Toyota Prado Problems

We have been told that some softness is a characteristic of the Prado, and despite this uncertain feeling the brakes do work and stop the car effectively. We have also been told that there is an issue with the brake master cylinder and Toyota has been replacing them under warranty. I would suggest you quiz your dealer about the master cylinder issue and request that he checks yours.

Prados and Hiluxes have a history of a knocking noise when cold and it was put down to over-fuelling while the engine is warming up. Our understanding is that Toyota fixed the problem by changing the injectors. Ask the dealer to request assistance from Toyota again, although I don’t fancy your chances given that the car has done 120,000 km and you bought it secondhand.

We have had a number of reports of cracking dashes in Prados, but we have been assured by Toyota people when we have checked with them that it is cosmetic only and the operation of the front airbag in the dash is not affected. If it was affected it would make the car unroadworthy, in fact, it would be a safety issue that should trigger a recall.

Take the offer. Like all components fuel-injectors wear out over time and then need replacing. By offering you part payment for repairs Toyota has in effect acknowledged the issue and are offering to compensate you for it. Remember you've had 100,000 km out of the first set.

I would have the transmission serviced, particularly as you obviously do a lot of towing as relatively heavy loads. And like you I would expect the bonnet struts could be re-gassed if they are a problem. Dealers normally go for the most efficient option for them and replacing them with new components out of their parts department is much faster and cheaper than sending the struts out for re-gassing and waiting for them to come back to be refitted. That all takes time and costs the dealer time, money and efficiency in his workshop. And don't expect the dealer to use aftermarket parts when he can make more money out of selling you some nice, shiny, new factory parts.

I agree the cracked dash is a turn-off to most buyers; only those hoping to get a car for a bargain price would be in the slightest bit interested. I think Toyota would be well advised to rethink their policy on this matter.

It doesn't seem normal and you did the correct thing in going back to the installer, but not finding any satisfaction there you should take the car to the system supplier, the Australian LPG Warehouse, and have them assess it for you and hopefully fix it to your satisfaction. The phone number is 1300 574 669.

The dealer is incompetent, and lazy. Contact Toyota’s customer assistance people and report your experience, with the car, and with the dealer, as they need to be hauled over the coals. There is something wrong with your car and, you’re right, it needs to be fixed. If the dealer and Toyota say it can’t be fixed, which I seriously doubt they will, park it on the dealer’s forecourt and ask for your money back.

The explosion is a result of the air/LPG mixture in the intake manifold igniting, most likely set off by a stray spark. Change the plugs and plug leads again, they are usually the cause of this problem.

Your caravan is within Toyota's claimed towing capacity for the Prado, which is 2500 kg, so that's fine. You can tow the caravan in "Drive" on the flat, but pull it back into fourth when approaching a hill and don't let it labour in a higher gear. The gearbox will downchange automatically, but by the time it works out that it needs a lower gear you would have lost momentum and might actually need to go down to an even lower gear. Drive according to the terrain.