Mechanics Are Asked If Toyota’s Reliability is 'Overrated.’ They Don’t Hold Back: 'Debris May Not Have Been Cleared'

"MANY years."

Mechanics Are Asked If Toyota’s Reliability is ‘Overrated

Photo by: aeschbachauto & Russel Bailo

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Jan 17, at 2:00pm ET

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Toyotas have long been well-known as among the most reliable cars on the road. But does the famed Japanese automaker still deserve the praise? A group of mechanics recently shared their honest opinion about Toyota’s reliability when asked if the brand is "overrated."

A TikTok posted by Aeschbach Automotive (@aeschbachauto) asked mechanics to share their thoughts on Toyota. As of this writing, it has over 14,000 views.

In the post, a worker asks each mechanic, "Is Toyota’s reliability overrated?"

The first mechanic answers, "No, not if you maintain well. They still are the gold standard for quality control across the industry."

The next mechanic took a minute to ponder, then indicated he thinks the automaker is overrated. "Nowadays probably more so… yes," he said.

The third mechanic said definitively, "Absolutely not."

The fourth mechanic pointed out that any car will have issues. "They all got their nuances like anything else, but they are solid vehicles and have been for quite a long time."

"Not if you keep up with the maintenance," a fifth mechanic agreed. "Toyota will run a long time if you keep up with the maintenance. I’ve seen them with three to four hundred thousand miles on all day long.".

The last person asked was one of the desk workers, and she quickly replied, "No. 100% not." She said she learned how to drive on a RAV4 that went 417,000 miles. "It lasted forever and that is actually the number one vehicle I recommend," she adds.

Overall, the majority of the mechanics from Aeschbach Automotive believe Toyota's reliability is not overrated. However, most agree this is only if they’re properly maintained.

How Do You Properly Maintain A Toyota?

Regular scheduled maintenance is essential for getting the most out of any vehicle. There are multiple guidelines that can help drivers extend their vehicle's lifespan.

Any warning lights or signs, including a check engine light, brake system malfunction, tire pressure light, or fluid leaks, need to be addressed immediately. These issues cannot wait, and the car shouldn’t be driven until it’s fixed.

Drivers should also perform monthly maintenance tasks, including checking tire pressure and tread depth, coolant and antifreeze levels, windshield wiper fluid, vehicle fluids, and vehicle lights. Every three months, inspect your power steering fluid, windshield wipers, battery and cables, belts, and hoses.

Every six months, you should do a deeper dive and perform maintenance, including an oil and filter change, a battery performance check, tire rotation, waxing your vehicle, checking your exhaust system, and chassis lubrication.

Annual checkups will have you inspecting your air filter, brakes and brake pads, shocks and struts, suspension and steering, and spark plugs. Every two years, it’s important to check the transmission fluid, ignition system, flush the coolant, replace the fuel filter, and check the brake fluid.

And between two and five years, change tires, battery, and timing belt. You should also check the transfer case fluid and the front and rear differential.

"Service intervals can vary from make to make and model to model. No matter how many miles you drive annually, be sure to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule," Kelley Blue Book reports.

How Did Toyota Earn Its Reputation For Reliability?

Many car enthusiasts consider Toyota to be the gold standard for reliability.

Year after year, Toyota has earned high praise from car ranking websites like Kelly Blue Book, Repair Pal, and Consumer Reports. However, some now feel that its reputation is in jeopardy due to engine issues with the Tundra. In November, Toyota recalled 127,000 vehicles.

"There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced. In the involved vehicles, this can lead to engine knocking, rough running, no start, and/or a loss of motive power. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash," per the press release.

Lately, some car influencers have become outspoken about ditching Toyota. With more industry leaders speaking out, some may be swayed from buying Toyota.

Last year J.D Power ranked Toyota fourth overall in reliability. Its luxury vehicle division, Lexus, came in first. Consumer Reports, however, ranked Toyota first in car reliability. Lexus was ranked third.

Do People Still Believe The Toyota Longevity Hype?

Many viewers suggested that although Toyota has long been known for reliability, its quality has gone down in recent years.

"They are losing their reputation lately though," one said.

"Old Toyotas are great, the new ones are [expletive]," another opined.

"Toyota is the most overrated brand and has been for MANY years," a third agreed.

Others defended Toyota's reputation and honor.

"Toyota is The Greatest Brand for Reliable in World," one said.

"Still driving my 2000 Tacoma Prerunner 332,000 miles," another revealed.

"They messed up ONE engine in recent years and now you got clowns saying the whole brand isn’t reliable," a third said.

What do you think?

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"None of the manufacturers are reliable if you don't keep up with the maintenance," one pointed out.

Motor1 has contacted Aeschbach Automotive via Facebook and TikTok direct message and will update the story if it replies.