*** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***

[Mad4Runner!]

Blown gasket

So it looks like I have the same issue with a leaking cylinder gasket on my 2004 4runner.

Here are the details:
2004
4x4
145000 miles
Cylinder #6 leaking cooling fluid.
Error code P0306

Problems started with rough starts and misfire in Cylinder 6, engine check light on in the dash board. After inspection at the dealer (and a second opinion), it was obvious the head gasket had blown.

Called Toyota to register a complaint, since they had the same problem with the previous model and had issued a recall for it. It seems to me the problems are still persisting... I have found other forums where people report blown head gaskets at about 130-160k, especially in cylinder #6. The car has not been abused and did not overheat as far as I am aware.

 

[Mad4Runner!]

Called Toyota, this is an obvious reoccurring problem with cylinder #6

I called 800-331-4331 and sure enough no recall or anything, they just took my name down.

Here is my case# 1408152385,

Anyone who has had this issue even if it was years ago please call and mention my case number so we can get the wheels moving on a possible recall.
The rep did say if enough people called in that people who did the repairs previously could possibly be reimbursed. Please call.

I called the support line at toyota and got a case number as well.
If you have this problem CALL TOYOTA. They had a recall for the same problem on the previous model of the 4runner.

 

[Mad4Runner!]

When I reported mine late last year they acted like it was news to them. Others have reported the same. Everyone that reports it gets treated like they were the first.

I called Toyota and got the same treatment, they acted like this is the first time they have heard of it. Got my call registered, but not holding my breath. Even though they had to have a recall for this same problem in the previous model 4runner.

 

[Porqupine82]

Model year- 2005
Mileage at failure- 146,000
Cylinder- 6
Production Date- 5/5
11th digit of VIN- 0
EIN (Engine Identification Number) Is found on rear passenger side stamped into engine (next to VIN plate on engine).
Can't find it, it's dark right now

 

[armabill]

I called and they also acted like it was the first time that they heard of it.
So, I went one step further- I made out a letter of complaint and sent one to Toyota in Japan and one to corporate Toyota in California.

I got a rely from Japan basically saying that it's US Corporate's responsibility.

Then I got a call from Toyota corporate in California replying to my letter.
After numerous calls back and forth, about six in all- I got a check for $1500.

I did have to send in my repair record and bills for the head gasket to Toyota California for the proof of the work. But instead of getting the one side done, I got both sides done at the same time.

Here's what I wrote:

At the dealership's recommendation, I had to replace the head gaskets after the warranty expired and I never had any head gasket problems with any other vehicle that I have ever owned- except for Toyota. I have read that the new head gaskets have been redesigned due to the failure of the original ones in 2004 and 2005. So there was a problem. No recall?

Does this mean that Toyota's reliability and credibility is no longer valid? These are the reasons that I bought Toyota in the first place but now I'm starting to think otherwise.

Enclosed are the repair reports/costs of the above mentioned problem and I would appreciate any monetary reimbursement consideration to keep me a satisfied customer. I know that I'll be buying a new vehicle in the future but the question is- will it be a Toyota?

Sent to:

Toyota Motor Corporation
1, Toyota-cho
Toyota-Shi, ACH 471-8571 Japan

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
19001 S. Western Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501 USA
1-800-331-4331

 

[Watstely]

I've never had the problem. 05 V6 with over 260k miles.

 

[Eturtle53]

Beginning to have issue

Although a regular reader here, I had never heard of this issue. About a year ago or so I had the misfire and replaced the plugs first and later the #6 coil. Issue got better and the code went away entirely.
I have always noticed that anytime I check(about once a month) the overflow tank, it was empty. But the coolant looked good when I changed it and no bubbles in the coolant with the cap off and it running.
It doesn't get driven as much as we used to. One day about 4 months ago it had not been at least 2 weeks and it started rough and sounded like it was down a cylinder for about 10 seconds and it went away. Never seemed down on power or with any other issues. It has only done that once since but was a mere momentary issue when was apparently fine.
My guess is it's an expansion issue as it had been cold for several nights when the problem presented on mine and the leak/ hole was bigger when it was cold. Obviously my leak must be pretty small, so I put half a bottle of the Bar's aluminum stop leak in there and it seems to have helped.
I was on the forums the other day for my 4WD actuator issue and found out about this. I'm sure it's just a matter of time for me now but at least I can plan for it, so thanks for getting this info out there.

2004 4Runner Limited 4x4
136k mi
occasional off-roading and no regular towing

 

[dwulffusa]

Ugh, my turn

2005 V6, 4WD, 145,000miles
Purchased June 2005.

Been a long time since I posted anything.

My 2005 with 145,000miles started the funny sloshing sound on start up last fall. I took it in for the 150k service and mentioned this but they didn't diagnose anything. The sloshing sound became more frequent and I now could occasionally hear it after braking firmly then pulling away again (could it be something else?..).

It became a third vehicle last October and I intended to sell it but held onto it for sentimental reasons, used very occasionally since then. Earlier this year it became the slight shimmer on cold starts which has gradually gotten worse and for the last 3 months will throw the P0302 code every 5-15 starts.

