2004 Limited Edition 4Runner 4X4 - Head Gasket
- Thread starter TracyScram
- Start date
There are others in this thread saying they had HG problems on other years but there do seem to have been a lot of 2004's. Maybe it's because they're 8 years old at this point and other years will soon follow - who knows. Against that logic, though, I'm not sure I've ever seen a 2003 reported. Someone should create a spreadsheet. Maybe if I get bored some day.
But I'm always a bit leery of people who come on here and within their first 10 posts they're reporting a head gasket problem. Some of them may be legit but Clockwork/EskimoChaos/etc is bound to be behind some of them.
In this thread alone you have these people reporting a HG failure
TracyScram - 1 post
thebitz - 9 posts
2004 Headache - 1 post
cpayne - 142 posts
lifesaver71 - 11 posts
PWNSportEd - 7 posts
sierra ss - 8 posts
cah283 - 8 posts
Mama_B - 1 post
Jeff T - 363 posts - unconfirmed as of this moment
Gumps Runner - 1 post
Again, some are probably legit but I have no doubt that some of them are Clockwork/EskimoChaos/etc.
Carl_G
Member
I second that; excellent call
run4estrunner
New member
i bought a 2005 Sport 4x4 V6 from a honda dealer off their used lot only to find out that it had been diagnosed from a toyota dealer with a leaking head gasket with a cylinder 6 misfire only 200 miles before they received it as a trade in. It ran awesome when i bought it. My theory is that the people who traded it threw some sealer in it to get it to run good then traded it for a honda. Somehow the honda dealer didnt catch the leak.... A-holes... long story short the general manager of honda worked with me to have a used engine with a 2 year warranty and 40k miles on it put in by the toyota dealer that originally diagnosed it. I ended up paying 500 bucks, which i was totally happy with since i was getting a lower milage engine. Shes running stronger than ever now.
So ya, from my research it is a very common problem to have after 100k miles. Mine had 120k on that engine that was leaking. My roommate is a mechanic and has diagnosed 2 more leaky HG's on these v6 engines, one in a 4R and one in a tacoma. Toyota definitely has a design flaw on this motor.
So ya, from my research it is a very common problem to have after 100k miles. Mine had 120k on that engine that was leaking. My roommate is a mechanic and has diagnosed 2 more leaky HG's on these v6 engines, one in a 4R and one in a tacoma. Toyota definitely has a design flaw on this motor.
Completely disagree. This is not a "common problem". I keep coming back to the fact the the majority of 4runners sold are v6's and if you add in tacoma's, FJ's and the base model tundra's there have to be at least 600,000 of these engines produced between 2003 and 2010. We are hearing of a few reports of head gasket issues and we don't have any idea what the maintenace history is for most of these, nor do we know if people are actually telling the truth about their maintenence history. I can only speak for my 4runner but I suck at doing pm and didn't change my radiator fluid until 150k and I only did a drain and fill about 8 times and I have no signs of these issues at 170k. So I'm calling BS on most of these complaints. Disagree if you want but I need to see more like a 1% failure rate to say this is a common problem.
YotaDriver
New member
If you want to keep your head in the sand that's your choice, but if it's gotten to the point where you read the description of a rough idle upon start-up, a check engine light indicating a misfire on either cylinder #4 or #6, and missing coolant and you KNOW it's a head gasket issue, then it's safe to assume there's a design problem with the 1GR-FE engine. It's important to note that we have no idea how many of these engines have failed in this manner and haven't been reported on these forums, but it's safe to assume the number we don't read about here is larger than the number we do read about.
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4runnerwithasack
New member
another 2004 HG issue..Exact symptoms as others on here, very glad I found this post. Ive been searching all day and night on this issue and have come across many of these issues on the 04 v6 models only and turns out that these heads may have been machined wrong...for the past month my car starts up rough at idle, then after about 30 sec. to a minute it idles normal. I had my issue in the number 4 cylinder...I get a check engine light that flashes for about 10 sec. then all my VSC and trac off lights are coming on...So I took it to the dealer, they moved the #4 coil to the passenger side and changed all plugs, issue went away for 2 weeks and 300 miles...yesterday morning, go to start it up and same issue is recurring. I have 129000 on the clock!!!! VERY DISPLEASING~ my 2001 4runner had 276000 miles before it needed headgaskets, this thing should go atleast 200000 miles before head gaskets....
