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Toyota2008–2023 Critical issues documented

Toyota Alphard twin: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Toyota Alphard twin (2008–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, cooling, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

A Toyota Alphard twin — example photograph; the generation is not established
Toyota Alphard twin. An example of the model — the generation is not established, and it is not the car you are looking at. Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Check this exact Toyota Alphard twin

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

13

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$900–$4,500

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Toyota Alphard twin are you looking at?

Pick the year and the engine. The faults below narrow to that exact combination, because a 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.4L petrol (2AZ-FE)· 2.4 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Toyota Alphard twin

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Toyota Alphard twin

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Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Alphard twin

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Toyota Alphard twin before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Conduct a combustion gas sniff test on the coolant using a hydrocarbon detection kit.

    See why

    2AZ-FE Head Gasket / Water Jacket Spacer Failure

    The 2AZ-FE 2.4-litre engine in ANH20W Vellfire variants carries the same documented water jacket spacer defect as its Alphard twin. Toyota TSB EG013-07 covers the revised spacer kit. The Vellfire's higher average JDM mileage at time of NZ/AU import means a significant proportion of 2AZ-equipped examples will have already experienced or will soon experience head gasket failure. Unresolved failures lead to hydrolock, cracked heads, and total engine loss.

    What you would notice

    • White exhaust smoke persisting beyond cold start
    • Coolant reservoir browning or emulsification
    • Engine temperature gauge rising above midpoint
    • Bubbling in coolant overflow tank when revved

    Typically $1,800–$4,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start and watch for white sweet exhaust smoke.

    See why

    2AZ-FE Head Bolt Thread Pull-Out

    The ANH20W Vellfire shares the 2AZ-FE aluminium block with the Alphard and is subject to the same documented head bolt thread stripping defect. Coolant breaches the head gasket into combustion chambers or oil galleries, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and oil emulsification. Toyota issued extended warranty coverage in Japan for this failure.

    What you would notice

    • White or sweet-smelling exhaust smoke on cold start or under load
    • Unexplained coolant level drops with no visible external leak
    • Milky emulsified residue on oil cap or dipstick
    • Engine overheating or erratic temperature gauge readings
    • Coolant reservoir bubbling at idle

    Typically $2,800–$5,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Verify the PCS recall completion via the VIN on Toyota's New Zealand recall database.

    See why

    Pre-Collision System (PCS) False Activation and Deactivation

    The millimetre-wave radar unit and forward camera used by the Toyota Pre-Collision System on AH30 models are sensitive to contamination, vibration-induced misalignment, and windscreen chip repairs, triggering false emergency braking events or causing the system to deactivate and illuminate a PCS malfunction warning. Toyota issued a recall (NZ NZTA Recall 2017-017 and related NHTSA action) covering a subset of AH30 generation vehicles for PCS software that could fail to detect certain obstacles. Post-recall units are improved but radar misalignment from minor front-end impacts remains a documented ongoing issue.

    What you would notice

    • Unexpected automatic emergency braking activation with no obstacle present
    • PCS warning light (exclamation mark in a car symbol) illuminated on the instrument cluster
    • System intermittently reports 'Pre-Collision System Unavailable' on the multifunction display
    • Automatic braking sensitivity behaves erratically — too aggressive in some conditions and absent in others
    • Warning chime and dashboard alert triggered by overhead signs, bridges, or parked vehicles incorrectly identified as collision threats

    Typically $0–$2,200 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Turn ignition on with engine off and listen near the hybrid inverter for the electric pump running.

    See why

    Hybrid Inverter Electric Coolant Pump Failure

    The AH30H Vellfire Hybrid shares the 2AR-FXE hybrid drivetrain with the Alphard Hybrid and is subject to the same documented electric inverter coolant pump failure. Impeller wear or motor seizure leads to inverter overheating without driver warning until fault codes trigger. Unaddressed pump failure can damage the inverter and motor generators.

    What you would notice

    • Hybrid warning triangle illuminated on instrument cluster
    • Loss of EV assist or reduction to petrol-only propulsion
    • Inverter coolant reservoir level falling without visible external leak
    • OBD codes P0A93 or P0A94 (inverter cooling system fault)
    • No pump noise audible from inverter area with ignition on and engine off

    Typically $900–$2,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Use Toyota Techstream to read HV battery state-of-health and check for P0A80 or ancillary battery codes such as P0A7F and P3000.

