Was there a recall on the 2013 Toyota Prado?

This is a pretty well known problem with the three-litre turbo-diesel that Toyota was fitting to Prados between 2009 and 2014. The problem began when Toyota redesigned the pistons of the engine to help it achieve Euro 4 emissions standards. Earlier versions of the motor that didn’t comply with Euro 4 did not have the same problem. The piston cracking most commonly occurs once the engine has covered something like 100,000km or 150,000km. It was also most likely to occur in engines that had been modified to produce more turbo-boost or vehicles that had been used for extended periods of towing heavy loads. Toyota did issue a service bulletin for the problem and began fitting post-2014 engines with different fuel injectors and a revised piston design. Piston failures in these later engines are rarer but still not entirely unknown. Even though a service bulletin was issued, Toyota did not issue a recall for the affected vehicles.

My 2001 Toyota LandCruiser prado is shifting roughly when cold

The first thing to check is the level of the transmission fluid. If this is incorrect, it can cause all sorts of drive and shifting problems. Also, how long since this vehicle had its automatic transmission serviced? We tend to forget that these hard working components benefit from a periodic change of filter and fluid and a general check-up to make sure there’s nothing that needs adjusting inside the gearbox. The reason the transmission begins to feel better after it’s warmed up is possibly to do with the temperature of the fluid and the friction surfaces inside the transmission. When the gearbox and fluid are cold, the fluid is thicker (and harder to pump) and can’t lubricate or operate the transmission as effectively. Even so, the gearbox should not shift harshly even when it’s cold. When it does, it’s trying to tell you something.

My 1997 Toyota Prado GX will crank but not start

Before you buy more parts that may or may not fix the problem, have the vehicle electronically scanned. This is by far the most cost-effective way of finding out what’s wrong and then being able to tackle the actual problem. You could spend weeks and months, not to mention hundreds and thousands of dollars, replacing random parts that have no relationship to what’s causing the engine to refuse to start. There are literally thousands of reasons for the symptoms you’ve noted, so try to finding the root cause before committing to more replacement bits and pieces.

I am having acceleration problems with my 1998 Toyota Prado

The clue here is that the problem started after the repairs were made post-crash. It sounds awfully like some of the turbocharger's plumbing has been damaged/gone missing after the crash. If so – and it only takes a minute crack in the piping – the engine can lose turbo-boost, which will produce the precise symptoms you've noted. While the turbocharger itself will be working fine, the boost it produces is being allowed to escape into the atmosphere instead of being pumped into the engine to produce more power. That's why it sounds noisy, and also why it's not delivering the performance you're expecting.

How can I fix the Apple CarPlay in my 2020 Toyota LandCruiser Prado?

No that it's any consolation, but Toyotas have, for years, had owners complaining about the Bluetooth connectivity and clarity in some of its cars. In some cases, the dealer has been able to improve things, in others, the owner has resorted to an aftermarket head unit with better Bluetooth performance. Toyota has been working hard on this and, to be fair, later models seem to be better than ones from a decade or so ago. Again, though, that doesn't help you, nor is it acceptable that a modern car can't nail this now basic connectivity function. The advice would be to keep on the dealer for a fix. You could also call Toyota Australia's customer service division if the dealer can't resolve the issue.

What is the maximum internal length in a Toyota Prado that can be used for loads?

It will vary according to what model Prado we're dealing with and, since Australia is now on its third generation of Prado with deliveries starting back in 1996, that's a fair range of vehicles. As a guide, however, a 2009-onwards Prado (the J150 model) has a rear floor measurement of something like 1910mm with the second row of seats folded away. The best advice we can give you is to grab a tape measure and measure it for yourself. You'll need the tape measure anyway to measure the intended load in the first place.

My 2016 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has developed engine problems

There are probably hundreds of reasons for this to occur, starting with the fuel system and including (but not ending with) something to do with the electronics that control modern turbo-diesel engines. Other causes can be clogged EGR valves or faulty injectors. You need to have the vehicle scanned to see if the on-board computer has detected the fault and logged it. But don't rule out something simpler like a fault with the DPF or even a dirty air filter. Either way, black smoke suggests either a problem with the air-fuel mixture or the way it's being burned. But don't ignore the problem as black smoke from a diesel engine can also mean it's running hot and that can lead to all sorts of problems including internal engine damage. Unlike a petrol engine which will tend to run cooler on a too-rich mixture (too much fuel, not enough air) a diesel running rich can easily run too hot.

