This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I bought a regularly maintained, used 1995 4 runner with 119,000 miles. Within a month, it began running poorly and the repairs began. Had to have the truck towed numerous times after it left me stranded with my infant child. I have replaced everything possible but now the mechanic tells me I have a blown head gasket. There was no incident of overheating. I have seen enough complaints about this issue to understand that Toyota is aware and refuses to rectify this situation. I was told by Toyota customer service that my truck is not on the recall list. Why not? every other year was recalled for the very same problem. I cannot afford this repair and since this vehicle has 'nickel and dimmed' me to death, it sits in the driveway. I can't fix it, can't sell it, can't trade it in. It was a waste. My husband's car has been a real trooper but it needs repairs. The 4 runner has taken so much, we can't even fix the basics on hubby's car. Just want to know when Toyota is going to admit the problem and help us all that are stuck with their mess!
The contact owns a 1995 Toyota 4runner. While driving 25 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the tail pipe and the vehicle began driving erratically. The engine was turned off but would not restart after four to five attempts. When restarted, there was thick white smoke coming from the tail pipe abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and after inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic noticed that the head gasket was fractured. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 179,000.
I've talked with Toyota about the head gasket recall on this 4runner, and I've been told yes they will fix the head gasket but only if I pay for any other repairs to the engine and they tell me they will only do it under these conditions. Is this true or are these dealerships trying to extort money from me. I just want the head gasket fixed all other is my responsibility and I will repair the other myself.
I have read hundreds of stories similar to mine - yet Toyota is telling me my VIN does not qualify for the special service campaign aka: Recall. Although I do have an official letter stating that all Toyota 3vz-E engines qualify.. my story: Last week, I was driving home from work and my 1995 V6 3.0L EFI (3vz-E engine) began to overheat. Suddenly a cloud of white smoke emerged from beneath the hood and I lost all power. I pulled over on the shoulder, lifted the hood to find the radiator cap severed from the radiator and antifreeze/boiling water spraying everywhere - I let it cool but had a difficult time starting it. Eventually I was able to get it to a mechanic shop about 7 miles away.. blown head gaskets #6 cylinder is not firing. This is clearly a class action suit in the making!
Blown head gasket on 1995 4 runner. Happened in 2/2009. Toyota has had recalls on head gaskets for 1995 4 runners but has claimed this vehicle was not covered. Many many other owners are experiencing the same problem see: www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_45660.html requires head gasket replacement - Toyota won't cover it.
- Seattle, WA, USA
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I own a 1995 4 runner # with one of your 3.0 motors in it and it only has 107,000. Miles on it. The head gasket blow out on it, it started eating coolant. I have called your customer service department case # 200812190092 with no regards to my problem, I was blown off just like the head on this motor, blown off. I have owned 4 Toyota?S including new Camry's, my parents both drive Toyota's. the 4runner is now sitting in my drive while the snow is piling up around it, I bought it to drive in the winter, I'm left driving my car. I want this fixed by you ( Toyota) you know you have a design flaw with this motor. Contact me asap to resolve this problem. This is not a problem that you can walk away from, there are to many occurrences. I will let this truck set in my yard with a sign on it that tells all who drive by it that Toyota will not stand behind their products-blown head gasket at 107000 miles. I want an answer as to when you will get my truck repaired at your cost, not mine. Call today if you would like to resolve this matteror thank you for your time. Have a great day.
Driving down the road at 40 mph and car started blowing white smoke. Was told it was a blown head gasket. Car has 124,500 miles. Currently do not have money to repair and is driven sparingly.
Car was approaching hot and so changed out coolant just to be sure. Then car was still showing hot. Then car started smoking and now leaks coolant out of the oil pan. Loses a lot of coolant every time I fill it up.
The contact owns a 1995 Toyota 4runner. While driving 40 mph, the head gasket failed. The contact drove home and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 168,000.
1995 Toyota 4runner, 3.0V6, coolant loss, white smoke from tail pipe, rough idle. It appeared like so many other 4 runner owners the head gasket has blown even though Toyota said. They fixed the problem on the 1995 models. This seemsedto be a constant problem on this vehicle in this year range. Toyota needed to step up and take responsibility for this continuing issue. NHTSA needed to hold Toyota responsible for this problem since it seemed to be an inherent problem with this motor and they supposed to fix what was not working. No vehicle should blow head gaskets regularly at 100,000 miles.
The contact owns a 1995 Toyota 4runner. The contact lost coolant, when it was cold a white vapor coming from the muffler. Aaa tested the vehicle, and found 800 hydrocarbons in the radiator. Toyota was notified, and stated that the head gasket, and a defective spark plug was the cause of the failure. The most recent failure occurred January 15, 2007. The failure mileage was 102,000 and the current mileage was 103,200. Updated 05/23/07.
: the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle slightly lost power. The vehicle was driven to the destination, where grey smoke was noticed emanating from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the head gasket had blown out, causing radiator fluid to leak into the engine.
: the contact stated while traveling 55 mph, white smoke was seen trailing behind the vehicle and the engine began to run roughly. The vehicle was steered off to the side of the road and was turned off. The problem was identified as a blown head gasket. When the vehicle would not restart, the contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lebanon, TN, USA