We Service and Repair
All Toyota Cars and Trucks

Toyota Auto Repair Shop

Serving the greater San Francisco Peninsula including San Francisco, South San Francisco, & Daly City, CA

When you choose to drive a Toyota vehicle in San Francisco, reliability and innovation become standard. But even the most trusted nameplates encounter some issues over time. At Cowden Automotive, we specialize in Toyota models from the eco-friendly Prius to the rugged Tundra pickup. Our expert technicians have seen every common mechanical issue, from hybrid battery failures to leaky gaskets. We want to share our insights to help you identify problems early and make informed decisions.

Review the five Toyota models below and the typical issues we see in our San Francisco shop. Pay attention to model years affected so you know what to watch for. And don’t hesitate to contact us if you notice any warning signs. Our comprehensive diagnostics and quality repair work can save you money and headaches down the road. Read on to learn what to expect with your Toyota as the miles add up.

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius pioneered hybrid technology and remains a top eco-friendly choice in San Francisco for good reason. Exceptional fuel economy and low emissions make this hatchback easy on the wallet and environment. But complex systems also bring vulnerabilities. What hybrid issues might you encounter?
Premature hybrid battery failure plagues certain Prius models years more than others. Specifically, we see this issue in vehicles from 2010 to 2015 once they hit higher mileage. Warning signs include reduced fuel efficiency, trouble starting, and warning lights on the dash. Don’t fret over a costly new battery though. Our technicians can often replace individual failed cells to restore performance at a fraction of the replacement cost.

Toyota Avalon
The Avalon brings a touch of luxury to the Toyota lineup with its spacious, comfortable cabin. This roomy sedan smooths out the stresses of San Francisco commuting. But certain issues can disrupt that serene driving experience over time. One pervasive problem we see are oil leaks stemming from cracked valve cover gaskets. This issue affects 2005 to 2012 Avalon models in particular. Left unchecked, leaks can lead to ugly oil stains in your driveway and even engine issues. Our technicians track down the specific source of leaks and replace worn gaskets to prevent ongoing problems.

Toyota Camry
The Camry cemented its reputation as an affordable and dependable family sedan over multiple decades. This Toyota mainstay confidently handles everything from daily commutes to weekend errands thanks to robust engineering. But a few key problems occasionally crop up. Have you noticed changes in steering effort?
Reduced power assist along with strange noises points to electric steering issues on 2015-2018 Camrys. Identifying faults early with diagnostic testing allows for less expensive software fixes in some cases. Component-level repairs or replacements tackle more advanced issues. 

Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 compact SUV combines versatility, efficiency, and Toyota’s legendary reliability into a flexible package. As a nimble runabout for urban driving yet spacious enough for outdoor adventures, this crossover appeals to many San Francisco families. But complex systems still warrant a watchful eye. The Tundra pickup provides workhorse levels of capability for San Francisco owners requiring serious hauling and towing performance. This full-size truck goes the distance thanks to robust engineering and construction. Nonetheless, heavy loads strain even the sturdiest components over time.