Toyota Prado Problems

We have had a number or reports of cracking dashes in the Prado like yours, and we have previously contacted Toyota about it. We again contacted the company following your letter and they told us that their engineers had been working on the issue for some time, but without finding a solution. Further, we were told that the company was assessing each report on an individual basis and taking action based on the findings, and it was suggested that you contact them so their engineers can check your car. I think you can read into that that there has been a problem and the company is fixing cars on the quiet if owners approach them about it. We have sent your contact details on to Toyota, so you can expect a call from them.

Toyota has undoubtedly tested the D-4D engine in Australia and on Australian diesel fuel and I am sure it would not sell the vehicle here if it there were a problem. As for keeping it alive I would service it religiously, and I would take note of the known problem with leaking fuel injector seals that has resulted in a recall in other parts of the world, and led to a policy in NZ of changing them every 45,000 km. Perhaps you should think about changing the seals as per the Kiwi recommendation.

There was a problem with the engines when it they were cold, I understand that it was because of over-fuelling during the time of cold running. I believe Toyota was changing the injectors on complaint vehicles. The leaking injector seals I believe us something else, and the way we know of to check if there is a problem is to inspect the oil pickup in the sump for a build-up of carbon deposits. If the pickup has a carbon buildup the likelihood is that it would eventually block and stave the engine of oil, if there is no carbon present it is unlikely to have a problem. It's best that a dealer check the pickup by inserting a probe through the oil drain hole in the sump.

The Prado V6 has a chain so there's no requirement to change it regularly as there would be if it had a belt. That's why there is no mention of it in the manual. I wouldn't be too concerned about the radiator hoses, but perhaps inspect them for cracking, splitting or perishing and replace them if you find anything that's concerning.

Given that this is the second such failure on your car and Toyota coughed up for the first one I think you are on solid grounds for a claim against the company. As you have tried the consumer affairs route and that has failed I would consult a lawyer and consider taking the company to court.

As you can see with Peter, above, Toyota has approved his claim for repairs, so I suggest you persist with your claim, and I feel confident it will be resolved.

For starters, don't take no for an answer. Go back to the dealer and ask that they contact Toyota head office with a request that your car be inspected with a view to replacing the dash.

Without knowing more about the roads you were on, the speeds you were traveling at and the load you were hauling it's hard to say what you would get. But the Prado is a big lump of a thing, pushing a lot of air, and I bet it was working hard. It's probably within the ballpark in the conditions.

Yes, I do think that's a reasonable outcome and I would recommend you take the offer and have your car repaired.