2004 Engine Questions

[mam4994]

I have a few simple questions regarding 2004 4Runner V6 engines.

I am going to purchase a 2004 4x4 4Runner around March. I reviewed the Consumer Reports New Car Preview 2004, and noticed that V6 received poor marks on the predicted reliability while the V8 received an excellent mark for predicted reliability (pg 141). Upon further investigation (pg. 11) in the magazine it stated in regards to reliability, "The V6 version of the redesigned 2003 4Runner was below average, although the V8 version was fine. (That V6 was subjected to a fuel-system recall)." Could someone please explain this statement and any problems which were encountered with their V6 or 4Runner?

Furthermore, one Toyota dealer stated that you MUST fuel the V6 with 91 octane (super premium) petroleum, if not your engine will ping. Is this a true statement?

Thank you

 

[HOK]

can you share the reports?

yes the V6 requires premium from what i'm told. But i still fill the V8 with premium.

 

[Thai]

Here is the recall on the V6:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=381

Here are more info on the recalls for 4th gen 4runners:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=631

Hope this helps.

 

[peter78]

Here is a thread talking about the Consumer Reports article.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=1361

Also, it is my understanding the Toyota recommends Premium fuel, but you can use lower grade fuel. The engine computer adjusts to the fuel and should be OK. It is my understanding that the horsepower goes down a little and the engine should not ping. The engine tends to make more noise than a normal engine so the dealer is just giving his opinion not Toyota's. Speaking of Consumer Reports they do put in regular in the V6 engine and it seems to run fine. Consumer Reports recommends regular fuel in both the Highlander V6 and the 4Runner V6, both engines similar in design.

When I looked at SUV's in 2001, I found the same thing for the Nissan Pathfinder engine, it recommends premium fuel, but can adjust to regular. My feeling was, if I bought a engine that recommends premium fuel I would go with the premium fuel. I even figured out how much more that would cost after 100,000 miles. Which I think was $1,200. To me not terrible amount in the scheme of owning a vehicle.

 

[jharris2]

yes the V6 requires premium from what i'm told.

Not true. the 2003 owner's manual states for BOTH engines:

"Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended."

 

[ToolmanJohn]

The Consumer report for the poor reliability is almost entirely the fault of the V6 recall for the misassembled fuel pulsation dampener.
I am a member of CU and have access to private forums and this specific question was also asked there by a member and replied to by a CR moderator in their automotive forums.
All of the CR member feedback is used to rate vehicles, and at least 100 members must submit a report on that particular vehicle in the annual product survey for it to receive any rating at all.
What this means is that at least 100, 2003 4runner owners with a V6 engine were affected by the recall and they reported a bad experience because of it. If there had been no recall, reliability would have been excellent. I bought my V6 Limited 4runner in August 2003 and so was not affected by the recall. I too was concerned about the CU report, because they are a reliable source of info. But their data was skewed by the recall. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a V6 , even one affected by the recall, because the problem was fixed.
If you wait until late next year for the 2004 ratings, I would bet the 2004 V6 would be fine. And watch from year to year as the 2003 V6 rating starts getting better if no further problems arise.
Personnaly I like my vehicle a lot, especially where I live in CT with the big snowstorms we have had. This truck is unstoppable going up any hill. My biggest beef is the fuel milage. My computer is off 10% of the readout. So if it says 16 MPG, I am actually getting 14.4 or very close to it doing the actual math using full tank and tripmeter calculation. It always reads higher than it actually is. Mine has been 14-16 MPG since new, and that's MIXED driving. All stop and go city would be 13 MPG easy, and I am not hard on my truck!! I use 87 octane fuel. No pinging ever. Premium is recommended when towing.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

here is a copy of the email response to two member questions about the V6 reliability rating.

"From: CR_Expert_Gabriel_Shenhar Dec-18 10:38 am
To: Mark_Goldman (3 of 7)

155.3 in reply to 155.2

Mark and Robert,

Yes the V6's reliability was mostly affected by the fuel system problem that was rectified by the recall."

Hope this puts any other prospective buyers at ease. Just be aware the mileage ain't great compared to a car, but if you already own a truck, it won't be a big deal.

 

[Thai]

Thanks, ToolManJohn!

 

[Guest]

Here is my comment from the thread Peter78 linked (good looking out Peter!)

"Originally posted by peter78
The article said the V6 has had a fuel related problem. When I went to the 4Runner page, it showed a big black mark for reliability for the V6. It showed the reliability chart showing all solid red or half red for different items. The engine for the V6 has a solid red mark, which is good. So I am some what confused with their findings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


No,no.
The V6 got a black circle on PREDICTED RELIABILITY. When you read the definition of predicted reliability, it is based on surveys of the past 3 years or the first months of an all new model.

In the RELIABILITY department, the V6 got all solid red or half red. Some of the Highest ratings of any SUV or sedan out there!

I think the PREDICTED RELIABILITY was tainted by early models with the recall for fuel mechanism and other issues not affecting later builds.

I think it is important to note that the Consumer Reports test vehicle was the V6 4Runner. This is what they based their glowing recommendation of the 4Runner on!





Also Thanks ToolmanJohn for the inside scoop on Consumer Reports review!
Gotta keep the V6 pride going!