Took it into the dealer because it was dribbling engine oil on the pavement. Mechanic indicated that the head gasket had pulled loose, and based on the pattern of oil leakage, it appeared the bolts holding down the head gasket had stripped the threads in the engine block. Solution: I need a new engine. Since the repair would cost more than the blue book on the RAV4, we traded it in for $1500 and bought a Subaru Forester instead.
I've read all the post concerning the engine/coolant leaking/ water pump/ head gasket issue, and I've have the SAME problem. I asked was there any preventive maintenance that could of been done to stop this and the tech at the dealership said, no! This is a design flaw that no one could help but toyota. The car is at the dealership now and will cost $228 to pull it apart and see if the repair kit will work or will I need a new engine. Not happy!!!!!!! Needless to say; I at one point had faith in Toyota as a trust worthy brand not sure about that now. I will update my complaint when I find out the damage.
There is a defect in Toyota engines1!! Any overheating and it pulls bolts up with the aluminum threads causing you to need a whole new engine block. I went in to get the head gasket fixed due to a coolant leak caused by a thermostat that stuck. I did not drive it hot. They told me the bolt pulled up the threads and I need a whole new block for $6,000 plus. I called Toyota and they did not see this as a national complaint problem. I've seen several complaints about this on the internet. Putting steel bolts into aluminum is not a good idea!!!! Also a helo coil or whatever will probably pull out as well. I'm afraid to get another toyota now.
- franne,
Arboles, CO, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Took it into the dealer because it was dribbling engine oil on the pavement. Mechanic indicated that the head gasket had pulled loose, and based on the pattern of oil leakage, it appeared the bolts holding down the head gasket had stripped the threads in the engine block. Solution: I need a new engine. Since the repair would cost more than the blue book on the RAV4, we traded it in for $1500 and bought a Subaru Forester instead.
- Peter J., Littleton, US