Toyota Prado Problems to Check | Jordan Car Inspection

This article gives you a short guide to Toyota Prado problems from the Jordan Car Inspection Center team.

The Toyota Prado is one of the most reliable and sought-after cars on the market, especially in the Gulf region, thanks to its durability and its suitability for harsh terrain and climate. However, like any used car, a used Toyota Prado can have some common technical problems. In this article, we look at the main problems that can appear in a used Toyota Prado, and how to deal with them.

1. Suspension System Problems

The Prado’s suspension is designed to handle rough roads. However, over time and with use in harsh conditions, some problems can appear, such as:

Worn bushings: over time, the rubber bushings in the suspension can wear out, causing clunking noises or vibrations while driving.
Damaged springs: springs can lose their flexibility over time, especially if the car is often used on rough roads.

Solution: we recommend checking the suspension regularly and replacing damaged parts, such as bushings and springs, when necessary.

2. Cooling System Problems

The Prado’s cooling system can run into problems, especially in hot regions such as the UAE. The main ones are:

Coolant leaks: a leak can develop in the cooling system because of a damaged connection or hose.
Radiator problems: over time, the radiator can become clogged or corroded, which reduces cooling efficiency.

Solution: check the cooling system regularly, replace damaged hoses and clean the radiator when necessary.

3. Brake System Problems

The Prado’s brake system can suffer from some common problems, especially in used cars that have been driven hard:

Worn brake pads: brake pads can wear out quickly if the car is used on rough roads or with heavy loads.
Brake fluid leaks: a leak can develop in the brake system because of a damaged cylinder or hose.

Solution: check the brake system regularly and replace the brake pads when necessary. Also make sure there is no brake fluid leak.

4. Engine Problems

Although Prado engines are considered reliable, some problems can appear in used cars, especially if they were not well maintained:

Oil leaks: engine oil can leak because of a damaged gasket or connection.
Injection system problems: fuel injection problems can appear, especially if the car has run on low-quality fuel.

Solution: change the engine oil regularly and use high-quality fuel. You should also check the injection system and adjust it when necessary.

5. Gearbox Problems

The Prado’s gearbox can have some problems, especially in used cars that have been driven hard:

Difficulty changing gears: gear changes can become difficult because of a damaged gearbox part.
Gearbox oil leaks: gearbox oil can leak because of a damaged gasket or connection.

Solution: check the gearbox regularly and replace the gearbox oil when necessary. Also make sure there is no oil leak.

6. Air Conditioning Problems

The Prado’s air conditioning can have some problems, especially in hot regions:

Weak cooling: the AC can lose cooling power because of low refrigerant gas or a leak in the system.
Strange noises: odd noises can come from the AC system because of a damaged fan or motor.

Solution: check the air conditioning regularly and recharge the refrigerant gas when necessary. You should also replace damaged parts, such as fans or motors.

7. Electrical Problems

Some used cars can have problems in the electrical system, such as:

Battery failure: the battery can lose efficiency over time, especially if the car is left unused for long periods.
Fuse problems: some fuses can blow because of increased electrical loads.

Solution: check the battery regularly and replace it when necessary. Also check that the fuses are in good order and replace any that are damaged.

Conclusion

The Toyota Prado is a reliable and strong car, but like any used car, it can have some technical problems. With regular maintenance and ongoing inspection, you can avoid most of these problems and keep the car performing well for a long time. If you are thinking of buying a used Toyota Prado, we advise a full inspection by a specialist technician before you buy.

Toyota Prado Problems by Model Year

The Prado has gone through three generations over the last twenty years, and each generation has different weak points. First, identify the generation of the model you are looking at, whether it is a 2009, 2011, 2016 or 2025 Prado. Then focus on what applies to it below.

J120 Generation, 2002 to 2009, Including 2008 and 2009 Models

Main known problems: this generation has petrol engines in a 2.7 four-cylinder and a V6 (4.0 litre since 2005), plus a 3.0 diesel (1KD-FTV). There is no widely documented fault list for this generation, and most of its problems today relate to age. The 3.0 diesel engine is known for injector faults, which can damage the pistons if ignored. The higher trims have rear air suspension that may fail over time.

What to check before buying: test all three air suspension ride heights, check the injectors with a diagnostic tool on diesel models, inspect the chassis for rust, and check the condition of the cooling system and AC.

