# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-toyota-aurion-inspection-checklist/gsv50. Engines: 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE). ## 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 ### Engine and gearbox - **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? - **Camshaft actuator rattle on a cold start.** Covers: Reported on 2012–17 cars. 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.** 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 - **Water leaking in past the rear light seals.** Covers: Reported on 2012–17 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2012–17 cars. 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.** 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. - **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 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 - Feb 2012: GSV50 goes on sale. - Apr 2015: A new ANCAP rating of 5 out of 5 covers cars built from here. - 2017: The Aurion ends. ## 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) ### 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. --- 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. Download: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/shufti-used-car-inspection/id6795718336?pt=129235165&ct=Website%20guide&mt=8), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.shufti.shufti_app&referrer=utm_source%3Dshufti.com.au%26utm_medium%3Dwebsite%26utm_campaign%3DWebsite%2520guide%26utm_content%3Dllms%26utm_term%3D%252Fllms.txt).