Do you agree with this chart that shows that the 4th Gen is most reliable?

[TejasRunner01]

Hey everyone,

For you that haven't heard of the car quality index by Dashboard light, it takes in data (over 1.7 million samples) and creates an indexed value for reliability.

I was surprised to see that the 4th Gen ranked highest regarding reliability. I feel this is especially interesting considering the 03-05's V6 having head gasket failures. I've always thought the consensus was that 3rd gens were the most reliable. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts!

Here is the link: Toyota 4Runner Reliability - Dashboard Light

 

[DaMonkey]

Is this data from an app that collects information about how many codes are thrown? As we all know there are a lot of 3rd gen that are not well-maintained outside of this group. 4th gen are newer.

That chart is probably best suited for used car buyers that would rather get in and go and don’t want to screw with anything. I like screwing with things and if I’m gonna screw with anything I’d rather it be 3rd gen. Mostly bc of panache. I really don’t know much about the 4th gen. The 5th gen data is interesting.

 

[APhelps]

I think 4th gens are probably better value buys than the 3rd gens at this time. Likewise the 3rd gens have some head gasket issues, lower ball joints, and a few other common issues.

Besides 4.0 L v6 > 3.4 L v6, the 3rd gen is a dog. I'm surprised anyone wants the 4 banger.

 

[absalom]

The 3rd gen has HG issues? I know the 4th gen 4.0 does, but wasn't aware the 3rd gen did.

I'd say the V8 4th gen is the most reliable 4runner you can buy now. But we're splitting hairs at this point.

 

[Joelzy]

just spitballing here but:

1. how are they collecting data? I mean if its from people taking their car to the dealer for a CEL, i'd bet there is a skew there

2. depending on data collection, the period of time for the 2nd and 3rd gens to have issues is a lot longer than the newer models. Unless the data is a set time frame from actual production date, which again, i doubt they have data for on older models.

3. someone else probably knows more or anything at all on this(i don't), but i would imagine you have less of the petty codes with newer models simply by lessening the vacuum systems and relying on electronics more. maybe?

again, i dont know, i do know that i love my 3rd and its pretty damn easy to work on so i'll stick to that :thumb3:

 

[rightyouareken]

From what I understand, early 4.0l engines had headgasket issues due to a design flaw of the headgasket. 3.4l engines have headgasket failures due to age/overheating as they get old. So kinda apples and oranges there.

Also on the 4th gens, the V8s have cracking exhaust manifold issues, and all 4th gens seem to have power brake booster issues that the 01-02s have as well.

4th gens also seem to have more issues with their 4wd solenoids than 3rd gens, but that might just be confirmation bias on my part during research.

 

[APhelps]

The 3rd gen has HG issues? I know the 4th gen 4.0 does, but wasn't aware the 3rd gen did.

I'd say the V8 4th gen is the most reliable 4runner you can buy now. But we're splitting hairs at this point.

I know two people locally who cracked one of their heads. Not sure exactly what caused it but I've read other people having problems with their head gaskets so I sorta just figured it was a semi-common problem. The LBJ failures and pink milk shakes take the cake though.

 

[Mark_BC]

Pre mid 99 used a composite head gasket that wasnt very good. Mid 99 onwards used MLS which is better. This is what I've heard, not totally sure. Couple that with heads susceptible to warping and cracking. I just got a compression tester so I can see for sure if 2 of my 3 4runners have bad head gaskets as suspected(97 and 98). My 2000 seems fine which is post 99.

 

[Joelzy]

Pre mid 99 used a composite head gasket that wasnt very good. Mid 99 onwards used MLS which is better. This is what I've heard, not totally sure. Couple that with heads susceptible to warping and cracking.

thats the way i understand it as well, my factory motor had a HG failure at 141k in 2 cylinders.
when i bought the replacement gaskets they only offered the later version due to the earlier failures.

another factor for this test is that things like LBJs and (probably)cracked exhaust manifolds dont show up on dashboard

 

[jgue467]

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports will provide far better detail broken down by MY, major functional area and give ratings at that level in the "below average, average, above average" type.

I mean maybe one gen is more reliable than another but nothing in Life comes that easy! There's details involved like braking systems, engine, trans and on and on. Lumping all that into one MY and thumbs up/thumbs down is loosing all that and then you buy bad stuff.

Learn what the colors mean in CR. How do you think I ended up with a 3rd gen vs others? :cowboy:

 

[gamefreakgc]

It seems that for people who neglect their vehicles, the 4th Gens are just as reliable if not more reliable. For those that at least keep up the fluids though, 3rd Gens will last a very, very long time. The rear axle seals and warping rotors seem to be pretty universal though.

I do agree with the first chart, the 3.0L 3VZ-E was the worst engine Toyota ever made. It was a maze of vacuum hoses (VSVs anyone?), had terrible head gaskets and would throw codes if you looked at it funny. No fun.

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

They gather their info from vehicles at auctions. It's not necessarily over the life span of a vehicle or model, just what they see at the time they are auctioned. I do wonder about how reliable the data set is, if you look at the link they have for Vehicles over 18 years, 38% are Oldsmobile, Mercury is 20%, and Buick is 15%. Those are the highest percentages, Toyota is only 11%