'Run:' Man Says New Toyotas Aren't as Reliable. Is He on to Something?

In a viral video, a car enthusiast says new Toyotas are declining in reliability. Then he pops the hood of a Corolla Cross to prove it.

Chad Swiatecki

By: Chad Swiatecki

Sep 27, 2025 at 2:00pm ET

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For decades, “Toyota” and “reliability” were nearly synonyms. But a viral TikTok suggests that era may be over, as an enthusiast warns viewers to “run” from the newest models, then backs it up with a look under a Corolla Cross’ hood.

Auto enthusiast Thomas (@carsrme2) is happy to poke some holes in the Toyota reputation, with a viral clip that’s been viewed more than 53,000 times.

“It's sad to say, but these new Toyotas, they're just not as reliable as they used to be,” are his first words to viewers before listing the high price, transmission, and move toward thinner oil blends as some of his biggest concerns.

The Corolla Cross on screen serves as Exhibit A. Thomas points out its $32,500 MSRP and calls it “bare bones,” even with leather seats. Then he shifts to the drivetrain, where his criticisms grow sharper. He warns that the CVT transmission won’t last 200,000 miles, ridicules the factory-specified 0W-8 oil as “almost the equivalent of running water,” and argues that Toyota’s 10,000-mile oil change intervals will doom the engine to an early death.

The rhetoric is blunt—“Run, far, far away”—but it struck a nerve because Toyota’s reputation has long rested on the idea that its vehicles were safe bets for the long haul.

The Reliability Pedestal

Toyota’s bulletproof image wasn’t just marketing spin. Camrys, Corollas, Tacomas, and Priuses have regularly topped Consumer Reports' reliability surveys and J.D. Power's dependability studies for years. Owners swapped stories of Toyotas lasting 200,000 miles or more with routine maintenance, and resale values reflected that confidence.

But the landscape is shifting. In the 2025 Consumer Reports rankings, Toyota lost its overall top spot to Subaru, reflecting a decline in reliability scores across several models. Meanwhile, The Drive ran a 2024 feature describing a “Toyota reliability crisis,” pointing to mounting recalls and consumer unease.

Thomas’s biggest points fall into three buckets: transmissions, oil, and service intervals.

CVT Transmissions

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are designed for smoothness and efficiency, but many drivers dislike them, and their long-term durability remains a topic of debate. Nissan famously faced lawsuits over early CVT failures, and Toyota has introduced its own “Direct-Shift CVT” with a physical first gear to address reliability concerns. Even so, Corolla and C-HR owner forums remain filled with debates about whether CVTs need more frequent fluid changes than the factory schedule suggests.

0W-8 Motor Oil

Thomas describes the spec as dangerously thin, and he isn’t wrong that 0W-8 is at the extreme low end of viscosity ratings. It was only introduced in 2019 under the ILSAC GF-6B standard to meet efficiency goals. Critics argue ultra-thin oils reduce protective film thickness, especially under heavy load, but Toyota and tribology experts counter that additives and testing validate performance. Torque News notes that while many mechanics distrust it, 0W-8 has passed stringent international requirements.

10,000-Mile Oil Changes

Thomas warns that running ultra-thin oil for 10,000 miles invites disaster. Toyota’s factory interval reflects industry trends toward extended service, but even enthusiasts who love the brand question whether 10,000 miles is too long. On Reddit, one Corolla owner said bluntly, “10k seems way too long” when evaluating their dealer’s recommendation. Independent mechanics often advise shorter intervals for drivers in hot climates or stop-and-go city traffic.

Even outlets that usually praise Toyota's reliability acknowledge its weak spots. Jalopnik recently highlighted Toyota models over the decades that suffered persistent problems, a reminder that no brand is invincible.

Toyota’s Position

Toyota maintains that its engines, oils, and transmissions undergo rigorous testing, and it backs up that confidence with multi-year powertrain warranties. The company also continues to win praise for its hybrid systems, which have generally proven durable over hundreds of thousands of miles.

Still, Toyota hasn’t been immune to reputational setbacks. In 2024, the company suspended production of certain models after acknowledging irregularities in safety certification tests. And in early 2025, a recall affected nearly 600,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to malfunctioning instrument clusters.

These issues don’t necessarily doom a Corolla Cross engine, but they contribute to a narrative that Toyota’s once-untouchable reputation deserves scrutiny.

Ultimately, TikToks like Thomas’s resonate because they capture a broader anxiety around whether the tradeoffs required by modern efficiency standards in things like CVTs, thinner oils, and longer service intervals are compatible with the decades-long durability Toyota built its name on.

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There isn’t definitive proof yet that every new Toyota will falter early. But between shifting reliability rankings, recent recalls, and rising consumer frustration, it’s clear that the “bulletproof” image of Toyota ownership is evolving. For now, the debate remains unresolved. What’s certain is that more owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts are looking under the hood and asking questions Toyota didn’t have to answer a generation ago.

Motor1 reached out to Thomas via email. We’ll be sure to update this if they respond.

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