So I guess now, im not sure what to do? No signs of leaks no smells no issues while driving, but all is telling me to tear it down~ Im thinking these heads are warped and just replacing head gaskets isnt going to take care of the issue~ These are going to need rebuild and or new heads:guitar3:sweet:redbrick:
So I guess now, im not sure what to do? No signs of leaks no smells no issues while driving, but all is telling me to tear it down~ Im thinking these heads are warped and just replacing head gaskets isnt going to take care of the issue~ These are going to need rebuild and or new heads:guitar3:sweet:redbrick:
Jeff T
Member
My 4R acted just like yours. I did the coil move and plug swap. Mechanic did a leak down test on cylinder 4 and it dropped quick, he then pulled the #4 plug and inserted a camera into the cylinder and you could see the coolant leak.
Cost me $2700 for the repair, 5k later it still purrs like a champ.
Sad to say it, but yours sounds the same.
Same problem - #6 cylinder leak
I found out today that my '04 4runner, V6 engine, 105,000 miles has a head gasket leak at the #6 cylinder. It has had the exact same symptoms described as many others here. P0306 code, minimal coolant loss, no exhaust smoke, no overheating, just 15 to 20 seconds of rough idle especially when cold which is just enough to throw the misfire code. Dealer had no clue and recommended cleaning fuel injectors. Took it to my local mechanic and he diagnosed the bad news. Called corporate Toyota 800-331-4331, but they refused to compensate for anything, parts or labor, replying that my vehicle was "out of warranty" - I would have expected much higher quality from a Toyota engine and at least an offer to pay for the gasket set - if you have this same problem please call the 800 number!
I found out today that my '04 4runner, V6 engine, 105,000 miles has a head gasket leak at the #6 cylinder. It has had the exact same symptoms described as many others here. P0306 code, minimal coolant loss, no exhaust smoke, no overheating, just 15 to 20 seconds of rough idle especially when cold which is just enough to throw the misfire code. Dealer had no clue and recommended cleaning fuel injectors. Took it to my local mechanic and he diagnosed the bad news. Called corporate Toyota 800-331-4331, but they refused to compensate for anything, parts or labor, replying that my vehicle was "out of warranty" - I would have expected much higher quality from a Toyota engine and at least an offer to pay for the gasket set - if you have this same problem please call the 800 number!
bigthreeforlife
New member
Bought a 2004 with 115k miles from a toyota dealership. Super clean car no accidents and all maint done and recoreded at the dealership. Well after driving for a couple months I thought the idle sounded rough, everyone says I'm hearing things. I kept my eye on the coolant level and it looks to be dropping very slowly. I don't have the code, but figure its only a matter of time before that happens. I figure I'm in the same boat and my headgasket is bad. Obviously thats why the person probably traded the car in... I don't think I have any recourse with the dealer though...
I have no idea where to take the car, I know the dealership is going to be pretty expensive for the job, but are they the best? What is the price from a dealer to replace both head gaskets? I live in Chicago, if anyone has any recomendations let me know. I'd rather just get it over with now catching it early than put off the inevitable.
FYI this is my 2nd post because I just bought the car. So far got my spare stolen and have a probable bad head gasket, loving it so far!
I have no idea where to take the car, I know the dealership is going to be pretty expensive for the job, but are they the best? What is the price from a dealer to replace both head gaskets? I live in Chicago, if anyone has any recomendations let me know. I'd rather just get it over with now catching it early than put off the inevitable.
FYI this is my 2nd post because I just bought the car. So far got my spare stolen and have a probable bad head gasket, loving it so far!
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The book says that to replace both Cylinder Head Gaskets takes 9.8 hours of labor with $88/ea for the gaskets.
I know that Midtown Toyota on Cicero Ave used to charge $105/hr for labor. Obviously, finding a shop that charges $20, $30, $40 an hour less translates into real money on a 10 hour job. I would not feel compelled to take it to a dealer service department.
