Toyota Prado 2018 Problems | Jordan Car Inspection

If you are looking for clear information about Toyota Prado 2018 problems, this guide brings together the most important things you need to know.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is one of the most in-demand SUVs in the UAE and the Gulf. The 2018 to 2023 Prado in particular is a favourite on the used market: a refreshed look, Toyota’s well-known reliability and high resale value. However, that high value makes any buying mistake costly. Many Prados are also used for desert trips and dune driving.

In this article, we look at the known Toyota Prado 2018 to 2023 problems and what you should check before buying.

Quick Overview of the 2018-2023 Prado

These models are from the J150 generation, after the facelift Toyota announced in September 2017. They stayed in production until the new J250 generation appeared in 2024. In Gulf markets, they came with two petrol engines:

2.7-litre four-cylinder: simpler and more fuel-efficient, but weaker with a heavy load and in sand.
4.0-litre V6: much more powerful and thirstier, and the favourite for dune driving and long trips.

Imported diesel versions with a 2.8-litre engine are also available on the market.

1. Suspension Bushes and Arms

One of the most common findings on the J150 generation is wear in the lower shock absorber bushes and the arm bushes. This is especially true for cars used off-road. It shows up as a knocking noise from underneath over bumps, vague steering or uneven tyre wear.

Before buying: Inspect the car on a lift and look at the bushes and arms, and listen for any noise over bumps.

2. Rear Air Suspension in Higher Trims

Some higher trims have rear air suspension. Over time, the air springs can leak. The rear of the car then sinks after standing for a while, the compressor runs often, or a warning message appears. Repairs are not cheap, so you need to check this.

Before buying: Note the rear ride height while the car is parked, try changing the heights if the car supports it, and make sure there are no stored faults in the suspension system.

3. Tailgate and Spare Wheel

The spare wheel on the Prado is mounted on the tailgate. With its weight and long use, the door hinges can sag. This makes the door hard to close or crooked, and a rattle may come from the rear while driving.

Before buying: Open and close the tailgate several times, and check that it sits straight with the body and that the gaps are even.

4. DPF Filter in Imported Diesel Versions

This point applies to imported diesel cars only. The 2.8-litre diesel engine (1GD-FTV) is known for problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), especially on roughly 2015 to 2020 models. Symptoms include white smoke, repeated filter-cleaning warnings and weak performance.

Before buying: If the car is an imported diesel, ask about the filter’s history and any repairs made to it, and read the engine faults with a computer scan.

5. Signs of Off-Road and Dune Use

This is actually the most important point on a used Prado. The car itself is strong, but hard use in sand and mountains leaves marks that do not show in the advert:

Chassis and underbody guards: knocks, bends or weld marks.
Four-wheel-drive system: noises or vibration when turning or when 4WD is engaged.
Engine and cooling: dune driving raises engine and gearbox temperatures, so check the radiator, the coolant and the gearbox oil.
Sand in hidden places: inside the rims, under the carpets and around the filters.
Modifications: a lifted suspension or changed tyres and rims can affect the steering, the arms and the gearbox.

Before buying, ask the authorised dealer in the UAE to check the chassis number (VIN) for recall campaigns and updates carried out on the car. Whether a car is covered by a campaign varies with its specification and build date.

Toyota Prado 2018 Problems at a Glance (2018-2023)

Problem	Symptoms	What to check
Suspension bushes and arms	Knocking, vague steering and tyre wear	Inspection on a lift
Rear air suspension	Sagging rear and warning messages	Ride height and system faults
Tailgate	Hard to close and rattling	Door alignment and hinges
DPF filter (diesel)	Smoke and filter-cleaning warnings	Filter history and computer scan
Off-road use	Marks on the chassis and four-wheel drive	Chassis, cooling and gearbox inspection

Is the 2018-2023 Prado Worth Buying?

Yes. It is one of the best used SUV options for reliability and resale value, and its documented faults are relatively few. However, because the price is high, buying a car that was worked hard off-road or had an accident could cost you a lot. To learn about Prado problems across all generations, read our article on common problems in used Toyota Prado cars.

Why Inspect a Used Car Before Buying?

With a car worth as much as a Prado, the cost of an inspection is tiny compared with the amount you could lose. Two cars of the same model and year can differ a lot in condition, depending on how, when and where they were used. A pre-purchase inspection protects you:

It reveals signs of off-road use and accidents on the chassis and body.
It reveals hidden faults in the engine, gearbox, suspension and four-wheel drive.
It protects you from repainting and tampering, including paint inspection with UV light and an odometer check.
It gives you negotiating power on a car that is already expensive.

At Jordan Car Inspection Center, we inspect the Prado and other SUVs thoroughly. This includes a computer scan of all systems, a chassis, suspension and four-wheel-drive inspection on a lift, a body and paint inspection, a test drive, and then a clear report. Learn more about our pre-purchase used car inspection in Sharjah service.

Contact Jordan Car Inspection Center

Address: University Street, Industrial Area 13, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Phone: 055 572 2214
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Before you buy a 2018 to 2023 Prado or any used car, bring it to us and find out its real condition.

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