1995 Toyota 4Runner Limited from North America - Comments

Blown head gasket with internal leak at #6.

1995 Toyota 4Runner Limited 10/95 production date not covered by recall! Upon investigation, this is a common problem in this engine area! Went to a Toyota dealership who indicated that my vehicle was not covered by a service recall, even the SSB V06. They wanted to replace the engine with a short block, rebuilt heads, etc. for $7,500.00! They had my truck for 4 days and never proceeded with any work.

Frustrated I took the vehicle to another independent shop and by the end of the next day they had the engine apart for a rebuild and had determined the root of the problem! Apparently the head deck on the main block had a slight warp near the area of the #6 cylindar right beneath the area where the head gasket had failed. Other research on this site revealed that one mechanic hinted at staples in the gasket that were prone to failure. Also comments have been made about another imperfection in the engine block that lead to an unusual isolated area of heating/cooling that might result in the failure. In addition to this, there are comments about additional failures of the gasket after initial repairs had been undertaken! Given this I am lead to firmly believe that the imperfection, by Toyota, in my engine block is not uncommon and unless detected, it is not properly corrected leading to further failures in the future!

Comments? Do I have the basis for a recall here? What do I need to do to proceed and initiate a recall with Toyota? Are my observations consistent with any others out there?

I am in the same boat. My head gasket blew on July 1st and Toyota refuses to cover or assist with repairs. My truck has 94,000 miles on it and is in otherwise great condition. I found 46 similar complaints on the National Highway Traffic and Safety website. It is ridiculous that these vechiles are not being covered. There is an obvious defect in the head gasket. Currently I am looking for a engine, but I'm having trouble due to the high demand.

Hey Toyota people, my 95 4Runner just blew it's head gasket yesterday. It is not covered under the recall either. I found parts of the gasket in the top of my radiator when I was checking my coolant level. I have just over 100,000 miles on my vehicle and it strikes me that I am suffering from the same problem that the recalled vehicles were. Toyota isn't backing down and I guess I will be classified as a "Churn" client. I will probably spend the money to repair it and then sell it. I will never buy another Toyota product and will lobby anyone considering it.

Add me to the list of 95 4Runners with a blown head gasket. 142,000 on the odometer and no problems until today. Has Toyota's stand changed on not repairing 95s?

Add me to that same list... Blown Head Gasket on my 95 4runner, 141k miles, called Toyota dealer and not on the list of the recall... something looks wrong here.

Me too folks. 1995 4Runner (manufactured in 11/94) with blown head gasket not covered by recall. Otherwise in great shape. Heat stopped working two days ago, took it into shop and was notified of head gasket leak. The VIN number isn't included in recall, even though it's an obvious defect. No more Toyota for me.

I appreciate all of the helpful information here, but feel someone confused. The overall review is still a happy face, and you say "Love it!". Should I take this to mean that it's a great vehicle aside from the head gasket problems? I'm in the market for a late 80s-early 90s 4Runner or similar SUV, need 4wd, and a nice price. These mixed reviews are killing me.

Strike another down... I also have a 95 4Runner Ltd and blew a head gasket and had to get the warped head machined and rebuilt, costing a solid 2 grand$$. I would really like for Toyota to admit their mistake and take action. I think that the car has held up considerably well otherwise. I will keep driving the 4Runner now that I have invested another 2 grand into it.

I just killed my '95 4runner engine. Same problem, but I kept driving and really screwed it up. Does anyone know what a '95 4runner with a blown engine is worth? The best price I've found on a rebuilt engine is $2500 + shipping + labor which is more than I have.

-Jim.

The engine in our '95 4runner failed at 95,000 miles, and then the original owner put a new engine in it. Now the body is totaled. We are looking for a '95 4runner with a blown engine, but otherwise in good condition. Reno, Nevada. ybradford@quadrasinc.com.

I too must report failure of the head gasket on my daughters 4Runner at 100,000 miles. We currently own three Toyota's, but I would question buying another based on a $3,500 repair on this vehicle with no help from Toyota. I would appreciate any advice on a contact at Toyota.

Add me to the list of the blown head gasket cases my went completely today 126,000mi an it is hemorraging water didn't blow the engine in fact I didn't even overheat the engine, my mechanic says it's gonna cost me at least a grand probably 1,100 or more, and I'm pissed. I might just do the work myself, but if this is gonna be an ongoing problem due to gasket material or excessive engine heat why bother, crap I pissed.

I'm a 95 Toyota 4Runner that blew its head gasket at 123,000 miles for the tune of $2000. I called Toyota and of course, it isn't on the recall list. I doubt I would ever buy a newer Toyota again.

My 1990 4Runner has blown its second head gasket at 102000 miles. It was repaired under recall in 1998. Toyota will not offer any additional recourse. It is losing water and blowing coolant out the exhaust. It never overheated, but the heater quit working. There is no excuse for 2 blown head gaskets within 14 years, I do not care what Toyota says.

Same problem. Purchased used '95 in July '96. Have 135K on odometer. Head Gasket went last night. Called Toyota. Their records indicate this procedure was accomplished on my vehicle in June 1998. Will not give nor provide help. First major problem I've had with this truck. Very expensive to fix. Has anyone done this procedure on their truck by themselves? Is it worth it for the amateur mechanic? This sucks! I was a Toyota nut until yesterday. Vehicle is down for the count and I have to figure this out pretty quick. Toyota is no help. When will the gaskets go again if I get them changed now? Any help to this situation let me know...

Craig.

Purchased a used '95 4-Runner, 72,000 plus miles several years ago after having a '90 and replacing the head (under warranty). Sold the '90 and head blew again after new onwer put less than 15,000 additonal miles on vehicle. Toyota would not help.)

Replaced head, valves, etc. on '95 at just under 100,000, due to using quart of oil every 1000 miles. Cost: $3,700 and no help from Toyota.

I love driving the 4-Runner; like its classic style. probably will go to a 4x4 heavy-duty Ford crew-cab next time unless I find a super buy on a '97 or later Runner.