Can I trust the LC???

[NoMe cruiser]

Mine is from “the other plant” - can’t remember the name.

HINO? Humara?

 

[basicxj]

I really like my LandCruiser and I think we get along ok, but recently I've reason for suspicion that it's been spying on me. Seems anytime I discuss something with an occupant, I start getting emails and text messages from someone affiliated with something that's been discussed within the confines of the vehicle. I'm losing trust with my vehicle.

There wouldn’t be a smart phone riding along with you in that Land Cruiser, would there?

My wife has a bunch of social media apps loaded on hers, and she has the same problem- bombarded with targeted ads after using keywords in conversation.

 

[Lenny33]

HINO? Humara?

Humara

 

[t3lcfe]

As I was getting ready to purchase my LC, I read many many forum posts from all the old school LC guys and boomers spouting off about how a turbo 4 is not capable of what it is being called to do. “You can’t tow with a turbo 4!! And get off my yard!!”
I laughed at them for their old school thinking. But now………were they right??

I have posted this problem on another thread, but long story short, my problems began while pulling a 4k camper up a long pass in Colorado. Well below tow capacity and not pushing the vehicle hard. Started getting pre ignition errors, loss of power, and eventual misfires. Toyota found scoring in cylinder 4 and it will receive a new engine (short block with some extras).
So here is my question - can I trust this vehicle going forward?? I am a long time Toyota cult member and have always trusted in their products (part of the reason that I blew off the concerns over a turbo 4). Toyota is having issues right now, to put it mildly! Maybe the tundra issues expand into other engines? I have already heard that the LC has had many lemon law buyouts that seem to go mostly unknown by the public.
Once I get it back - can I truly trust it????

Is it the question ?
The answer is BIG YES. BIG TRUST.
We all know that Toyota generally, and Land Cruiser particularly is not perfect. None vehicle brand in this planet is perfect. By facts, LC is reliable.

Millions millions new LC250 sold in last couple years world wide, how many percent of those LC got the problem ?

In this forum, over 5500 members that every single problems of LC they posted and trashed right away even just a little things (and of course big deals like engine / transmission). Those issues never kept silent but 10 times more louder everywhere. It is fair to let the world know what i going on.

However, are they 100 cases reported here over 5500 LC owners ? What is that percent of failure? Do the math …

Conclusion: BIG YES BIG TRUST on LAND CRUISER

Happy and Trust LC to all

 

[Lenny33]

Agreed. It seems short, concise and to the point is underappreciated these days.

Seems without substance to me.

 

[Lenny33]

Just to add a bit of satire............ You're asking strangers on an electronic forum if you should trust a piece of machinery..............

Seriously, you are the only one that can answer that question............ it's your money, your level of risk and your driving style. There are many examples of both good experiences and bad experiences, depending on who you ask...........

Well, I guess I am asking for some real life experience or something to add of substance.

I know of 4 catastrophic engine failures in Colorado while towing. This really isn’t worth discussing in your mind?

 

[Area 51]

Trust is earned.

 

[Lenny33]

Is it the question ?
The answer is BIG YES. BIG TRUST.
We all know that Toyota generally, and Land Cruiser particularly is not perfect. None vehicle brand in this planet is perfect. By facts, LC is reliable.

Millions millions new LC250 sold in last couple years world wide, how many percent of those LC got the problem ?

In this forum, over 5500 members that every single problems of LC they posted and trashed right away even just a little things (and of course big deals like engine / transmission). Those issues never kept silent but 10 times more louder everywhere. It is fair to let the world know what i going on.

However, are they 100 cases reported here over 5500 LC owners ? What is that percent of failure? Do the math …
.
Conclusion: BIG YES BIG TRUST on LAND CRUISER

Happy and Trust LC to all

Everything you say is true BUT how many are pulling over the steep, thin aired passes of Colorado? Mine is the 4th engine failure that I know of under similar circumstances. That math is still in my favor, but it gets a little different..

 

[Bad1975]

A single cylinder scoring doesn't make sense as a design flaw to me. It speaks more towards a random component failure IMO. If there were multiple cylinder 4 scoring events or if there were multiple single cylinder scoring events in a different cylinder then something may be going on.

If only cylinder four for multiple failures, then maybe the block or crank has issues? If multiple cylinders for multiple failures, then maybe they have a component issue, Piston, CONROD, Wrist pin, rings or bearing issue?

