Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Toyota Toyota Allion is known for (2007–2021), 6 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: Listen at the right-hand (timing) end of the engine on a cold start and at idle with the bonnet.
Why it matters: Symptoms are a rattle from the timing end on start-up and at idle, and later a check engine light for cam/crank correlation. The fix is chain, sprockets, tensioner and guides as a kit. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Select Reverse and Drive and count the delay.
Why it matters: Owners found forward clutch plates and piston seals damaged; some cars improved with fresh Toyota CVT fluid, others needed a rebuild or a used gearbox. Broken engine mounts can mimic or add to the shudder. Early boxes built July 2006 to October 2008 (so 2007 and 2008 Allion/Premio) also had a clutch piston that could be made slightly out of size and damage its seal, causing an internal leak and poor take-off;
What to look for: Look at the pump (front of the engine, behind the belt) with a torch for pink crusty trails or wet spots.
Why it matters: Because the head is aluminium, running low on coolant risks head gasket damage; on Valvematic engines leaking coolant can also reach the Valvematic actuator. Ignored, overheating can then blow the head gasket, usually from about 160,000 km on engines that ran low on coolant. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Check engine and VSC lights must go out after start.
Why it matters: Toyota-Club notes controllers on later 3ZR-FAE cars fail and cannot really be fixed, so owners fit a second-hand or remanufactured controller or a new actuator. Coolant leaking from a failing water pump is a known contributor. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Check engine and VSC lights must go out after start.
Why it matters: Toyota-Club notes controllers on later 3ZR-FAE cars fail and cannot really be fixed, so owners fit a second-hand or remanufactured controller or a new actuator. Coolant leaking from a failing water pump is a known contributor. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Look at the pump (front of the engine, behind the belt) with a torch for pink crusty trails or wet spots.
Why it matters: Because the head is aluminium, running low on coolant risks head gasket damage; on Valvematic engines leaking coolant can also reach the Valvematic actuator. Ignored, overheating can then blow the head gasket, usually from about 160,000 km on engines that ran low on coolant. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: No change on a car over 80,000 km is a negotiating point and raises the judder risk.
Why it matters: 2007 to 2013 Allion/Premio take Toyota CVT Fluid TC; 2013-on cars take CVT Fluid FE. Generic ATF or overfilling damages these boxes. It is worth knowing before you price the car.
Got a question about a Toyota Toyota Allion? 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.