Used Toyota Aurion GSV50 (2012–2017): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Toyota Aurion GSV50, the last Aurion, including gearbox shudder and oil use, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 3.5 V6 2GR-FE
Gearboxes
- Automatic six-speed
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used GSV50 Aurion
The GSV50 has few reports, and none is widespread. Owners mention gearbox shudder, oil use, a rattle from the camshaft actuators on a cold start, and water getting in past the rear light seals.
Is a Toyota Aurion GSV50 reliable?
Yes, on the reports we have. There's no major fault in our records for it, so service history and condition are what to look for.
Toyota Aurion GSV50 Problems
What's reported on cars built February 2012 to 2017. 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 and gearbox
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?
Camshaft actuator rattle on a cold start
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 2012–17 cars.
- What it means
- A brief rattle from cold can mean the actuators are wearing. Replacing them is a bigger job than it sounds.
- What to check
- Start the car stone cold and listen for a rattle in the first couple of seconds.
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
Water leaking in past the rear light seals
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 2012–17 cars.
- What it means
- A wet boot can rust and damage electrics, but new seals are a small repair.
- What to check
- Lift the boot floor and feel for damp, and look for water marks.
Worn strut mounts and bushes
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 2012–17 cars.
- What it means
- Normal wear for the age, so price it in if the car feels loose.
- What to check
- Listen for knocks over small bumps and when turning at low speed.
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.
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 GSV50 Years to Avoid?
No year stands out. ANCAP rates the whole run at 5 out of 5, so choose on condition and history.
Our shortlist
The best-kept car you can find with regular oil changes on record. AEB wasn't available on any of them.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
GSV50 goes on sale.
A new ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5 covers cars built from here.
The Aurion ends.
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.
- 9–14 yrsAge
- 110,000–180,000 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 5 out of 5 (2012) Cars built to March 2015
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2014) Cars built from April 2015
Stability control is standard; AEB wasn't available.
GSV50 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. These recalls name no years, and the fuel hose one came out in the GSV50's first year.
GSV50 Aurion Questions
Does the GSV50 have the VVT-i oil hose problem?
The reports are on V6s built before June 2009, which is before this car. It has its own report of an actuator rattle from cold.
Does a GSV50 have AEB?
No. Stability control is standard, but AEB wasn't available.
Is the Aurion the same as a Camry?
It's related, and it shares three recalls with the Camry. It has a 3.5 V6, which is why it needs its own checks.
Inspecting a GSV50 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.
Scan to get the app
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.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti vehicle database: Toyota Aurion, 2006–2017.
- 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.