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12 known problems · 2 high
high
Cracked pistons (Euro IV, 2009-2014)
3.0L 1KD-FTV diesel
high
Injector failure
3.0L 1KD-FTV diesel
medium
KDSS hydraulic seal leaks (VX/Kakadu)
All engines
Recalls
2 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
REC-001307
2019-10-08
Defect: A production fault may cause a lower-than-specified tightening torque on the fuel inlet pipe supplying the diesel fuel injector common rail.
Hazard: Fuel leakage may occur; if it does, the engine may stall, increasing accident risk.
Remedy: Toyota dealer replaces the fuel pipe, free of charge.
Affected: 2,714 units; shared notice with HiAce, Prado (GDJ150/151) 2019 build
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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Generations
Best and worst years for the Toyota LandCruiser Prado →
Before: Prado J120 (2003-2009) →
After: Prado J250 (2024-) →
Price (AUD)
$25k-$80k
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 Kakadu over a very long 2009-2024 run with several facelifts. Australia's default family touring 4WD: full-time 4WD with a lockable Torsen centre diff, seven seats, KDSS on higher grades. Diesel buyers got the 3.0L 1KD-FTV until 2015, then the 2.8L 1GD-FTV; a 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol ran throughout. Each engine has a defining caveat - the early 1KD's cracked-piston recall, the 1GD's DPF/oil-consumption teething, and the V6's thirst - but the platform itself is among the most reliable modern 4WDs you can buy used.
Engines & variants
3.0L 1KD-FTV diesel
Engine
3.0L D-4D common-rail turbo diesel I4
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2982cc
Power
127kW @ 3400rpm
Torque
410Nm @ 1600-2800rpm (auto)
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
Economy
8.5-10.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 5AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Proven 1KD platform with massive support
- Good torque and economy for touring
- Simpler emissions than the later DPF 2.8
- Strong resale
Cons
- Euro IV (2009-14) engines have a documented cracked-piston risk
- Injectors are a known wear item
- EGR/intake carbon over time
- Only 2500kg tow vs 3000kg+ rivals
Known problems
high
Cracked pistons (Euro IV, 2009-2014)
Euro IV 1KD pistons are susceptible to cracking, typically 100,000-150,000km, with black smoke, knocking, high crankcase pressure and power loss. A known Toyota issue with updated pistons available.
Fix: Engine rebuild with updated pistons. Check for the relevant Toyota campaign/history; avoid over-aggressive tunes.
high
Injector failure
1KD injectors wear and fail, causing rough running, smoke and hard starting.
Fix: Injector replacement (set) by a diesel specialist; quality fuel and filtration help.
medium
EGR / intake carbon and VGT sticking
EGR and intake soot, plus VGT turbo vane sticking, are the usual 1KD ancillary issues.
Fix: EGR/intake clean, VGT clean; catch-can helps.
2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel
Engine
2.8L common-rail turbo diesel I4 (DPF)
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2755cc
Power
130kW @ 3400rpm (150kW from 2020)
Torque
450Nm (manual 420Nm) / 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm (2020+ auto)
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
Economy
7.9-9 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- More torque, more economy and more refinement than the 1KD
- 3000kg tow (3500kg on later/auto)
- Strong, modern, well-supported engine
- Excellent long-distance tourer
Cons
- Early (2015-17) DPF clogging and high oil consumption
- MAF sensor dust contamination can trigger limp mode
- DPF dislikes short urban-only running
- Needs the GGG38 ECU update if not already done
Known problems
medium
DPF clogging / high oil consumption (2015-2017)
Early 1GD diesels suffered clogged DPFs and high oil consumption. Toyota service campaign GGG38 (June 2017) reflashed the ECU to raise exhaust temps and lengthen regen, largely resolving it.
Fix: Confirm the GGG38 update is applied; do regular highway runs; monitor oil level.
medium
MAF sensor dust contamination - limp mode
Fine dust can pass the air filter and electrostatically coat the mass-airflow sensor, feeding bad data to the ECU and dropping the engine into limp mode.
Fix: Clean/replace the MAF; quality air filter and good sealing, especially for dusty touring.
low
Injector / EGR at higher km
Standard common-rail injector and EGR maintenance at higher km.
Fix: Injector service, EGR clean as needed.
4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol
Engine
4.0L DOHC VVT-i V6
Engine code
Config
V6 NA
Displacement
3956cc
Power
202kW @ 5600rpm
Torque
381Nm @ 4400rpm
Drivetrain
Full-time 4WD (Torsen, lockable)
Economy
11.5-14 L/100km real world
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5AT, 6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Smooth, robust, chain-driven Toyota V6
- No diesel emissions complexity (no DPF)
- Cheaper to buy than diesel
- Long-lived (300k+ km)
Cons
- Thirsty, especially loaded/towing
- Less torque than diesel for heavy work
- Much weaker resale than diesel
Known problems
medium
VVT-i oil line failure
Same Toyota V6 issue as Prado 120/Hilux/Camry - the rubber VVT-i oil supply line can develop a pinhole leak and lose oil.
Fix: Replace with the updated braided steel line preventively.
low
Fuel thirst
Real-world 12-16 L/100km loaded; not a fault.
Fix: Accept or fit LPG.