    See why

    Hybrid NiMH Battery Pack Capacity Degradation

    The ZVH20W Vellfire Hybrid shares the same Toyota Hybrid System II (THS-II) with 288V NiMH battery pack as the AHH20 Alphard Hybrid, and exhibits the same age- and cycle-related capacity degradation. Grey-import ZVH20W examples entering NZ and AU are typically 10–14 years old at time of sale, placing most in the high-risk degradation window. DTC P0A80 is the confirmed trigger code for pack replacement. Left unaddressed, the vehicle defaults to petrol-only operation with reduced performance and significantly higher running costs.

    What you would notice

    • EV mode absent or very brief at low speeds
    • Hybrid triangle warning on instrument cluster
    • Fuel consumption well above hybrid rating
    • Battery charge indicator sitting at extremes (full or empty) without change

    Typically $3,500–$9,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check oil level against service history intervals — consumption beyond 1 L per 2,000 km is the TSB threshold.

    See why

    2AR-FE Piston Ring Oil Consumption

    The 2AR-FE 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine uses a piston ring package that fails to seat correctly under partial throttle and cold-start cycling, allowing oil to pass the rings and burn in the combustion chamber. Toyota acknowledged the fault across the broader 2AR-FE engine family — shared with the Alphard, Camry, and RAV4 of the same era — via TSB EG-0048T-0714 and subsequent revisions, which prescribe piston and ring replacement rather than top-up. Unaddressed cases result in catalytic converter contamination and eventual converter failure, compounding repair cost significantly.

    What you would notice

    • Engine oil level drops more than 1 litre per 2,000 km between services
    • Blue or grey exhaust smoke visible at startup or when lifting off the throttle
    • Oil-fouled spark plugs on inspection
    • Catalytic converter efficiency code P0420/P0421 on OBD scan
    • Persistent smell of burning oil from the engine bay or exhaust

    Typically $3,500–$9,000 to put right.

See all 13 documented issuesEverything researched for the Toyota Alphard twin, including 4 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Toyota Alphard twin has — 13Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling7

012AZ-FE Head Bolt Thread Pull-Out

Cold-start and watch for white sweet exhaust smoke.petrol2008–2015Engine
CommonEngine $2,800–$5,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The ANH20W Vellfire shares the 2AZ-FE aluminium block with the Alphard and is subject to the same documented head bolt thread stripping defect. Coolant breaches the head gasket into combustion chambers or oil galleries, causing overheating, white exhaust smoke and oil emulsification. Toyota issued extended warranty coverage in Japan for this failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • White or sweet-smelling exhaust smoke on cold start or under load
  • Unexplained coolant level drops with no visible external leak
  • Milky emulsified residue on oil cap or dipstick
  • Engine overheating or erratic temperature gauge readings
  • Coolant reservoir bubbling at idle

What to check

  1. Cold-start and watch for white sweet exhaust smoke.
  2. Check coolant reservoir for combustion gas bubbles at idle.
  3. Inspect oil filler cap interior for milky contamination.
  4. Request any coolant top-up records.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: Cooling system pressure test before purchase is recommended.

Where to look: Engine top end — cylinder head to block joint, upper engine bay

Parts involved: Head gasket.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the engine ever overheated or required unexplained coolant top-ups?”
  • “Has a head bolt or head gasket repair been carried out?”
  • “Is there any cooling system service documentation?”

022AZ-FE Head Gasket / Water Jacket Spacer Failure

Conduct a combustion gas sniff test on the coolant using a hydrocarbon detection kit.petrol2008–2015EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Hybrid Inverter Electric Coolant Pump Failure

Turn ignition on with engine off and listen near the hybrid inverter for the electric pump running.hybrid2015–2022Cooling
OccasionalCooling $900–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AH30H Vellfire Hybrid shares the 2AR-FXE hybrid drivetrain with the Alphard Hybrid and is subject to the same documented electric inverter coolant pump failure. Impeller wear or motor seizure leads to inverter overheating without driver warning until fault codes trigger. Unaddressed pump failure can damage the inverter and motor generators.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid warning triangle illuminated on instrument cluster
  • Loss of EV assist or reduction to petrol-only propulsion
  • Inverter coolant reservoir level falling without visible external leak
  • OBD codes P0A93 or P0A94 (inverter cooling system fault)
  • No pump noise audible from inverter area with ignition on and engine off

What to check

  1. Turn ignition on with engine off and listen near the hybrid inverter for the electric pump running.
  2. Check inverter coolant reservoir separately from the engine coolant reservoir.
  3. Scan for hybrid system fault codes before purchase.
  4. Ask for any prior hybrid warning light history.

