Prevalence of V6 Head Gasket Failure?

[rwh963]

I was wondering if there are any stats on the head gasket on the earlier V6's that sometimes fail. Some have said that they are all destined to fail due to the issue, others say only small percentage will ever fail. Has Toyota ever recognized this issue?

Mainly asking in case I ever shop for a 2003-2006 4Runner (and don't suggest going with the V8!).

 

[montijo505]

Knowing there is a chance, no matter how slim, I'd go late 06-09. Plus you get a 5 speed transmission over the 4 speed in the 03-05.

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[Bumbo]

I have a 2004 V6 with 210k miles and I drive it like I stole it... no concerns or issues from my end.

For the volume of units sold, I really don't think its a massive issue. I see more people talking about it out of fear than actual examples of people with issues.

 

[y=mx+b]

It happens, but doesn't happen to everyone immediately at some certain mileage. I have a build date 6/05 2005 v6, so a pretty late 05. Not sure when the 06 started production, but in 11/05 they did a redesign of the v6 HG. Anything build date 12/05 and after should be okay.

FWIW, 2005 v6 with 213k miles on original head gaskets, old design. I also drive it like I stole it sometimes because I'm an idiot lol. Coolant reservoir has dropped probably 2" since when I last filled it 12/19/19 and last oil analysis did show some traces of coolant in the oil, although it decreased from the first change I had analyzed. Decreased significantly enough that Blackstone Labs thought I had fixed the HG and these were just trace amounts left over. Lat analysis was something like 50ppm Potassium and 28ppm Sodium in oil. I took another sample when I changed it last week, so we'll see what the results are with this one.

And 03 to I believe early 04 v6 have the 4 speed. Late 04s and all 05s should have the 5 speed. All v8s have 5 speed.

This could be another helpful resource: *** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***

 

[wsgoat]

Knowing there is a chance, no matter how slim, I'd go late 06-09. Plus you get a 5 speed transmission over the 4 speed in the 03-05.

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'05's were equipped with the five speed trans, but yes, if I were looking I would limit my search to (late) '06-'09 and preferably a vehicle from a southern state.

 

[Captsolo]

I have 2005 V6 4runner with 150,000 miles. No HG issues. The coolant level in the overflow canister always at the exact right lever - I check every week (few days). 4runned runs like new.

Never have had an overheat. One overheat and that will change everything!

Change oil with conventional every 5000 miles.

Switched once to synthetic and got drips immediately on garage floor. Changed back to conventional oil - drips stopped completely in 6 months.

I agree with Bumbo.