1990 Toyota 4RUNNER engine problems

Filed Apr 12, 2016 · Engine · 148,000 miles · OK

This specific toyota forerunner model had a recall for gasket failure. We had it replaced at appx 74,000 miles done by toyota as a courtesy recall. This truck currently has very low mileage considering the age of the truck, about 148,000 miles. It recently almost caught fire overheating after another gasket failure. We feel that either the original repair was not properly completed or another faulty gasket was installed. It's amazing that both times the gasket failed at around the same mileage, 75,000. This car has been extremely well maintained and garaged with a single owner.

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Engine · 300,854 miles · CA

Fan blade disintegrated at highway speed. Dented hood, cracked battery, ruined shroud and alternator belt.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Engine · 91,012 miles · CA

I brought my toyota to the repair shop,the repairman told me my car has a defective head gasket and told me to call the toyota dealer for repair. I called the dealer they told me that the head gasket had been repaired. They will not pay for it again. I think that is not fair for a consumer to pay for a defective engine. Keeps blowing head gasket but only repair once is not enough.

Filed Feb 21, 2005 · Engine · 139,860 miles · CA

Head gasket problem. Valve problems

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Engine · UT

While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the head gasket was cracked and needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · CA

I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. The mileage at purchase was only 30k, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. The original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100k miles, regardless of time since original use. The tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100k miles, whichever occurs first. Since october 2000, I have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, I have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem. I did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem is a leaky head gasket. The toyota dealership I go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after I questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments. The current mileage of the vehicle is 99k. I have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem is a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it. I have been told this is not possible because of the age of the vehicle. I feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100k mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb. I do not know what further I can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Engine · 50,000 miles · CA

I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. The mileage at purchase was only 30k, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. The original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100k miles, regardless of time since original use. The tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100k miles, whichever occurs first. Since october 2000, I have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, I have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem. I did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem is a leaky head gasket. The toyota dealership I go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after I questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments. The current mileage of the vehicle is 99k. I have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem is a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it. I have been told this is not possible because of the age of the vehicle. I feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100k mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb. I do not know what further I can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Engine · CA

Consumer states that the vehicle head gasket has failed. Dealer notified.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Engine · AZ

Engine head gasket was replaced under the owner notification warranty, but blew out 5000 miles later.

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Engine · 53,000 miles · PA · fire

Vehicle was making a banging noise in the engine. White smoke, and fire in the engine. Vehicle was destroyed