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Top issues
13 known problems · 1 high
high
Injector over-fuelling / excessive smoke
4.5L 1VD-FTV twin-turbo V8 diesel
medium
KDSS hydraulic seal leaks (VX/Sahara)
All engines
medium
DPF clogging on short trips (2015+)
4.5L 1VD-FTV twin-turbo V8 diesel
Recalls
1 on recordREC-001320
2020-04-06
Defect: The fuel pump may stop operating.
Hazard: Warning lights may display and the engine may stall while driving.
Remedy: Toyota will contact affected owners to arrange free inspection and repair at a dealer.
Affected: Toyota Camry, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Kluger, Hilux, Prado and LandCruiser 200, 2013-2019 model years (75,905 units across all affected models)
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
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Generations
Price (AUD)
$35k-$115k
Body styles
5-door wagon
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen centre diff, lockable)
Origin
Japan
Built in
Japan
Overview
Sold as GX, GXL, VX and Sahara. The benchmark full-size touring 4WD - full-time 4WD with a lockable Torsen centre diff, KDSS active sway-bar disconnect on higher grades, and a reputation for going anywhere and lasting forever. The 4.5L 1VD-FTV twin-turbo V8 diesel is the mainstay; petrol buyers got the 2UZ-FE 4.7 V8 (2007-2012) then the more powerful 1UR-FE 4.6 V8 (2012-2021). The 2015 facelift bumped diesel outputs and, importantly, added a DPF - which introduces short-trip maintenance considerations the pre-2015 trucks don't have. Hugely strong, with the trade-off being weight, thirst and a high entry price.
Engines & variants
4.5L 1VD-FTV twin-turbo V8 diesel
Engine
4.5L common-rail twin-turbo diesel V8
Engine code
Config
V8 twin-turbo
Displacement
4461cc
Power
195kW @ 3400rpm (200kW from 2015)
Torque
650Nm @ 1600-2800rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
0–100
~9.0s
Economy
10.3-12 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Effortless 650Nm - superb tow and touring engine
- Legendary longevity with maintenance (400k+ km)
- Pre-2015 examples are DPF-free and simpler
- Enormous aftermarket and Toyota dealer support
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Injectors are expensive and labour-intensive (V8, 8 of them)
- Post-2015 DPF dislikes short urban runs
- Heavy and thirsty by modern standards
- High purchase price even at high km
Known problems
high
Injector over-fuelling / excessive smoke
The classic 1VD issue - injectors wear and over-fuel, causing excessive smoke and rough running that worsens with km. Poor-quality diesel and water in the fuel accelerate it. Replacing all eight is a big job.
Fix: Fit a 2-micron secondary fuel filter, use quality diesel, and replace injectors as a set with updated parts when symptoms appear.
medium
DPF clogging on short trips (2015+)
Facelift diesels have a DPF that won't passively regenerate on short, low-speed urban driving, leading to soot loading, forced regens and back-pressure that can stress the turbo/EGR.
Fix: Regular highway runs to allow regen; address early before it cascades into turbo/EGR damage.
medium
Turbo and EGR stress from back-pressure
Neglected DPF/injector issues raise exhaust back-pressure and soot, shortening turbo and EGR life.
Fix: Keep the exhaust/after-treatment healthy; catch-can helps reduce intake oiling.
low
Cracked exhaust manifolds
Exhaust manifolds can crack at very high km / hard towing duty.
Fix: Manifold replacement.
4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 petrol
Engine
4.7L DOHC VVT-i V8
Engine code
2UZ-FE
Config
V8 NA
Displacement
4664cc
Power
202kW @ 5400rpm
Torque
410Nm @ 3400rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
0–100
~9.5s
Economy
14-18 L/100km real world
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5AT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven (replace ~150,000km)
Pros
- Bulletproof Toyota V8 - no diesel after-treatment complexity
- Cheaper to buy than the diesel
- Quiet, smooth, simple to own
- No DPF, no injector drama
Cons
- Timing belt is a scheduled (not lifetime) service item
- Thirsty and low-torque next to the diesel for heavy towing
- Much weaker resale than the 1VD diesel
Known problems
medium
Timing belt service interval
Unlike the chain-driven petrol that replaced it, the 2UZ uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule; an overdue belt is a real risk.
Fix: Replace belt (with water pump/tensioner) on interval - confirm history before buying.
low
Fuel thirst
14-18 L/100km is normal; worse when towing.
Fix: Accept it or fit LPG; not a fault.
low
Starter motor (under intake)
Starter is buried under the intake and can fail at high km, making the labour the costly part.
Fix: Quality replacement starter.
4.6L 1UR-FE V8 petrol
Engine
4.6L DOHC Dual VVT-i V8
Engine code
1UR-FE
Config
V8 NA
Displacement
4608cc
Power
227kW @ 5500rpm
Torque
439Nm @ 3400rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
0–100
~8.5s
Economy
14-18 L/100km real world
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Strong, smooth, chain-driven V8 (no belt service)
- More power than the 2UZ it replaced
- No DPF/injector complexity of the diesel
- Robust, simple ownership
Cons
- Thirsty
- Lower torque than diesel for sustained heavy towing
- Weaker resale than the diesel
Known problems
low
Fuel thirst
14-18 L/100km, more when towing or loaded.
Fix: Not a fault; accept or fit LPG.
low
Water pump weep
Water pump bearing can weep coolant at higher km.
Fix: Replace water pump during a major service.