Recalls: Toyota Mk.6 Hilux utility
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Toyota Mk.6 Hilux utility
- In June 2002, a recall was issued for Toyota Mk.6 Hilux utilities manufactured from 29 July 1997 to 2 December 2001 due to potential fraying of the spare wheel winch wire cable due to vibrations acting on the underbody-mounted spare wheel when driving on rough, corrugated roads at high speeds for long distances (PRA 2002/5421).
Problems and faults: Toyota Mk.6 Hilux utility
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
1KZ-TE overheating
Overheating of the 1KZ-TE engine requires urgent attention since it can cause the cylinder head to crack. Overheating may be caused by:
- Failure of the viscous fan hub – this is generally noticed by temperatures rising when ascending hills or during stop/start traffic on hot days;
- Blockage of the radiator;
- Seizure of the wastegate actuator resulting in overboost;
- A hole in the heater hose; and,
- Too much load on the cooling system – a worn torque converter may contribute to this.
To improve the cooling system, common modifications for the for the 1KZ-TE engine include upgrading the radiator and fitting larger exhaust systems.
1KZ-TE cracked cylinder head
As a result of overheating, the 1KZ-TE is susceptible to cracked cylinder heads. Symptoms of a cracked cylinder head include:
- Small bubbles in coolant system, pushing coolant into the overflow bottle;
- Consumption and discolouration of coolant;
- Rapid overheating;
- Rough running; and,
- A loss of power.
If the cylinder head has cracked, the turbocharger is susceptible to overheating – this may cause excessive movement of the shaft and allow the blades to hit the housing. It is recommended that the cylinder head be replaced with a genuine Toyota head since there have been reports of casting faults in non-genuine products.
Please note that pressure testing the cylinder head does not always reveal a problem.
Problems and faults: Toyota Mk.6 Hilux utility
- The transmission lay shaft bearings were susceptible to failing – this may be indicated by a transmission which is noisy in third and fifth gears, but not in fourth.