Took it in this week and they diagnosed a cylinder head leak, $3,100 repair.

Vehicle has been mine from new, immaculately maintained, every scheduled service and oil change done by the dealer, all documentation retained, never towed and 99% of mileage one up with the vast majority highway miles

I guess I'll go the route of reporting it and pleading for assistance.

Thanks for the info guys

 

[snobinge]

My 04' Sport was traded in when head gasket failed.
136kish
4x4 V6
#6
My parents 05' Sport also had head gasket failure that they replaced.
13x,xxx
4x4
V6
#6

 

[Grunner1023]

2004
4wd
170k
#6
Never overheated since I've owned it (about half the miles)

 

[cognus]

wow. that's like getting struck by lightening twice, and such similar circumstances!
I know it has been discussed, but in either case was there ANY hint as to the early stage of fail?

My 04' Sport was traded in when head gasket failed.
136kish
4x4 V6
#6
My parents 05' Sport also had head gasket failure that they replaced.
13x,xxx
4x4
V6
#6

 

[capri_auto]

almost 132k on 08 v6 no issues. Pretty sure this wont be effecting the 07-09 models

 

[cognus]

capri, take a look at the stats

I find there are quite a few of these in Tacoma land.
example: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/head-gasket-problem-please-help.146961/page-2

same signals etc: #6, #4 leaks, random mileage but a handful in the 120-140k range, some very early. expensive stuff
I checked the FJ forums: very few in their world, but very few FJ's sold/shipped. dunno.... the choice of coolant used in the plant? just lousy head gaskets? one commenter on one of the threads said that the mechanic showed him the OEM [failed] gasket and the replacement one they were installing, and he remarked at how very different they were. the latter robust..
my truck idles rough on cold start....

 

[Stewmatic508]

I've never had the problem. 05 V6 with over 260k miles.

The BIGGEST problem with Aluminum engines is not letting it overheat. That is by far the biggest cause of head gasket failures. Probably 99% of all head gasket failures on Aluminum engines is due to engine over heating. Over heat just ONCE and you could have a head gasket failure.

Besides the life time Tranny fluid...I'm NOT a big fan of leaving coolant in the radiator for 4 years. I change mine out every other year. It's very very very cheap insurance of having a head gasket failure.

How do you change your radiator fluid? Is there a easy way to leak it out?

 

[PTPT2002]

Oh man, i thought i was in the minority when i had my head gasket problem. It was problem free from brand new (10 miles on the odometer) until it hit 155k miles. The only maintenance was brakes and oil changes from 2004 to 2014.

2004 TOYOTA 4Runner SR5 V6
155,000 (head gasket replaced in 2014)
#6 was reported to be the issue.

Pretty much did the engine overhaul with the head gasket replacement.

Contacted Toyota about this but of course they said it was the first time they heard about this.

 

[cognus]

adding a few links on the other iterations of the motor:
P.O.S. Head Gasket replacement - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

the initial post was re: 2007 model with just 75K miles.
there are a couple of other mentioned in the thread but the details aren't stated well.

Massachusetts Head gasket/engine replacement - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
Head gasket leaking - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

'05 4.0 Liter Head Gasket Issues - Page 6 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums
this was a limited discussion pointing fingers at 2005 model

another:
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26091&page=2
There seem to be 3 or 4 here [hard to follow], and a very interesting post about what it takes for one to do the job 'at home'. [there are some youtube 'logs' of the jobs also]

and here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ce-Blown-head-gasket-on-4th-Gen-4Runner/page5
this is a pretty responsible thread. Hard to tell how many chime in. again, 2004's and 05's but I may have missed a couple. Some nifty pictures!

maybe I'm a hair sensitive because I have owned prior 3 yotas: 2000 4runner [3.4l], 2005 Corolla, 2004 Camry SE, now just bought the 07 T4R SR5. of the first 3; replaced engines in both the Corolla and the 2K T4R :shocked:
The Corolla was probably our fault. the 2K runner was the fault of "Jiffy Lube" :der: Interestingly, though the jobs were done years apart, the cost for replacing the block was about the same in both cases, and I didn't "shop" the jobs. Both Dealer done with warranties, around $5500 or so.

 

[Porqupine82]

To add to discussion, this is the new vs old head gasket. There are very obvious changes to the new (post 06) design, to the point that this gasket looks to be for a different engine. This pic was taken by the toyota tech that changed my gasket. Toyota obviously knew there was something wrong to do THIS MUCH of a redesign.

 

[cognus]

Great post Porqy

you refer to it as 'post 06' - was that when the part numbers changed over and the new one was generally available? meaning early calendar 07, or "beyond the model year 2006"? 07 T4R's were built probably from summer of 06

 

[Elan750]

I'm going to have to try not to live in fear. I just bought my 05' v6 6 weeks ago with 124k. Just changed the coolant (all three drains) and it looked very clean. Build date says 12/04. changed plugs and they looked ok. I dont tow. I guess thats all I can do...

 

[jeepgod]

Looks like i might be next, my coolant is disappearing with no leaks and I have bubbles coming up in the radiator. I will get it to the shop next week for a proper diagnose.