Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Toyota Crown is known for (2011–2018), 7 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look for brake, ABS and skid warning lights staying on together in READY, and feel for a very heavy brake pedal.
Why it matters: Toyota Japan's notice states that frequent braking can wear the hydraulic control valve in the electric brake actuator earlier than designed, that several warning lamps then illuminate together, and that continuing to drive brings on an audible warning with higher pedal effort and reduced braking.
What to look for: Look for a 4683 or 5404 recall sticker in the driver's door opening, and listen for a stumbling or uneven cold idle.
Why it matters: The MLIT notifications record that the moulding conditions for the resin impeller were inadequate, giving low resin density; the impeller then swells with fuel and deforms, contacts the pump case, the pump malfunctions and in the worst case the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving. Toyota's remedy is replacement of the low-pressure fuel pump.
What to look for: Look for a brake warning light that stays on after start-up, and ask if the brake actuator was replaced in Japan.
Why it matters: Toyota Japan's notice states that heavy brake use wears the solenoid valve section of the brake actuator, illuminating the brake warning lamp, and that continuing to drive brings an audible warning and reduced braking. On the imports named here the part is expensive, and knowing the campaign exists is the difference between a free Japanese repair and a bill in New Zealand.
What to look for: Cold start and watch the tacho and feel through the seat for a shaky or hunting idle in the first minutes.
Why it matters: Owners of the same engine in the Lexus IS250/GS300 report it from as little as 50,000 km, and more often past 100,000 km on cars doing short runs. The fix is a walnut-shell blast clean of the valves with the intake manifold off (about 3 hours' work for two technicians); it comes back again with mileage. Cheap fuel-additive 'cleans' do not reach the valves.
What to look for: Cold start and watch the tacho and feel through the seat for a shaky or hunting idle in the first minutes.
Why it matters: Owners of the same engine in the Lexus IS250/GS300 report it from as little as 50,000 km, and more often past 100,000 km on cars doing short runs. The fix is a walnut-shell blast clean of the valves with the intake manifold off (about 3 hours' work for two technicians); it comes back again with mileage. Cheap fuel-additive 'cleans' do not reach the valves.
What to look for: Cold start and watch the tacho and feel through the seat for a shaky or hunting idle in the first minutes.
Why it matters: Owners of the same engine in the Lexus IS250/GS300 report it from as little as 50,000 km, and more often past 100,000 km on cars doing short runs. The fix is a walnut-shell blast clean of the valves with the intake manifold off (about 3 hours' work for two technicians); it comes back again with mileage. Cheap fuel-additive 'cleans' do not reach the valves.
What to look for: Switch to READY: no warning lights or hybrid messages.
Why it matters: Reported at about 150,000 km and up. Costs in Japan: about ¥260,000 for a Toyota-reconditioned pack with voltage sensor, about ¥400,000 new, about ¥190,000 from a specialist; one owner found a cheap online rebuild lasted only about two years, and another needed a second pack eight months after the first. Fuel use rises as the pack fails.
Got a question about a Toyota Crown? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.