Questions and Answers
4-Runner Blows A Gasket
Q. Hello, Recently I noticed my 1993 Toyota 4-Runner was showing a lower oil pressure than normal and was shaking at idle speed. I took it in thinking it needed to be tuned up. They did a compression check which showed that cylinder 3 only had 30 psi.
They told me the head gasket had more then likely blown because this is a problem with the 4-Runners but was replaced for free under a recall. So, I called the nearest Toyota dealership to find out what can be done and they said nothing because the previous owner had already had it in for that recall. The truck now has 155,000 miles on it and is in great shape except this problem, which will now cost me around $1200.00 to fix.
My question is... is there really nothing I can do? It doesn't make sense to me that only 45,000 miles after the recall, the same problem happens again and it is now the consumers problem. What would happen if Firestone recalled all those tires only to replace them with new faulty tires? How can a company recall a product and then not fix it?
What can I do? Anything?
JHA. I checked all my sources and I can't find a head gasket recall on that make and model of truck. I also did a TSB search and I didn't even fine a TSB about a head gasket problem. So I'm not sure I can help you as far as that goes.
First thing I would do is make sure the head gasket is, indeed, blown. "More than likely" is not good enough. If it is the head gasket there are definite steps you can take. The first is to speak to the dealership Service Manager about the problem. Bring any documentation you have about the first repair so the date and milage the repair was done can be verified. Bring copies so you can give them to the Service Manager and keep the originals.
If he can't or won't help you, then the next step would be to call Toyota Customer Service and file a complaint. Then arrange a meeting with the district representative and discuss the problem with him. This does two things, first Toyota will open a file and will investigate the situation and, second, you may get help from the factory representative.
Once the complaint is filed, the dealership will be more likely to help you out. They do not want an unsatisfied complaint left unresolved because it will effect their dealer rating. Now Toyota or the dealership may not pay for the whole repair, but they may do a 50 - 50 on parts and labor. At least this will be a big help in getting the vehicle repaired.
If this fails, then you have legal recourse. If you have documentation that this is a known problem resulting in a recall, then you can take it to court and, more than likely, the judge will rule in your favor. You have to do this after the repair is done. In some states you will be able to recover not only the cost of the repair, but any related expenses such as rental cars.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
