# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-toyota-aurion-inspection-checklist/gsv40. Engines: 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE). ## 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 ### Engine - **Leaking rubber VVT-i oil hose.** 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. 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.** Covers: V6s where oil changes have been stretched. 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.** Covers: Reported across GSV40 and GSV50. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2006–12 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2007–08 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2006–07 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported across GSV40 and GSV50. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2006–12 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported across GSV40 and GSV50. 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.** Covers: Reported across GSV40 and GSV50. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2006–12 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported across GSV40 and GSV50. 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. ## 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 - Oct 2006: GSV40 goes on sale, with a 3.5 V6 and six-speed automatic. - June 2009: Cars built from here are past the rubber VVT-i hose reports. - Aug 2009: ANCAP rating rises to 5 out of 5 for cars built from here. - 2012: GSV50 replaces it. ## Recalls to Confirm - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-003446) - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-003451) - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-001280) ### 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. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. 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