.
talonjade
New member
So I'm gonna say to all of you people NOT having HG issues to stop telling people in their own posts (with multiple users posting with HG issues) that there is no substantial evidence...V6 HG issues are posted new almost every week if not every other week... there is no issue here...not so sure about that....
Just because your V6 has not had a HG issue doesn't mean isn't not happening to others... I.E. look at the (cracked dash issue for 03-07 4runners) lots of posts and pictures; I don't have an issue but 30-40 others do and I can say that's a pattern when the people (MoMO) are meticulous at maintaining their vehicles...
I understand that a large volume of Toyota's have the V6 and that the affected can only amount to a small fraction percentage of the total, but that don't change the numbers or posts that just seem to keep coming... so your point about (there is no evidence...BS... in a week there will be 2-3 more ppl {new or old} that's gonna post a HG V6 issue this week or next.)
it IS a patter if the pattern continues unchanged... its not a HUGE issue but there are regular enough posts on this thread alone. I know granny smith down the street isn't posting here HG issue on this thread... so you can say that our forum is a good sample if not a Great sample of the general v6 & v8 vehicles produced. a small number but a good sample.... think about it.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
I don't think its as much a design flaw in the engine as a gasket issue. Toyota has a superceeded part number for the new V6 Headgaskets which are a new design. I haven't seen many come through our dealership, but I have to say I am surprised that Toyota hasn't put a TSB at least out for the issue.
The number of premature (vehicles that fall under warranty) head gasket failures seems low compared to the amount of vehicles produced. Unfortunetly, the dealerships won't really care about vehicles who's head gasket's failed outside of warranty (though 100k-200K is still too soon for a HG in my eyes) unless Toyota issues a TSB and/or campaign. So far Toyota is taking these head gasket issues on a case by case basis as far as I am aware.
I wish I had better news for you guys.
The number of premature (vehicles that fall under warranty) head gasket failures seems low compared to the amount of vehicles produced. Unfortunetly, the dealerships won't really care about vehicles who's head gasket's failed outside of warranty (though 100k-200K is still too soon for a HG in my eyes) unless Toyota issues a TSB and/or campaign. So far Toyota is taking these head gasket issues on a case by case basis as far as I am aware.
I wish I had better news for you guys.
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Jeff T
Member
I called Toyota as soon as my issue was diagnosed. I was shocked at how quickly I felt they wanted to get off the phone and move on. Even though I rec'd the brush off I encourage everyone with this issue to call so someone else might be saved the $$$.
One of the reasons my repair took so long, 5 weeks, was the head gaskets were back ordered. It really stings when I get the dissed only to find out the part I had fail was is redesigned and I paid a size able sum to have repaired
Toyota has to have some culpability here.
I have 4runner just now had this problem, cylinder 6 head gasket. I reported to Toyota and they are not doing anything about it, all they can do is take the report. I have 137,000 miles, if I had 175-200k maybe I would not complain. My Honda Accord went over 200k without any major problems.
I used to be loving my Toyota more when I take my wife's 2003 BMW for service, but you know what, this repair cost more than whatever I had put into the BMW. When it comes to buying a new car and its coming soon as they are both 10 years old... I will look elsewhere. I thought I was buying reliability and not prestige. Might as well pay for prestige.
I used to be loving my Toyota more when I take my wife's 2003 BMW for service, but you know what, this repair cost more than whatever I had put into the BMW. When it comes to buying a new car and its coming soon as they are both 10 years old... I will look elsewhere. I thought I was buying reliability and not prestige. Might as well pay for prestige.
oljedi11950
New member
New head gasket part no.
Hey blackworksinc do you know the part no. for the v6 ? Or is not available yet ?
Hey blackworksinc do you know the part no. for the v6 ? Or is not available yet ?
YotaDriver
New member
It's great that Toyota seems to be willing to pay out for an imaginary "sudden, unintended acceleration" claim but won't step up to the plate to fix what seems to be an endemic problem with the IGR-FE. Very disappointing.
Maybe you just need to drive your 4runner into a bridge abutment once it's diagnosed with the HG issue and blame it on the floor mats (snark).
Maybe you just need to drive your 4runner into a bridge abutment once it's diagnosed with the HG issue and blame it on the floor mats (snark).
