ARGH! 30k Mile Oil Leak-Front Timing Cover!

[johnnygraphic]

Whelp, so much for legendary Toyota reliability...

My 2021 TRD ORP sprung a leak that I found while changing the oil. I noticed oil on one of the bolts for the oil pan. Did some more looking and found oil on the back passenger side up under the valve cover and the cam tower plate.

Took it into the dealership that I bought it from and they weren't able to determine the exact source, so they cleaned up the leaks (not very well) and put dye into the oil. In 500 miles, I have to bring it back and have them recheck for leaks. Really hoping it isn't the front timing chain cover.

Original owner and I bought the 4Runner on 2/7/2021, so I'm just a little over the 5 year warranty period, but way under the mileage. Really hoping that they extent a goodwill repair for me.

Anyone else have experience with oil leaks this early in mileage or with goodwill warranty repairs by Toyota?

Edited title to reflect Timing Cover leak.

 

[Humble Leader]

damn that sucks. while I don't have experience with toyota and goodwill on a large $ repair I know it exists - they've done it for me on smaller repairs etc. but Lexus did it for me back in 2015 or so. my rx350 had paint imperfection near the rear emblem.

I was out of all warranty and past mileage. they charged me I think $200 and they sanded and repainted the entire rear hatch. disassembly, blast, paint, clear, reassembly for $200. been 12 years since the work was done and have had no issues. the lexus dealer I went to at the time did their own bodywork so it was done very well

all this to say is that yes it happens. the only way to get a positive result here is to not act like a jerk. go in there guns blazing the answer is no. go in there expecting the dealer to cover outside of warranty period everything on their own is not reasonable. be nice. be reasonable and focus on a solution not the problem, and you have the best chance at a good outcome

 

[johnnygraphic]

damn that sucks. while I don't have experience with toyota and goodwill on a large $ repair I know it exists - they've done it for me on smaller repairs etc. but Lexus did it for me back in 2015 or so. my rx350 had paint imperfection near the rear emblem.

I was out of all warranty and past mileage. they charged me I think $200 and they sanded and repainted the entire rear hatch. disassembly, blast, paint, clear, reassembly for $200. been 12 years since the work was done and have had no issues. the lexus dealer I went to at the time did their own bodywork so it was done very well

all this to say is that yes it happens. the only way to get a positive result here is to not act like a jerk. go in there guns blazing the answer is no. go in there expecting the dealer to cover outside of warranty period everything on their own is not reasonable. be nice. be reasonable and focus on a solution not the problem, and you have the best chance at a good outcome

Thank you! I have the same problem with my rear hatch emblem/latch area too. It's a pretty common problem on these 4Runners and I suppose a wider problem with Toyota? Not sure why they can't manufacture their cars so that it won't do that. So far, it has gone down only to the primer and that's all I see. I certainly hope it doesn't go down to bare metal and start rusting. Fortunately, I'm in CA and garage my car, so it won't become an issue.

I'm really hoping that they will do the repair and you're right, being polite, nice and respectful is the way to do. And I hope I don't have to go up to Toyota Corp. Just more time and anxiety.

Or, I could also try Scotty Kilmers fix, that Reseal 205 or whatever that is? Dude is an absolute legend but needs decaf.

 

[Humble Leader]

Thank you! I have the same problem with my rear hatch emblem/latch area too. It's a pretty common problem on these 4Runners and I suppose a wider problem with Toyota? Not sure why they can't manufacture their cars so that it won't do that. So far, it has gone down only to the primer and that's all I see. I certainly hope it doesn't go down to bare metal and start rusting. Fortunately, I'm in CA and garage my car, so it won't become an issue.

I'm really hoping that they will do the repair and you're right, being polite, nice and respectful is the way to do. And I hope I don't have to go up to Toyota Corp. Just more time and anxiety.

Or, I could also try Scotty Kilmers fix, that Reseal 205 or whatever that is? Dude is an absolute legend but needs decaf.

ha ya he has some good videos. I did see him review a 4runner though and he was test driving it on dry pavement with 4x4 lock on.

 

[johnnygraphic]

We have a short camping trip planned in the next two weeks, so hoping to get some miles on it and get this all sorted out. I hate having this big question mark hanging over my head.

I will definitely keep this thread updated with progress and results with the dealership.

Side note: I do like that they text pics and videos from the tech showing the problems. I can then screenshot and save them to my iPhone.

 

[MDFI29]

have you checked for a TSB covering that issue?

 

[johnnygraphic]

have you checked for a TSB covering that issue?

Great suggestion! I didn't even think about that. I did go to tsbsearch.com and didn't find anything.

Appreciate it!

Hopefully I'm not totally overlooking it, cuz that would stink if I had to pay out of pocket for the repairs and there was a TSB on it.

About to hit the 500 mile mark and going to schedule a visit...hopefully with good news.

 

[johnnygraphic]

I came across a handful of videos on the timing cover leak on these engines.
This guy posts a lot of videos on them. This is on a 4Runner with only 23k miles on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ETMTcX7pxhioWAOX&v=m0EEIQN-EY4&feature=youtu.be

He has other videos with time lapse of pulling the engine out and basically taking the entire thing apart and cleaning it and then resealing the engine.

Apparently, it is a fault at the factory with the FIPG gasket sealant Toyota used.

Taking the 4Runner in for another look tomorrow morning. Wish me luck gents!

 

[Humble Leader]

post updates when you have them. good luck

 

[johnnygraphic]

post updates when you have them. good luck

Currently in a holding pattern. The dealership wouldn't extend a goodwill repair and neither would Toyota Corp. Dealership also called the District Mgr, but no go.

I need to call the 800# again and plead to the Corp powers that be and see if I can work my way up the chain of command.

Estimate is $6,500. Still trying to digest this whole debacle.

***Just a warning to anyone out there to check their engines for any leaks around the timing cover or cam towers before your warranty is up!!!

Apparently, the FIPG (Form In Place Gasket) sealant they used (gray) didn't dry(?) or somehow failed in another way. The black sealant is superior.

 

[johnnygraphic]

Another update-Got a call from Toyota Corp yesterday denying my request. I asked if there was any way to appeal the decision. She is going to escalate to the next level. We'll see if I get a little more of a compassionate ear.

Expect to hear back in 7-10 business days.