Used Toyota Aurion GSV40 (2006–2012): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Toyota Aurion GSV40, including the VVT-i oil hose on V6s built before June 2009, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.5 V6 2GR-FE
Gearboxes
- Automatic six-speed
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used GSV40 Aurion
The main report on a GSV40 is a leak from the rubber VVT-i oil hose on V6s built before June 2009. A burst hose can lose oil quickly, so it's the first thing to check. Owners also report oil sludge where changes were stretched, gearbox shudder and flare, and sticky dashboards.
Is a Toyota Aurion GSV40 reliable?
Yes, as a rule, with one thing to rule out. Confirm the VVT-i oil hose has been replaced on a car built before June 2009, and look for regular oil changes.
Toyota Aurion GSV40 Problems
What's reported on cars built October 2006 to early 2012. It's what has been reported, not what every car has, and the number of items isn't a measure of reliability. Tap a problem to see which cars it covers and how to check it.
Source
- Manufacturer bulletin
- Automotive community
- Shufti vehicle database, owner feedback
Problem type
- Safety critical
- Negotiate
Engine
Leaking rubber VVT-i oil hose
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- V6s built before June 2009. Toyota's campaign is for the same 2GR-FE V6 in overseas models, and doesn't name the Aurion.
- What it means
- Toyota says the rubber section can degrade and leak, causing engine noise and the oil pressure light. Losing oil can quickly wreck the engine.
- What to check
- With a torch, look around the top of the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil light goes out.
- Ask the seller
- Has the VVT-i oil hose been replaced, and can I see the invoice?
Oil thickening or sludge
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- V6s where oil changes have been stretched.
- What it means
- Sludge starves the engine of oil. It's the clearest sign of a car that hasn't been looked after.
- What to check
- Take off the oil filler cap and look for thick, dark deposits.
- Ask the seller
- How often was the oil changed, and can I see the records?
Oil use from worn piston rings
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported across GSV40 and GSV50.
- What it means
- Oil top-ups cost little, but an engine run low can be damaged, and a ring repair is a major job.
- What to check
- Check the dipstick, and look for blue smoke as you accelerate after idling.
- Ask the seller
- How often do you top up the oil?
Water pump seal leak
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2006–12 cars.
- What it means
- It's a moderate repair, but running low on coolant can do far more damage.
- What to check
- Look for pink crust around the front of the engine, and check the coolant level when cold.
- Ask the seller
- Has the water pump been replaced?
Squeaking idler pulley
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Reported on 2007–08 cars.
- What it means
- A small repair, but don't leave it, because the pulley runs the drive belt.
- What to check
- Listen for a squeak or chirp from the front of the engine at idle.
Gearbox
Gearbox flare on shifts
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2006–07 cars.
- What it means
- The revs jump between gears. Have it checked, because it may be a software or fluid fix, or something larger.
- What to check
- Accelerate gently through the gears and watch for the revs flaring.
Gearbox shudder from the torque converter
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported across GSV40 and GSV50.
- What it means
- A shudder at light throttle can point to the converter, so have it diagnosed before you offer.
- What to check
- Hold a light throttle at 60–80 km/h and feel for a vibration, like driving over rumble strips.
- Ask the seller
- Has the gearbox oil been changed, and has the converter had any work?
Body and comfort
Sticky or melting dashboard
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2006–12 cars.
- What it means
- Heat can turn the dash surface tacky. It won't stop the car, but it's a costly thing to put right.
- What to check
- Touch the top of the dash, especially on a car parked in the sun.
Dashboard rattles and squeaks
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Reported across GSV40 and GSV50.
- What it means
- These are hard to fix and rarely serious, so decide whether you can live with it.
- What to check
- Drive over a rough road with the radio off.
Warped front brake rotors and quick pad wear
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- Reported across GSV40 and GSV50.
- What it means
- It's a heavy, powerful car, so brakes work hard. New rotors and pads are a routine cost to price in.
- What to check
- Brake firmly from about 80 km/h on a clear road and feel for shaking in the wheel.