White smoke is coming from the exhaust of my Toyota LandCruiser Prado diesel

White exhaust smoke in a diesel engine is usually the result of a fuel system problem. Possible causes are dirty, worn or leaking fuel-injectors, but a modern common-rail diesel fuel system is pretty complex, so a scan of the vehicle might be a good idea too. Some owners of these modern diesels have been reporting very short injector lifespan, although some workshops seem to get good results with ultra-sonic injector cleaning. Even then, the problem can recur, and some mechanics reckon brand-new injectors are the only way to go. Don’t rule out a problem with the engine’s internal seals, the turbocharger and the DPF system, either, as these can all contribute to smoke of various colours at various times.

I have ordered a new Toyota Prado VX. There is a six-month wait before it arrives. Should I wait for the new model or order now?

If you ordered your Prado today, the waiting time would be closer to 15 months based on reports doing the rounds. But cancelling your order for the current model and ordering the new version would probably mean an even longer wait. The global shortage of silicon chips has meant many manufacturers (Toyota among them) are having a heck of a time building enough cars fast enough. There’s no reason to suggest that an all-new model will get around this problem. If you take the car you’ve already ordered and then want to trade up to the new version, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting rid of the first one as the second-hand market for these models is very strong (some buyers are paying more than the brand-new price for a second-hand car in some cases). As for black, it’s actually not the best colour for resale on a four-wheel-drive. Those that live in warmer climates will know that black paint is seen as a hindrance to keeping the car cool inside. And if you do use the car off-road, the black paint is much more likely to show scratches and scuffs of the sort picked up on bush tracks and trails.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2017 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2017 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Toyota Prado: Buying tips

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Oct 2017

Your choices are limited if you want a four-wheel drive for serious off-roading. You could look at a Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, or maybe one of the popular 4WD utes. A ute will do everything you need, and they are quite comfortable on the road.

Pajero Sport vs Prado diesel - which is better?

Answered by CarsGuide 22 Sep 2017

The Pajero is a rugged vehicle that is very good on-road and off, it is roomy, safe and well equipped, while the Prado is a large, reliable, and tough seven-seater. It’s very comfortable, but the diesel’s performance is lacklustre. It’s hard to beat the Pajero.

Diesel

Diesel Particulate Filter clogging in HiLux, Prado and Fortuner?

Answered by CarsGuide 17 Feb 2017

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.

Best family SUV that can tow?

Answered by CarsGuide 3 Feb 2017

All of the vehicles are worthy choices, but you need to be careful about the towing ratings of them. The Kia Sorento, which would be my choice, is rated at 2000kg, which is right on your towing requirement. Others, such as the 2WD Everest, are rated to tow much more. Others, like the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Prado, are full-on 4WDs, and would seem beyond your needs.

Fortuner or Prado?

Answered by CarsGuide 31 Jan 2017

That's a tough call. With its Hilux roots the Fortuner is a very competent off-roader, it has a separate chassis, switchable four-wheel drive, good ground clearance, a great diesel engine, and accommodates seven. The Prado's off-road credentials are well established, it's more refined, but it's heavier than the Fortuner, which weighs on its performance, and its towing rating is lower than the Fortuner's. Either one would do what you want, but I would slightly favour the Fortuner.

Search from Over 8,000 questions Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Complete Guide to Toyota
Landcruiser Prado

Reviews, price, specs and more

Reviews

Family
Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.
Adventure
Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Tradies
Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

Compare cars
We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more
Used cars
Buying used? Here's what to look out for and buy smart
Owner reviews
Your thoughts could drive you to more than just your next destination 🚗💬

Buying guides

Our experts pick the top models
- SUV
- Ute
- Hybrid
- Hatchback
- Electric
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Coupe
- People mover
- Convertible
- Commerical

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2017 Problems

Toyota Prado: Buying tips

Pajero Sport vs Prado diesel - which is better?

Diesel Particulate Filter clogging in HiLux, Prado and Fortuner?

Best family SUV that can tow?

Fortuner or Prado?

Search from Over 8,000 questions Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Complete Guide to ToyotaLandcruiser Prado

Related cars for sale

cars

guide

Complete Guide to Toyota
Landcruiser Prado