Thinking about buying a used Toyota 300 Series (2021–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning fluid leaks, engine, suspension, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$450–$3,500
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota 300 Series faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
CriticalOccasionalFluid Leaks $2,000–$6,000 to fix
Early production V35A-FTS 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 engines in the 300 Series were subject to a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin addressing external fuel leaks at the high-pressure direct injection fuel injectors. The leak occurs between the injector body and the cylinder head at the injector seat or seal, allowing petrol to escape externally. This is a documented fire risk and Toyota issued a TSB requiring inspection and injector seat/seal replacement on affected vehicles. AU and NZ vehicles in the early production window should be verified to have had this rectified.
Symptoms to notice
Fuel smell from engine bay, especially after shutdown
Visible fuel staining or wetness around injector bodies on cylinder head
Check engine light with fuel system or injector fault codes
Risk of engine bay fire if fuel contacts hot surfaces
What to check
Perform a cold-start inspection after the vehicle has been parked to identify fresh fuel seepage. Ask for records confirming TSB rectification has been performed. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the engine cover and inspect around each injector body for fuel staining, wetness, or residue on the cylinder head.
Where to look: High-pressure fuel injectors on both cylinder banks of the V35A-FTS V6; injectors enter the cylinder head from the top of the engine
Ask the seller
“Has the fuel injector TSB been addressed on this vehicle?”
“Any fuel smell from the engine bay?”
“Has there been any fire-risk or fuel leak warning from Toyota or the dealer?”
The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 petrol (V35A-FTS) has a documented TSB for a mechanical ticking or rattling noise emanating from the fuel injectors, most pronounced on cold start and at low idle. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin addressing injector hold-down torque specification and in some cases revised injector supply pipes. The noise can persist after warm-up in more severe cases. Under warranty the fix is covered; out-of-warranty vehicles face potential injector or high-pressure fuel rail work.
Symptoms to notice
Rapid metallic ticking or rattling noise on cold start from engine top
Noise most audible at idle and low RPM, may reduce at higher revs
Persists beyond first 30 seconds of cold start in affected units
Occasional check engine light in severe cases with injector circuit codes
Slight rough idle or momentary hesitation during the noise period
What to check
Cold-start the engine from fully cold and listen for a rapid metallic ticking or chattering from the top of the engine lasting more than 15–20 seconds. Confirm noise is not valve train or exhaust. Ask dealer to check TSB history on the VIN for injector-related bulletins. Inspect high-pressure fuel rail connections for seepage.
Where to look: Top of engine, fuel injector rail area, driver side and passenger side cylinder banks
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle had any Toyota TSB work done for injector noise or fuel system rattles?”
“Can I cold-start the engine from fully cold before purchase?”
“Is the vehicle still within Toyota's 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMinor
9 more documented faults on the Toyota 300 Series
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Toyota 300 Series, the recurring problem areas are fluid leaks, engine, and suspension. A Toyota 300 Series with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota 300 Series?
+
We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Toyota 300 Series, covering fluid leaks, engine, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota 300 Series?
+
Most single repairs on the Toyota 300 Series fall between $450–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota 300 Series?
+
Yes. A Toyota 300 Series inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.