This isn't the first time Toyota has had engine design issues and in the past (Excluding Tundra) they have always found the problem and corrected it.

Only you can answer if you can trust it or not, but since your questioning it I'd say you've already made up your mind that you don't, in that case unless your passionate about your LC it may be better to move on to something else?

IMO in the current new car market everything is a crapshoot, with Toyota sitting at the top for reliability and resale which is why I stayed Toyota for a new car. Also I wouldn't own something that I don't completely enjoy looking at and driving in, we spend allot of time in our vehicles so we should be happy with and in them.

The dismal reliability in the new car market options is also the reason we have 4 old reliable cars (3 Toyotas, two of which are Land Cruisers and a Volvo) sitting in the driveway/garage all of which have over 130K on the clock and no newer than 13 years old minus the new 250 and I'm getting another old Land Cruiser as a reliable backup for my Tundra currently.

 

[Lenny33]

A single cylinder scoring doesn't make sense as a design flaw to me. It speaks more towards a random component failure IMO. If there were multiple cylinder 4 scoring events or if there were multiple single cylinder scoring events in a different cylinder then something may be going on.

If only cylinder four for multiple failures, then maybe the block or crank has issues? If multiple cylinders for multiple failures, then maybe they have a component issue, Piston, CONROD, Wrist pin, rings or bearing issue?

This isn't the first time Toyota has had engine design issues and in the past (Excluding Tundra) they have always found the problem and corrected it.

Only you can answer if you can trust it or not, but since your questioning it I'd say you've already made up your mind that you don't, in that case unless your passionate about your LC it may be better to move on to something else?

IMO in the current new car market everything is a crapshoot, with Toyota sitting at the top for reliability and resale which is why I stayed Toyota for a new car. Also I wouldn't own something that I don't completely enjoy looking at and driving in, we spend allot of time in our vehicles so we should be happy with and in them.

The dismal reliability in the new car market options is also the reason we have 4 old reliable cars (3 Toyotas, two of which are Land Cruisers and a Volvo) sitting in the driveway/garage all of which have over 130K on the clock and no newer than 13 years old minus the new 250 and I'm getting another old Land Cruiser as a reliable backup for my Tundra currently.

Good input - I appreciate it. 4 failures in the same state under the same circumstances seems like more of a pattern to me than some here are willing to see.
And yes, my confidence is shaken, but after looking at the market nothing else checks all the boxes like the LC does. In the end, my shaken confidence in the LC is still greater than anything else out there.
And yes, I still look back and admire it when I walk away in a parking lot. Well, not since mid September when it went in the shop.
BUT I do kind of miss my old GX now.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

Short story. I've owned Rovers and several Galandewagens along with a lot of other crazy vehicles. When I purchased my first Toyota, it was leased and felt I wouldn't like it. After 6 months of ownership, I bought out the lease. I recently traded this vehicle 8 years later for my new LC. I received what I originally payed along with a nice discount on the LC. 3 days later I had 3 differing people ring saying they were in the process of purchasing my 2018 TRD Pro which I had traded. I had a few issues along the way, but nothing serious. I owned 2 D90s and a 110, and if anyone follows these vehicles, I drove them and made Bank when selling them. They were always broken and leaked oil. Mechanic told me not to sweat the oil leaks, but be weary when the leaks stopped. The Mercedes were nice but they had a lot of issues. Where can you purchase a vehicle that's enjoyable to operate, seldom broken, having a cult following? I haven't a clue how many 4Runners have been built, but the older one's in the lower price point sell, and sell quick because of reliability and image. I have a new TRD Pro and LC, and plan to keep them nice for a lengthy time. You're very fortunate to have the ability to have purchased your new LC and I'm sure there are many folks out there that envy you having the LC. If you're having issues with your dealer, find another. There's 5 in close proximity where I reside. It's all what you make of it and realize nothing is perfect. Don't believe me, take a gander in the mirror. Good Luck

 

[Lenny33]

