Faults:

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?

Faults:

Axle boots wore out at 118000 miles. Cheap fix.

Clutch wore out after pulling three very large logs and a 5000lb tractor trailer. That was my own fault.

Very difficult to change rear speakers.

Vehicle has some sway with over sized tires, especially on freeway.

General Comments:

The interior of the 95 4Runner may seem small, but I can fit comfortably my wife, three kids and two 200lb Mastiffs.

Very reliable. I don't understand why other cars makers just don't get it. "Look, heres a good vehicle, now you make one."

Agile in the mud, fun 4x4 but expensive parts so be careful.

Power for the basic SR5 V6 isn't as buff as it should be or could be. Some upgrading would improve.

Gas mileage. I feel guilty using it to go back and forth to work.

Faults:

Head Gasket TWICE (once at 64k miles then again at 74k, but, it seems they may be going again).

Tailgate power window regulator.

Rust on tailgate and quarter panels.

Power antenna 3 times once before We got it, then right after purchase, then again last year (didn't replace).

Idler arm at 74k.

Currently has no heat.

General Comments:

This truck is not one of Toyotas best. These are all well known problems with these. We will never buy another 3.0L toyota.

Fuel economy is horrible in this vehicle as it is only getting 10-12mpg and that with a top speed of 60mph is not what I should expect from toyota our 1987 Toyota has nearly 180k miles and it's headgasket did not go until 175k miles. IT IS STILL BLOWN, and it runs like a beast able to spin its tires a bit if you want... and still hit 110mph with 20mpg. The 3.0 is a dog and should be kept away from.