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Top issues
13 known problems · 3 high
high
AHC (Active Height Control) failure - VX/Grande only
All engines
high
Injector seat erosion (pre-2007)
3.0L 1KD-FTV diesel
high
VVT-i oil line failure
4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol
At this odometer
See which of this car's known problems are due at that mileage, which should already have been dealt with, and what's coming up.
Generations
Best and worst years for the Toyota LandCruiser Prado →
Before: Prado J90 (1996-2002) →
After: Prado J150 (2009-2024) →
Body styles
5-door wagon
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen)
Origin
Japan
Built in
Japan
Overview
Sold as GX, GXL, VX, Grande trims. The 120 series was the last 'old school' Prado before the J150 modernised everything. Three rows of seats standard. Full-time 4WD with Torsen centre diff. The 1KD-FTV diesel here is the same engine family as the Hilux N70 but in a different state of tune. Highly regarded as a go-anywhere family 4WD.
Engines & variants
3.0L 1KD-FTV diesel
Engine
D-4D common-rail
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2982cc
Power
127kW @ 3400rpm
Torque
410Nm @ 1600-2800rpm (5AT)
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD with Torsen
0–100
~13.0s
Economy
10.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT, 5AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Pros
- Pre-DPF - simple emissions
- Same tough 1KD platform as Hilux N70 (more torque tune)
- Full-time 4WD genuinely capable off-road
- Strong fuel economy for the size
- Massive aftermarket support
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Same injector seat issue as early 1KD
- Heavy at 2200kg+ - feels sluggish unloaded
- 4-speed auto on early units is the weak link
- Most have very high km
Known problems
high
Injector seat erosion (pre-2007)
Same 1KD injector seat issue as Hilux N70 early. Hard cold starts, white smoke, fuel in oil. Largely fixed in updated heads from ~2007.
Fix: Injector replacement with updated copper washers. Diesel specialist work.
medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 1KD EGR carbon pattern.
Fix: EGR clean or block-plate. Walnut blast intake.
medium
Turbo VGT actuator
VGT vanes carbon up and stick.
Fix: VGT clean or turbo replacement.
medium
4AT transmission (pre-2006) - shudder
Early 4-speed auto develops torque converter shudder, especially when towing.
Fix: Fluid + filter service every 60k can help. Otherwise valve body rebuild or torque converter replacement.
4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol
Engine
DOHC VVT-i V6
Engine code
Config
V6 NA
Displacement
3956cc
Power
179kW @ 5200rpm
Torque
376Nm @ 3800rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD with Torsen
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
13.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Pros
- Sweet-revving Toyota V6
- Chain-driven, very robust
- Smooth power delivery
- Cheaper to buy than diesel
- No diesel maintenance complexity
- Genuine high-km longevity (400k+ common)
Cons
- Thirsty - 15-18L/100km real world especially with load
- Much lower torque than 1KD for towing
- Significantly lower resale than diesel
- Premium fuel preferred
Known problems
high
VVT-i oil line failure
Original rubber VVT-i oil supply line develops pinhole leaks. Same issue as Hilux N70 V6 and Camry/Aurion V6. Can cause rapid oil loss.
Fix: Updated braided steel line (Toyota TSB part). Cheap insurance - do preventively.
medium
Intake valve carbon buildup
Carbon hardens on intake valves over very high km, causing rough idle and misfires.
Fix: Walnut blast service. Catch can helps slow buildup.
low
Water pump weep
Water pump bearing wears causing coolant weep.
Fix: Water pump during major service.