Are 2020 4Runners Prone to Timing Cover Leaks?

I am looking to upgrade and considering a 2020 V6 but hearing that they have a common timing chain cover leak problem. The 2020 has 45,000 miles. Is this something Gen 5 owners are also experiencing for this year model?

 

While not considered a widespread issue, some 2020 Toyota 4Runners may experience timing cover leaks, but it's not a common problem reported by most owners or automotive experts; generally, the 4Runner is known for its reliability and longevity, with timing cover leaks being more likely to occur with higher mileage vehicles.
Key points to consider:

• Not a major concern:
  Most reports indicate that timing cover leaks are not a significant issue with 2020 4Runners.
• Potential causes:
  Like any vehicle, seals can wear out over time, leading to potential leaks, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures or rough driving conditions.
• Check for signs:
  If you notice oil accumulation near the front of the engine, particularly around the timing cover, it could indicate a leak and warrant further inspection by a mechanic.

 

A 2020 with 45k seems to be a good pick. Have an independent shop do a once over to set your mind at ease with a complete vehicle inspection.

 

Timing cover leak is not nearly as widespread for the 2010-2024 4.0L V6 as it was for the earlier 2003-2009 4.0L V6. Inspect the particular example you're looking to buy at these two specific locations:

• Just above the upper idler pulley on the driver's side.
• Around the power steering pump on the passenger's side.

Example photos:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/stealership-wants-5700-for-timing-cover-seep.43309/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/name-this-leak.43292/

 

I had a 2024 with a leaking timing chain cover at under 5000 miles. Toyota removed the engine to make the repair.
I moved on to a 2024 Pro that a friend was selling - the trim and color I wanted originally but waited too long.

 

Thanks chatgpt.

Yes it's a known issue in the 5th gen 4runner.

 

Every 5th Gen is prone to timing cover leak.
You may have it at 40k or 400k.

 

It totally is! It said what I would have said, but I was lazy and didn't want to say it. So I copy and paste it. I also copy and pasted this!

....I think I now identify as AI.

 

Deepseek has now entered the chat.

 

I had it on my 2021 Limited with about 55,000km on. Not too happy about it on top of it dealer was shady so crossing my finger it is fixed properly. They had it for a month. Waiting for replacement parts, manifolds, seals, etc.

 

Thanks everyone for your informative responses. Knowing this is a bit concerning in terms of moving from my 07 4Runner which has not given me similar problems over 182K miles to a gen 5. Would knowledge of this common problem discourage you from buying the car if you were me?

 

The 4th gen has the same problems, so no.

 

This sounds so ChatGPT for some reason...

 

I would not be concerned at all to be honest. The odds are in your favor by a long shot.

Your odds of some random issue popping up in another make/model are probably far greater than this particular issue popping up in a 45k mile 4runner.

 

I don’t think it’s common enough to worry about or we’d probably see and hear more about it from folks here.

Of course, the usual caveats apply like history, condition, etc. and these are still human-designed and built machines

 

Yeah most people note that it weeps, not enough to leave drops on your driveway, but enough to attract dirt and form a wet dirty grime area around the leak.

Much more economical to just top off the oil, if/when you ever get to that point, and motor on. If it starts to leak bad enough you have drops on the ground, then address it.

 

I don’t think it’s common enough to worry about it, if at all. But I would worry with a 2020, could certainly have a higher chance.

 

My 2017 @64,000 and no leaks. I open hood frequently to check for rodent nesting/chewing. Mostly just dust everywhere. The factory engine armor will collect any drips, so far none.

 

Last year I found a 2019 SR5 50,000 miles for my daughter. A CA car no rust. Came with gold warranty as a certified pre owned thu a dealer.
Were you offered an extended warranty?

 

Funny enough a '07 4Runner is much more likely to have timing cover leaks if it's a V6, and cracked exhaust manifolds if it's a V8. I would be much more confident buying a 5th gen than a 4th gen.

 

Took my 2016 in to get rear brakes and rotors today. They found the timing chain leak and quoted me $5800 for repair. Thinking of trading it now. Got it for bulletproof reliability but unlucky on this one. Sigh

 

I have 230k on my 2013 4runner and I have no leaks using synthetic oil. From what I have read, the crankshaft seal was a seldom reported issue. It's a $10 seal and can sling oil making it look like a cover. Knowing dealers now, they probably reported it as timing cover for more warranty time. Tacoma 3.5 has issues with timing cover. A tech told me that was all he did.

 

Dude! Interesting. Thanks for this. Perhaps it is not my timing cover that is seeping

 

Naw, it’s not that bad, read more on this. Don’t trade and do not pay that for the repair (which reportedly is prone to repeat seeping even after gasket replacment).
Many folks have advised me on a thread I started regarding the leak, that if it’s not dripping on the ground, just wipe the area off periodically and move on with your life. Whatever you do, dont let those dealership monkeys dismantle your runner to get to the cover, our 2016 runners still are bulletproof!

^see above perhaps it’s not even ur cover leaking and the dealer is unknowingly/knowingly playing you at the moment.

Goodluck

 

Check power steering fluid level to. I saw a newer Tacoma 3.5 on my bubbys, and I was suspicious of it slinging oil and not the cover. Japanese built 4runner 4.0 is pretty solid. Engine oil has always been water cooled on all 4runners which really extends oil and engine life.I have always used Mobil 1 10k oil & filter, Mobil 1 75w90 diffs and case 100k, Denso TT plugs 100k, synthetic steering & brake 100k, transmission fluid & coolant 60-75k, Throttle body cleaning 15k/ all filters check. I have transmission and power steering cooler to increase longevity and reliability. If you go offroad, always clean and check everything underneath so you can see any leaks, and you shouldn't have to worry and after being in salt especially if you drive mostly hwy worked for Toyota and the service recommendations will break you up if you have to pay someone. It's knowing what to pay for that. I only buy used 4runners. One with 300 miles on it is the same as 300k if maintained. The older ones lasted longer with half ass maintenance done. I just got my front differential drain plug out and it had vertically nothing on the magnet. I am always amazed at no squeaking or rattling on any terrain. No broken plastic or leather tears. Clean interior plastic with mild soapy water only. Driver's seat isn't even torn from sliding your butt across it which was an older generational problem. I have just rebuilt or rebooted an axle at 230k and now the other one has went. $46 Toyota reboot kit. That's why you want to inspect when greasing during oil change. I don't want anything newer than 2019 from some of the lower quality issues I hear. Less technology means less problems. That's the little I have learned that has worked for me the last 26 years of 4runner. Mine runs better with higher mileage when the engine starts to get broken in.

 

I didn't even know this a thing... One more thing to keep an eye on with our 2024 as it gets older.