26th Oct 2004, 18:02

Recently bought a 93 Runner, only to have terrible mechanical problems not even a month after purchasing it (and after meticulously maintaining everything). Looks like the head gasket is to blame, but because mine was "fixed" in 98 I think I am stuck here.

Anyone in the same situation who has found a solution please let me know: RRMCmachine@yahoo.com.

7th Nov 2004, 16:47

Hi All.

I just blew the head-gasket on my 1995 4 Runner. The truck started blowing white clouds of steam and begin to overheat. I shut it down before it hit the red. Checked oil no water in pan, but water dripping from exhaust pipe. Looks like a common problem and like it's going to cost me. Only other problems I have had are lift gate regulator, power antenna, AC clutch, and now head gasket. Truck has 135,000 miles. I will fix myself.

22nd Nov 2004, 12:23

I also have the same problem. My gasket has failed, but only in the rear of the engine. I have to add oil on occasion, thank God. I just experienced a problem with the truck getting hot, then cooling off again. I think and hope it's the thermostat. I too love my truck, and hope to keep it. I was surprised to see these posting. I never knew this was a problem. That's why my mechanic could quote a price so quickly. So, I called my dealer about the recall or service bulletin. I has told to call 800-331-4331 to verify my status toward the recall. According to Toyota I'm not, so I "expressed" myself. The rep asked if I wanted to document the call. So long story short, call the 800 number and document the issue. If enough of us complain it will be corrected. Hopefully!

14th Dec 2004, 06:38

Yea, chalk me up on the list! I have a 91 extended cab v6 and it popped gasket in 02. Had it repaired and 32k miles later, what ya know, popped again. Toyota said for me to kiss my trash and suck it up. Truck has sat idle for last several months. We should all get together and file a class action law suit against those Yota freaks and see what they think 'bout that.

16th Dec 2004, 16:12

Yep, me too, I had a 95, and it was covered under the recall They replaced it and said it was ready to go…then my engine blew a crank bearing, and I found sludge all in the engine…. Of course that wasn’t covered by Toyota…. Got it repaired, and now it blew the head gasket!!! I like the truck, but I think it’s time to just drive my 40 year old GMC, which has never given me a problem…..this stinks, never another Toyota!!! Let me know if we get a class action together, I will sign!!!

19th Jan 2005, 17:37

I have a 1995 4Runner 3.0 with 159K miles. I noticed a pool of coolant on the driveway this morning. On the way to the shop the car started to overheat. The mechanics informed me that it is a blown head gasket and 4Runners are notorious for having this problem. It is going to cost me $1,100 - $1,500 to have it fixed and takes about 4 -5 days. Similar to other's experience, I was informed by customer service that my VIN was not included as part of the recall. But it would not have mattered anyway since it only extended the warranty to 100K miles or 8 years. My call was documented, but I doubt it will do much.

11th Feb 2005, 20:31

I recently traded a boat for a rebuilt 94 4 runner engine complete, he said it worth 3k I need a I think 88- 95? 4runner to put engine in. 714 724 2774.

18th Apr 2005, 13:54

Yes, yet another, my 95 4Runner (156K) blew the head gasket, talked to a "wall" at the 800-331-4331 Toyota "help" line. I was told my VIN# wasn't covered, but if I had gone to the dealer with all my maintenance there might be some hope. I am currently pleading with the dealer my fingers are crossed, but my hopes are not high. Didn't realize this was such a common problem.

28th Apr 2005, 07:57

Another one bites the dust. '94 Toyota pick-up, had the head gasket done in '98 under recall, but same thing happened 40,000 later... I'm guessing it'll happen again. What ever happened to the "Everlasting Toyota Truck"...???

22nd Sep 2005, 22:23

This is my 4th Toyota truck. Had no problems with the first three, just decided to trade up. I bought my 95 Toyota 4 Runner in 2000 and have had no problems with it until this past summer. At approximately 95,000 miles I also had a blown head gasket. We took it to a shop who charged us over $800 to 'fix' the problem. I got a re-built radiator and new fuel pump and not only a week later I was overheating again. It seems the water comes out at the exhaust. This has been very frustrating. Since then I have had several different mechanics look at it and not one knew about the recall! I just found out about the recall on this problem today. We have a friend of the family who told us about it. I will call my nearest Toyota Dealership and report my problem. I hope I have better luck than the folks who wrote before me! I will post a report back on this website after I take my case to Toyota!

28th Sep 2005, 11:37

Wow...I didn't realize there were so many that experienced blown head gaskets.

Add my 1995 4Runner to the list. I had heard the V6 3.0 engines like to do this every 100,000 miles. Mine went at about 100,000. I am at 145,000 now...

...atleast I have about 55,000 left before the next replacement.

7th Nov 2005, 13:11

95 4Runner with 135k miles, guess what? Blown head gasket and other damage. Absolutely wonderful. Yay Toyota.

If you buy Toyota be prepared for major work between 75k-135k miles, planned obsolescence I think they call it. This is my second Toyota which requires major repairs like this ($2800). Time to move to another car manufacturer.

10th Nov 2005, 04:16

Chalk up another one! Toyota is really scoring big on the 95 4Runner. My 95 Limited had a blown head gasket at about 160k, about two days after I had bought it. It cost me about 2k to get fixed. Now, I am having transmission problems, on top of that! I am going to have to spend at least 2-3k to get that fixed. I have to fix it because I could never get close to what I have in it, with a broke transmission. Also, the front end needs work!