Toyota HiLux Diesel Problems

When Toyota launched the facelifted HiLux late last year, much was made of the fact that consumer concerns had been noted and that the DPF problems experienced by many owners had been addressed. The problem is that until these new versions of the HiLux have done their share of kilometres, we won’t be in a position to know for sure whether Toyota has, indeed, cured the problem.

Meantime, it remains that unless your driving habits include a 30-minute drive at highway speeds every two or three weeks, a modern turbo-diesel with a DPF may not be the best choice. It is worth noting, though, that HiLuxes (and Prados and Fortuners) built after June 2018 have been fitted with a manual regeneration function for the DPF which means the driver can manually force a DPF burn-off without waiting for the car to do so itself. Toyota has also announced that the worst affected versions of the HiLux will now be covered by an extended, 10-year warranty on any DPF issues going forward. More information can be found here.

The best engine for economy is the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel. The 4.0-litre V6 is a great engine, but it does consume a fair amount of fuel. In terms of reliability they are much the same. On average they would have done between 100,000 and 150,000 km. Pricewise they would average $28,000-$31,000. The main thing to look for is any sign of hard work or heavy off-road use.

There shouldn’t be any significant noise if the injectors are within specification. Injector wear on common-rail diesel engines is quite common, so have the injectors checked to determine if they are within spec or not.

There are quite a few reports of problems with the dpf clogging on the latest 2.8-litre diesel, but a Toyota spokesman told us there is currently no service campaign or recall related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on any of the three vehicles you reference.

It doesn't matter what brand of fuel you use, the problem in the fuel-injectors. It's a problem with today's common-rail diesel engines and the injectors used in them. The only solution is to replace them. Phone Toyota's customer assistance people (Ph: 1800 869 682) if you want to pursue the problem.

A 2.8-litre turbo diesel is one of the engines announced this week for the new HiLux, with a gutsy 450Nm of torque.

I would ask Toyota to investigate what appears to be a serious issue with your car, and request that they cover the cost of replacing the engine. If they baulk at that suggestion continue to negotiate with them for part compensation. Carmakers often cover part of the cost in situations like yours.

13 mm is a long way over the top, but I doubt you would do any damage as a result. Even so I would be asking the dealer why it has been overfilled and to drain a little out so it is back to the high mark on the dipstick.

IT DEPENDS what you regard as incredibly thirsty. Four-wheel-drives tend to be thirsty. They're heavy and have to drag all that extra four-wheel-drive gear around, and the Rodeo's petrol V6 is a 3.5-litre unit. If fuel consumption is a key consideration for you, try a diesel. Fuel consumption will be much lower, and you won't lose too much performance.

IF IT'S coming in when the engine is under load it sounds like a diesel problem. It might be worth having the engine checked to make sure all is well under the bonnet, and check for displaced seals in the firewall that might be allowing the fumes to enter the cabin.