maintenance Cost
Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract–not an extended warranty. However, we've used both terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
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Toyota and its luxury counterpart Lexus are known for being reliable, but every vehicle will require at least a few repairs over the course of its lifetime. If you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota, you may be wondering: How much does Toyota maintenance cost?
In this article, we’ll break down the factors that determine the average Toyota maintenance cost, including reliability ratings and typical repair prices. We’ll also show you how an extended warranty can make Toyota maintenance cost less and recommend some of the best extended car warranty providers for you to consider.
Table of contents
What Goes Into Toyota Maintenance Costs?
To understand the typical Toyota maintenance cost, you should take a look at the manufacturer’s reliability ratings, common repairs, and the cost of Toyota scheduled maintenance.
Some reliable resources that can help you learn more about Toyota’s reliability include RepairPal, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book (KBB). You can see Toyota’s ratings from each source below.
RepairPal 2021 Reliability Rating |
4.0 out of 5.0, “Excellent” |
|---|---|
2021 J.D. Power Awards |
Received three dependability awards and two quality awards |
KBB 2020 Expert Rating |
4.0 to 4.9 out of 5.0 (varies by model) |
KBB 2020 Consumer Rating |
3.6 to 4.7 out of 5.0 (varies by model) |
RepairPal Reliability and Toyota Maintenance Cost
In terms of reliability, Toyota ranks eighth out of the 32 car brands rated by RepairPal. RepairPal reliability ratings take into consideration three major factors:
- Average annual cost of repairs
- Frequency of trips to the repair shop
- Likelihood that repairs will be considered severe
The table below compares Toyota’s ratings to the industry averages, which RepairPal calculated based on the ratings of 345 unique car models.
RepairPal Reliability Category |
Toyota Average |
Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
Annual cost of repairs |
$441 |
$652 |
Frequency of repair shop visits |
0.3 visits per year |
0.4 visits per year |
Severity of repairs |
12 percent of repairs considered severe |
12 percent of repairs considered severe |
As you can see, Toyotas are highly reliable vehicles, and the annual average Toyota maintenance cost is about $200 less than the average across all car brands. RepairPal also gives reliability ratings to specific vehicle models, which can help you get a better understanding of your Toyota's dependability.
J.D. Power Awards for Toyota Reliability
In 2021, Toyota was noted as one of the most reliable brands in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudyTM. Six vehicles were ranked as some of the best in the industry. Here's which vehicles were noted in the consumer study:
J.D. Power Award |
Winning Make/Model |
|---|---|
2021 J.D. Power Dependability Award TM for compact vehicles |
2021 Toyota Corolla, 2021 Toyota Prius |
2021 J.D. Power Dependability Award TM for compact SUVs |
2021 Toyota RAV4 |
2021 J.D. Power Performance Award TM for midsize SUVS |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 J.D. Power Performance Award TM for large light duty pickup |
2021 Toyota Tundra |
2021 J.D. Power Performance Award TM for minivans |
2021 Toyota Sienna |
These awards are impressive and bode well for Toyota’s reliability, especially if you own one of the models listed above.
Kelley Blue Book Ratings for Toyota
KBB gives two ratings to every Toyota model: an Expert Rating and a Consumer Rating.
According to KBB Expert Ratings, the top Toyota models are the 2019 RAV4 SUV and the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid SUV.
The top-rated Toyota models according to KBB consumers, however, are the 2020 Toyota 86 Coupe and the Avalon Hybrid Sedan, which both earned perfect 5.0-star ratings.
How Much Does Toyota Maintenance Cost?
The average annual Toyota maintenance cost is $441, according to RepairPal. This is significantly lower than the $652 national average across all car brands.
These are some of the most common repairs reported by Toyota owners and what they cost, according to RepairPal:
- Brake pad replacement: $205 to $286
- Water pump replacement: $288 to $1,750
- Head gasket replacement: $1,609 to $3,302
- Spark plug replacement: $127 to $456
- Alternator replacement: $464 to $795
- Starter replacement: $393 to $423
- Fuel pump replacement: $665 to $2,103
- Catalytic converter replacement: $1,446 to $1,506
- Radiator replacement: $528 to $853
- Valve cover replacement: $159 to $533
You can avoid paying some of these Toyota maintenance costs out of pocket by purchasing a Toyota extended warranty. Keep in mind that extended car warranties don’t cover every repair, and most do not cover the cost of recommended maintenance. However, they can significantly reduce the financial burden of unexpected repairs, which can lower your average Toyota maintenance cost.