Short story. I've owned Rovers and several Galandewagens along with a lot of other crazy vehicles. When I purchased my first Toyota, it was leased and felt I wouldn't like it. After 6 months of ownership, I bought out the lease. I recently traded this vehicle 8 years later for my new LC. I received what I originally payed along with a nice discount on the LC. 3 days later I had 3 differing people ring saying they were in the process of purchasing my 2018 TRD Pro which I had traded. I had a few issues along the way, but nothing serious. I owned 2 D90s and a 110, and if anyone follows these vehicles, I drove them and made Bank when selling them. They were always broken and leaked oil. Mechanic told me not to sweat the oil leaks, but be weary when the leaks stopped. The Mercedes were nice but they had a lot of issues. Where can you purchase a vehicle that's enjoyable to operate, seldom broken, having a cult following? I haven't a clue how many 4Runners have been built, but the older one's in the lower price point sell, and sell quick because of reliability and image. I have a new TRD Pro and LC, and plan to keep them nice for a lengthy time. You're very fortunate to have the ability to have purchased your new LC and I'm sure there are many folks out there that envy you having the LC. If you're having issues with your dealer, find another. There's 5 in close proximity where I reside. It's all what you make of it and realize nothing is perfect. Don't believe me, take a gander in the mirror. Good Luck

Thank you - good perspective.

And …. Incredible taste in vehicles.

 

[Bad1975]

@Lenny33 I don't know about that!? Maybe if you had an GX or LX470, all kidding and looks aside probably should have!

 

[RUN-8]

For starters, I would HIGHLY doubt the issue with the V6 in the Tundra and others has any bearing on the LC engine. However, as our LC has not been delivered as yet, I am certainly glad these issues are surfacing. I am beginning to consider the GX550, with the presumption/hope the engine debris problem has been solved. Another issue which concerns me are the reported transmission overheating issues with LC, however it would seem they may be primarily operator caused, i.e. operating in 4H when 4L was needed. And true, a buyback typically includes an agreement to remain silent.

The V35A-FTS V6 recall has expanded. Toyota is really having tough time figuring it out.

I wouldn’t buy anything with that engine under the hood now. Resale and reliability will be questionable. Toyota/Lexus should shit can that engine ASAP and come up with something else, the stink won’t wash off of this one I’m afraid.

 

[PDPete]

The V35A-FTS V6 recall has expanded. Toyota is really having tough time figuring it out.

I wouldn’t buy anything with that engine under the hood now. Resale and reliability will be questionable. Toyota/Lexus should shit can that engine ASAP and come up with something else, the stink won’t wash off of this one I’m afraid.

Yeah, I've taken chances on unproven engines before (e.g. the T24A-FTS in my Land Cruiser), but will stay clear of engines with active recalls.

Maybe they've solved the issue... but it would take a few years for my trust level to get to the point where I'd consider buying one.

 

[D-Train]

Well, I guess I am asking for some real life experience or something to add of substance.

I know of 4 catastrophic engine failures in Colorado while towing. This really isn’t worth discussing in your mind?

Worth discussing. As a data counterpoint.. I've towed with it in CO several times, and have had the motor pinned a lot going up/passing... but way under max towing (~1,000lbs). At 10K on the clock and getting the advertised mpg (while not towing), no mods..
.

 

[Lenny33]

@Lenny33 I don't know about that!? Maybe if you had an GX or LX470, all kidding and looks aside probably should have!

An outfitted GX is a pretty bad ass ride

 

[Lenny33]

Worth discussing. As a data counterpoint.. I've towed with it in CO several times, and have had the motor pinned a lot going up/passing... but way under max towing (~1,000lbs). At 10K on the clock and getting the advertised mpg (while not towing), no mods..
.One towed really well, right up until the point that it didn’t. The trip that was the nail in the coffin was probably the seventh time of towing my camper up and over passes.

How often would you say you have pulled with yours?

I had pulled about 7 times up and over the passes. Pulled great right up until it didn’t anymore.

 

[Blue Bear]

Food for thought....

Toyota's Most Reliable Engine

Without real data it's impossible to know if the article is correct. Toyota has the data, but they aren't sharing. So, we're left to speculate about the reliability of not only the current generation of Toyota, but also past. Our personal experience with a brand also taints our perspective. In my experience, no machine is "bullet proof", no matter how "reliable". Unless you have the data to quantify and compare the actual reliability of different vehicles, then you are simply giving your opinion unsupported by fact (we often call this bias.) The LC forum is a wonderful place to share our experiences with the LC. I've learned much from the members and I'm grateful for their experiences.

 

[Defender-LC]

The answer to your question is no and yes, and maybe. All these questions and stories don’t matter and make no difference in the scheme of things. But they’re nice stories. I hope you just enjoyed mine.