Toyota Prado Problems

It's not unusual for them to have injector issues, which usually shows up by heavy knocking when the engine is cold and is fixed by replacing the injectors. If it only occurs on a slope, however, I would be making sure it isn't an oil pickup problem, and I would have the oil pickup in the sump checked to make sure it isn't partially blocked.

I'd be looking at the fuel system and having the fuel-injectors checked.

No, it's not a coincidence, the faulty injector is likely to have been the cause of the rattle all along. If you still have the records of your previous reports to the dealers about it you could possibly mount a case with Toyota for compensation.

There have been a few issues with the tow bar on Prados and Toyota has been checking and replacing the attaching bolts and replacing the hitch with a genuine Toyota one where the vehicle is fitted with an aftermarket one. The Toyota hitches are rated to handle the weight the Prado is approved to tow.

You don't say if it's a diesel or a petrol model, but either way I'd be looking at the injectors and the fuel pump.

We have heard a couple of reports of engine seizures because of a blocked oil pick-up caused by a build-up of carbon as a result of leakage past the fuel-injector seals. Toyota issued a service alert in other countries advising that the fuel injector seals be changed every 45,000 km. If the failure of your engine can be attributed to this same issue then I think you have a claim against Toyota. We are aware of one case when the engine was replaced, even though the seized engine had done more than 200,000 km.

The oil sludging is believed to be caused by fuel leakage past the fuel-injector seals into the oil stream. Eventually it can lead to the oil pickup being blocked, which then starves the engine of oil. It's a known problem in other parts of the world, but Toyota has not done anything about it here, even though we know of a number of cars that have suffered severe engine meltdowns. To make it worse the oil seals in question are supposed to be replaced at the 40,000km service when the valve clearances are checked and reset. It's clear that this isn't always done. Like you, I would be very angry about having the engine fail at such low kays, and I would be letting Toyota head office know about it in no uncertain terms. I know of one owner who managed to get them to replace the engine in his car when it had done over 200,000km, so I would urge you not to take Toyota's "no" for an answer and  push them to the limit. Take action through Consumer Affairs if needed. Don't worry that the Toyota warranty has expired, the company still has an obligation to sell you a product that is fit for purpose, and it would seem in this case that it has not.