Toyota Maintenance Cost: Scheduled Service
Even if you have an extended warranty that covers the cost of breakdowns, it’s still important to get your car serviced regularly to avoid needing repairs. In fact, most extended warranties can be voided if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Luckily, every new Toyota comes with ToyotaCare, which covers scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles.
To take advantage of this benefit, bring your vehicle to any Toyota dealership. During your service visit, a technician will check fluid levels, filters, and other wear-and-tear items, and perform any regular maintenance and repairs using genuine Toyota parts. You can also take your vehicle to Toyota service centers for car maintenance including synthetic oil changes and tire rotations.
Once your ToyotaCare coverage expires, however, you must pay Toyota maintenance costs out of pocket.
How Car Warranties Make Toyota Maintenance Cost Affordable
Even though Toyotas are reliable vehicles, they can still rack up high repair bills. An extended car warranty could save you thousands of dollars on Toyota maintenance costs over the course of your vehicle’s lifetime.
Extended car warranties can be bought either from the manufacturer or from a number of reputable extended car warranty companies. Many significant repairs are covered under these vehicle protection plans, which can lower your annual Toyota maintenance cost—if the covered repairs outweigh the price of the warranty.
Our Recommended Extended Warranty Providers
Endurance: Best Coverage
An Endurance extended car warranty provides the best coverage on the market. This company is known for its comprehensive plans, prominent industry reputation, and extensive benefits. Plus, there are plenty of positive Endurance warranty reviews online that bode well for the company’s trustworthiness and customer care.
Endurance has six coverage plans to choose from, each with its own purpose:
Plan |
Best For |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Supreme |
Drivers looking for maximum peace of mind |
Bumper-to-bumper exclusionary coverage |
Superior |
Cars with poor reliability ratings |
Highest level of stated-component coverage |
Secure Plus |
Drivers who need coverage fast |
Enhanced powertrain coverage |
Secure |
Drivers on a budget |
Affordable basic powertrain coverage |
Select Premier |
High-mileage vehicles |
Coverage designed for high-mileage cars |
EnduranceAdvantage™ |
Drivers who want mechanical coverage |
Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance |
Every new Endurance customer also receives a free year of Endurance Elite Benefits. This program has the most comprehensive benefits in the industry, including:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Tire repairs and replacements
- Key fob replacements
- Total loss protection
- Collision discount
- Endurance mobile app
You can read more about the company in our complete Endurance warranty review.
CarShield: Best Value
CarShield is known for having the best car warranty options for drivers on a budget. CarShield plans offer affordable comprehensive coverage and come with standard benefits like rental car reimbursement, 24/7 roadside assistance, and courtesy towing.
CarShield has five coverage levels to choose from for cars:
Plan |
Best For |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Diamond |
Unreliable vehicles that require expensive maintenance services |
Bumper-to-bumper coverage |
Platinum |
High-mileage vehicles |
Comprehensive coverage designed for high-mileage cars |
Gold |
Reliable vehicles that have a high frequency of severe repairs |
Enhanced powertrain coverage |
Silver |
Drivers on a budget |
Affordable basic powertrain coverage |
Aluminum |
Cars with high-tech components that could need expensive repairs |
Specialty coverage for high-tech systems |
CarShield is also our only top recommended provider to offer extended warranty protection for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
To learn more about CarShield coverage and costs, read our full CarShield review.
Our rating: 4.2 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Q & A
Is a Toyota expensive to maintain?
Based on estimates from RepairPal, Toyotas are not as expensive to maintain as other car brands. The average driver with a Toyota typically spends about $441 on car repairs.
Do Toyotas cost a lot to repair?
The answer is that it depends. The typical driver with a Toyota spends about $441 on average for car repairs each year. However, if you purchase a maintenance plan or extended car warranty, most repairs will be covered and you can save money in the long term.
How much is ToyotaCare?
Every new vehicle comes with ToyotaCare. It is a maintenance plan that covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Drivers can also take advantage of 24-hour roadside assistance coverage for 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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