Recalls: Toyota XR30 Tarago
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 XR30 Tarago
Toyota XR30 Tarago: engine misfires
In August 2005, a recall was issued for Toyota XR30 Tarago vehicles due to the potential for a crack to develop in the epoxy resin of the ignition coil as a result of engine heat. This could result in an open circuit or poor connection of the secondary coil winding wire, causing engine misfire or other damage (PRA 2005/8001).
Toyota XR30 Tarago: excessive parking brake pedal travel
In September 2005, a recall was issued for Toyota XR30 Tarago vehicles due to the possibility that the parking brake cable lock nut was not correctly tightened during the vehicle assembly process. As a result, the nut could loosen and result in excessive travel of the parking brake pedal (PRA 2005/8046).
Problems and faults: Toyota XR30 Tarago
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.
2000-06 Toyota XR30 Tarago (2AZ-FE): head gasket failure and coolant leaks due to stripped cylinder head bolt threads
In March 2011, Toyota USA issued Technical Service Bulletin 0015-11 which identified that 2000-06 vehicles that had 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engines may experience loose cylinder head bolts due to damaged threads in the cylinder block. Although not explained in the bulletin, loose cylinder bolts could cause rapid coolant loss, engine overheating and serious damage. The technical bulletin did not specifically identify Toyota XR30 Tarago vehicles because they were not offered in the USA. Nonetheless, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that this bulletin is relevant to XR30 Tarago vehicles with the 2AZ-FE engine.
The three cylinder head bolt threads that were susceptible to stripping were located on the intake side of the block and between the cylinders (i.e. not the front and end bolt threads). These threads were at the thinnest part of the cylinder block, a design attribute to accommodate the curvature of the plastic air intake and a layer of insulating foam. While the foam insulated the plastic air intake from the cylinder block, it could also trap heat and create a ‘hotspot’ around the threads and head gasket in that area. It is understood that this heat could damage the head gasket (‘head gasket failure’) and that movement of the steel head bolts could strip the threads in the aluminium block. It is therefore important that coolant levels are monitored.
If coolant leaks are detected early, it is possible that only the head gasket may have failed and that the cylinder bolt threads are still intact. Symptoms of a failed head gasket include:
- A gradual loss of coolant;
- The engine running at a higher temperature than normal;
- Coolant mixing with the engine oil, apparent from a milky residue in the oil; and,
- A gurgling sound heard through the dashboard.
The symptoms of stripped cylinder block threads, however, are more obvious and serious:
- Rapid coolant loss and overheating;
- A strong smell of coolant;
- The insulating foam for the intake manifold is damp or wet; and,
- The cylinder head bolts can be pulled-out with very little effort, potentially by hand.
From Technical Service Bulletin 0015-11, the repair procedure for stripped cylinder head bolt threads was described as follows –
- Confirm the cylinder head bolt or bolts were loose due to damaged threads;
- Remove the short block assembly from the vehicle;
- the cylinder block assembly for flatness to ensure it meets specifications for re-use;
- Prepare the cylinder block for ‘Time Sert’ thread repair inserts;
- Use the core drill to repair the bolt holes;
- Use the tap to cut new threads for the insert;
- Use the insert driver to install the insert; and,
- Re-assemble and install the short block assembly with inserts installed.
While the 2AZ-FE engine had ten cylinder head bolts, only the six cylinder head bolts between the cylinders could be repaired (i.e. not the two bolts at the front or the two bolts at the back of the cylinder block). If any damage was found in these four bolts at the front and back of the cylinder block, the cylinder block itself was to be replaced. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the technical service bulletin.
2000-04 Toyota XR30 Tarago: accessory drive belt squeal/belt tensioner rattle
In September 2004, Toyota USA issued Technical Service Bulletin EG040-04 for vehicles that had 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engines. In these vehicles, the 2AZ-FE engine may exhibit squealing and/or rattling noises from the engine compartment, especially on start-up from cold. According to the bulletin, a revised V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly (part number 16620-28011, replacing part number 16620-28010) was introduced to correct this condition. To fix, both the drive belt and accessory belt tensioner were to be replaced.
The technical bulletin did not specifically identify Toyota XR30 Tarago vehicles because they were not offered in the USA. Nonetheless, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the same belt tensioner was used in XR30 Tarago vehicles with the 2AZ-FE engine.
Toyota XR30 Tarago: other problems and faults
- At low temperatures, the check-engine light may illuminate and be accompanied by poor engine performance – this may be fixed by replacing the throttle body, gasket and intake surge tank.
- If the engine intermittently cuts out and the fault cannot be diagnostically traced, the safety fuel cut-off solenoid switch may be faulty.