Pulling to one side
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2006–12 cars.
- What it means
- It could be a wheel alignment, or something worse if the car has been hit.
- What to check
- On a flat, straight road, ease your grip and see whether it wanders.
Air conditioning failure
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported across GSV40 and GSV50.
- What it means
- A failed system is an expensive repair in an Australian summer.
- What to check
- Run the air conditioning on full cold from the start of the test drive.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which Toyota Aurion GSV40 Years to Avoid?
Take the most care with cars built before June 2009, because of the VVT-i oil hose. Cars built from August 2009 also rate higher with ANCAP.
Our shortlist
A car built from August 2009, with service records showing regular oil changes.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
GSV40 goes on sale, with a 3.5 V6 and six-speed automatic.
Cars built from here are past the rubber VVT-i hose reports.
ANCAP rating rises to 5 out of 5 for cars built from here.
GSV50 replaces it.
Age, typical kilometres and warranty
Use these to judge whether a car's odometer looks normal for its age, and whether any new-car warranty is left.
- 14–20 yrsAge
- 180,000–250,000 kmTypical
- EndedNew-car warranty
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
Safety ratings
Crash ratings can differ by body style and build date, so match the rating to the car you're looking at.
- ANCAP 4 out of 5 (2007) AT-X built to July 2009
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2010) Cars built from August 2009
Stability control is standard.
GSV40 Aurion Recalls to Confirm
Enter the VIN on vehiclerecalls.gov.au and ask for proof the work was done. The car in front of you may not be in every group. Also see our vehicle checks and PPSR guides.
| Issued | Covers | Problem | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2012 | Some Aurions, listed with the Camry. No years are given, so check by VIN | Wrinkled fuel hose can leak fuel, a fire risk | PRA 2012/13258 |
| Oct 2012 | Some Aurions, listed with other Toyotas. No years are given, so check by VIN | Driver's window switch can stick. Spraying lubricant on it can make it overheat and melt | PRA 2012/13327 |
| Nov 2015 | Some Aurions, listed with other Toyotas. No years are given, so check by VIN | Too little grease in the driver's window switch can cause a short circuit and fire risk | PRA 2015/14999 |
Check any car by its VIN with a Toyota dealer, because a recall may not have been done.
GSV40 Aurion Questions
Which Aurions have the VVT-i oil hose problem?
Reports put it on V6s built before June 2009. Ask for an invoice showing the hose was replaced.
Is a 2010 Aurion safer than a 2008 Aurion?
Yes on ANCAP's ratings. Cars built from August 2009 rate 5 out of 5, and the AT-X before that 4 out of 5.
Why does Toyota's bulletin not mention the Aurion?
It's for US models with the same 2GR-FE V6, because the Aurion wasn't sold there. It explains how the hose fails rather than confirming which Aurions are affected.
Inspecting a GSV40 Aurion?
We know that's a lot of information to keep track of at an inspection. That's why there's Shufti.
All you have to do is run a Tailored check. It builds the checks for the exact car, looks up its recalls and PPSR, analyses your photos, estimates repair costs, and gives you a negotiation coach that makes the most of your leverage. Or start with the free Toyota Aurion General inspection guide: work through it on your phone at the car, capturing images and audio and noting what you find.
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Own a Toyota Aurion? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Own a Toyota Aurion? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Sources
Each icon shows how a fault is supported: a manufacturer bulletin, the automotive community, or Shufti's vehicle database and owner feedback. Facts come from Shufti's own database, and we cite known external sources. Toyota's campaign is written for US models with the same engine, so it doesn't name the Aurion.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti vehicle database: Toyota Aurion, 2006–2017.
- Toyota Motor Sales USA. (2014). Limited Service Campaign 90K: 2GR-FE (V6) engine VVT-i oil hose replacement.
- ProductReview. Toyota Aurion owner reviews. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/toyota-aurion
- Australian Government. Vehicle Recalls. The recall numbers in the table above.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota; Toyota and Aurion are trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.