1995 Toyota 4Runner Limited from North America - Comments

I see I'm not alone...

Problems with overheating and losing oil... Had a STRONG inclination that it was the head gasket, as I've read these same reports ALL OVER the web, but continued to drive anyways.

I'm the third owner, so who knows how many times it's been replaced, but at 174k the head gasket blew. I too am not covered under the replacement plan (car manufactured in 95) so I'm SOL.

I LOVE the truck; leather interior, lifted, oversized tires, tinted windows, holds up to 4 deer in the back at a time = 1 sweet ride. The only vehicle I've ever been proud to say I own, but she's got issues.

Since I'm a poor college student, I'm going to try and fix it with a friend who's an ex-race car driver, but he's already told me it's not easy job (and he's not very confident in being able to fix it). 1500-2500 dollars at the shop to fix a truck I only paid 3000 for... or... have a funeral for her if we really screw something up.

Regardless, I hate to love her.

I had the same head gasket problem in my 95 Toyota 4Runner V6 4x4 and it was the next model in 95 to not be covered by the warranty. It was only at 110000 miles when the gasket blew. I will not put the money into it a 2nd time to get the head gasket fixed and will probably junk it. Oh, not what a feeling Toyota. I will buy a Ford next time.

WOW! Everyone on here is so upset about their head gasket issues… Did you perhaps think that maybe 100,000 miles is a lot for a vehicle, and that things tend to wear out after a while… I too own a 1995 Toyota 4-Runner that blew a head gasket after 120,000 miles, but I wasn’t looking to get a handout from Toyota. My 4-Runner has gotten me through a lot and this has been the only major issue I have had with it in the 10 years I have owned it, so I’m pretty pleased personally.

I took it to my mechanic though; I didn’t go to a dealership, what a rip off the dealership is! My mechanic charged me $4,500 for an entire engine rebuild, parts and labor included.

The next step for my 4-Runner is a new transmission and it should be able to go for another 100,000 miles no sweat. Maybe you all need to re-evaluate your outlook on the lifespan of machines. They aren’t meant to last forever and ever. On average, 100,000 miles is pretty impressive, and most manufacturers don’t even guarantee their vehicles past 80,000 miles anyway… So suck it up and either fix it or move on!

I, too, have a 1995 Toyota 4-Runner and have just blown the head gasket... I'm the original owner and the truck is just shy of 27,000 miles (yes, really!). Since it's after 4pm on the weekend, I can't get anyone at the 800 number and have to call on Monday. After reading all of the previous posts, I expect I won't get very far.

95 4Runner head gasket blew out. Everything works great and one weakness. Guess the only thing that makes sense is to fix it myself. What is the best head gasket and parts to use to fix it? This site was helpful.

Add me to the list of blown head gasket 4 runners. Mine has 113000 miles on it all highway or 98% hgwy driving. Actually blew on the highway. Am I angry OH YEA! The fire retardent cover on hood caught fire due to the heat apparently. Now looking for a new head gasket or an engine. This was dad's car and immaculately taken care of, passed to me. I need it to run safe again.I have driven it 2000 miles in 2 years only in summer so this was quite the suprise.

Any news on a recall or if Toyota is going to supply some funds or assistance? I checked recalls and do not see anything.

I too have just blown my head gaskets on my 93 4runner. The good part about it is that it took 250,000 miles before it broke. Called a Toyota dealership and it qualified for the Replacement Recall. Guess that I was one of the lucky ones.

I am a mechanic and was going to replace the head gasket myself, and when ordering my headgasket from the company in Atlanta, they ran the VIN # to the 4runner he told me to just take it to Toyota. The new recalls are are for the 3VN29's, it covers an unlimited amount of miles. As long as it's the first head gasket job Toyota is doing. If information is needed, contact Toyota. They'll run your VIN# to see if you qualify.

New member of the "Blowout gasket CLUB", mine happened twice already (1st 111,435 miles, 2nd 132,345 miles), I love my truck (1995 4runner V6 3.0 2wd) but I don't like that the Toyota dealer won't have a recall for this problem...

LAWSUIT!!! COUNT ME IN "SAN DIEGO, CA"

My 95 runner is getting very hot... A/C is out of the question... I think I'm going to put on headers since it has only 115k miles on it, and should have lots of life left.. I don't want to wait until the gaskets blow...

My 95 4-Runner blew in 2006 at 106K miles, so I replaced the engine with a previously owned engine (33K Miles). This engine has started overheating again.

Looks like a double whammy...

Hello, my name is Ray, and I too have a 1995 4Runner with a blown head gasket. First time at 118,000, and now again at 129,000.

Joy, my 94 4runner made it to 174658 miles and poof blown "Head Gasket" :( Just thought I would add to the thread of sad Toyota owners.

I also have a 95 4 runner had valve problems. I had it rebuilt 80,000 miles ago and now has 190,000 and haven't had any problems since the dealer will fix blown head gaskets for free the first time, because they are recalled and there is a list of recalls for these 4 runners.

At one time my transmission wouldn't shift into overdrive. Found the problem to be the thermostat; the trans runs off temperature. Who would have thought that?

But overall my 4 runner is the best. I use it like a truck. I carry wood and all building materials in in. I once carried a whole skid of shingles left over from my home. She swatted a bit, but didn't slow her down.

When this one finally goes, after the wheels fall off, I will buy another because overall you can't beat them. I guarantee no Ford or Chevy would take the lickens my 4 runner has seen, and she has never left me sit, even when it was only running on 4 cylinders and in 2 feet of snow. So if you want a real man's truck, buy a Toyota, you won't regret that you did!!!

Add me to the list too.. '95 4Runner with 158k. production date May 1995. I'm 18 and headed to college, I can't afford this crap.

1995 4Runner Limited purchased in 1997 with 44k miles. It was a lease vehicle. Blown head gasket at 88k miles in 2001 I believe. Dealer took me for $2,000 to repair.

Although the same engine was used from 1990 to 1995, the recall does not apply to the 1995. Somehow they claim the problem ceased to exist in 1995. Not from the 1995 owner's perspective.

With 168k white smoke again. Toyota service says they'd love to get $4,500-$5,500 from me this time. A local honest mechanic gave me a number for an engine swapper that he predicts is about $2,000.

He also recommended that first I try K-Seal Head Gasket Repair. I poured it in the radiator and ran the engine for 30 minutes, even though it says 3-5 minutes at operating temp. From reviews I have read my problem may be behind me. I am considering parting with this vehicle in case it is a short term fix. If this works, or plan B where I get Bar's S-Leak and drain radiator - more work better results, I might be able to keep this vehicle.

The other option of a new 4.3 litre is attractive, given the engine is pretty gutless and the mileage is 12-14 MPGs.

How many 4Runners might be readily repaired with a $15 bottle of K-Seal?