J150 Generation, First Phase, 2010 to 2013, Including 2010, 2011 and 2013 Models

Main known problems: there are complaints about the brake booster in pre-2012 cars: a spongy or hard pedal with a hissing sound. The dashboard can crack around the passenger airbag and at the instrument cluster in early cars. The lower shock absorber bushings and control arm bushings wear out, and the air suspension bags can leak in the higher trims. On the 3.0 diesel, injector faults come up repeatedly.

What to check before buying: the feel of the brake pedal and any hissing sound, the condition of the dashboard, the suspension bushings on a lift, and whether the rear ride height holds steady.

J150 Generation, After the Facelift, 2014 to 2023, Including 2015 and 2016 Models

Main known problems: in the Gulf, the 2.7 and 4.0 V6 engines continued. In diesel markets, the 2.8 engine (1GD-FTV) arrived in 2015. Prado, Hilux and Fortuner vehicles with this engine, built between October 2015 and April 2020, suffered diesel particulate filter (DPF) defects. The rear door hinges can sag because of the weight of the spare wheel.

What to check before buying: the DPF cleaning history and any smoke or warnings on diesel models, EGR cooler leaks, the alignment and closing of the rear door, and the suspension bushings.

J250 Generation, 2024 to Date, 2024 to 2026 Models

Main known problems: a global software recall covers the 12.3-inch digital instrument screen, because the oil pressure, engine temperature and charging warnings may not appear at start-up. The campaign covered cars built between June 2024 and June 2025. A recall was also issued for the 2024 to 2027 hybrid versions because the fuel pipe connector near the tank may come loose. Therefore, ask the authorised dealer in the UAE to check using the chassis number.

What to check before buying: look up recalls using the chassis number, make sure all warning lights come on at start-up, and look for a fuel smell or a leak under the car.

Prado 2025 and 2026: What to Check

The 2025 and 2026 Prado belong to the J250 generation, which launched in the UAE in mid-2024 with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. This generation has not been around long enough for documented recurring faults to appear. Most of what has been recorded so far is software recalls and specific parts, so focus on the following:

Instrument screen update: on trims with the 12.3-inch screen, make sure the dealer has carried out the software update.
Cameras and driver-assist systems: recall campaigns have covered the surround-view camera software in 2024 and 2025 models, so test the camera view when reversing.
Turbo engine: review the oil change record to confirm it was done on time, and check for any oil leak around the turbo.
Underbody: check the chassis and underbody guards for signs of hard off-road use, even if the odometer reading is low.

Common Questions About the Prado

Which Is Better: Prado 4-Cylinder or 6-Cylinder?

In the J120 and J150 generations, there is a version with a 2.7 four-cylinder engine producing around 160 horsepower, and a version with a 4.0 V6 producing around 270 horsepower. The four-cylinder is simpler and more fuel-efficient, but it is weaker with a load and on sandy roads. The V6 is more powerful and uses more fuel. The new J250 generation comes in the Gulf with a 2.4 turbo four-cylinder, and there is no V6 version.

What Is the Difference Between a 2013 and a 2016 Prado?

Both are from the J150 generation, but the 2013 model is the last year before the first update Toyota announced in September 2013, while the 2016 comes from the updated version. Brake booster complaints affect the early cars of this generation more. The main inspection points are similar, however: the bushings, the rear suspension, the dashboard and the chassis.

Does the DPF Problem Affect the Petrol Prado?

No. The problem concerns the 2.8 diesel engine (1GD-FTV) in roughly 2015 to 2020 models, and it was the subject of wide owner complaints. If the car is a diesel from this period, ask for the filter’s history and any repairs the dealer carried out on it.

Do the 2024 and 2025 Prados Have Recalls?

Yes. The main ones are the instrument screen software update, as part of a global campaign, and a recall for the fuel pipe connector on hybrid versions. Whether a car is covered by any campaign depends on its chassis number, so ask the authorised dealer in the UAE to check using the chassis number.

Before you buy a used Prado of any generation, book a full inspection at Jordan Car Inspection Center. We read faults in all the electronic units with a computer, and we inspect the engine, gearbox, suspension and chassis mechanically. This way, you know the car’s real condition before you close the deal.

For vehicle registration and renewal requirements in the UAE, you can visit the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).