Where to look: Hybrid inverter assembly — right-hand engine bay or firewall area with dedicated electric coolant pump

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the hybrid system warning light ever appeared?”
  • “Has the vehicle lost hybrid power assist or entered reduced power mode?”
  • “Has the inverter coolant pump been inspected or replaced?”

042AR-FE Piston Ring Oil Consumption

Check oil level against service history intervals — consumption beyond 1 L per 2,000 km is the TSB threshold.petrol2015–2023Engine
CommonEngine $3,500–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2AR-FE 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine uses a piston ring package that fails to seat correctly under partial throttle and cold-start cycling, allowing oil to pass the rings and burn in the combustion chamber. Toyota acknowledged the fault across the broader 2AR-FE engine family — shared with the Alphard, Camry, and RAV4 of the same era — via TSB EG-0048T-0714 and subsequent revisions, which prescribe piston and ring replacement rather than top-up. Unaddressed cases result in catalytic converter contamination and eventual converter failure, compounding repair cost significantly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine oil level drops more than 1 litre per 2,000 km between services
  • Blue or grey exhaust smoke visible at startup or when lifting off the throttle
  • Oil-fouled spark plugs on inspection
  • Catalytic converter efficiency code P0420/P0421 on OBD scan
  • Persistent smell of burning oil from the engine bay or exhaust

What to check

  1. Check oil level against service history intervals — consumption beyond 1 L per 2,000 km is the TSB threshold.
  2. Inspect tailpipe for blue smoke at startup and light throttle.
  3. Pull spark plugs for oil fouling on electrodes.
  4. Ask for receipts of piston/ring repair under TSB.

Where to look: Engine block, pistons 1–4, catalytic converter downstream

Parts involved: Catalytic converter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle had a piston and ring replacement under Toyota TSB EG-0048T-0714, and can you provide the dealer invoice?”
  • “How frequently was oil topped up between services, and is there a log showing consumption per kilometre?”
  • “Has the catalytic converter been replaced or tested for efficiency codes?”

058-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Shudder

petrol2015–2023Transmission
CommonTransmission $400–$7,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AA80E/UA80E eight-speed automatic paired with both the 2AR-FE and 3.5 V6 variants develops a characteristic high-frequency shudder — often described as driving over corrugated road surface — during light throttle application between 60 and 100 km/h as the converter lock-up clutch engages. The root cause is breakdown of the torque converter clutch friction material combined with fluid degradation, and Toyota issued ATF replacement TSBs specifying WS fluid at shortened intervals as a first-stage fix. Units not addressed progress to full torque converter replacement.

A cutaway automatic transmission torque converter showing the internal turbine and stator.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A torque converter, sectioned. The lock-up clutch inside is what shudders.

No machine-readable author provided. BerndB~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • High-frequency vibration or shudder felt through the floor and seat at 60–100 km/h under light throttle
  • Shudder disappears immediately when accelerating firmly or releasing the throttle
  • Vibration absent at very low speeds and at constant highway cruise above 110 km/h
  • Transmission fluid appears dark brown or smells burnt on dipstick or drain inspection
  • Symptom worsens in warm ambient temperatures or after extended highway driving

What to check

During a test drive, maintain steady light throttle at 80–100 km/h and note any vibration through the floor, seat, or steering wheel that stops when you accelerate firmly or decelerate. Inspect ATF condition and service records — fluid should be changed every 40,000 km in shudder-prone units. If a workshop inspection is possible: An OBD scan may show no codes, making a test drive essential.

Where to look: Torque converter and lock-up clutch pack inside the transmission bellhousing

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission fluid been changed at the manufacturer's shortened shudder-prevention interval, and is there a service record?”
  • “Has the torque converter ever been replaced or rebuilt, and if so, what was the diagnosed failure?”
  • “Did a Toyota dealer or specialist diagnose a shudder condition and what repair was carried out?”

063.5 V6 Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption and Spark Plug Fouling

Check for thick blue smoke immediately on cold startup that dissipates within 60 seconds.petrol2015–2023Engine
OccasionalEngine $2,800–$7,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 3.5-litre V6 (2GR-FE) fitted to higher-specification AH30 Vellfire variants develops oil consumption through hardened valve stem seals, particularly on vehicles that have accumulated significant idle time or short-trip use without reaching full operating temperature. Oil migrates past the seals into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, burning on startup and progressive during light-load operation. Unlike the 2AR-FE piston ring fault, this failure tends to produce heavier blue smoke on cold start that clears as the engine warms, and causes fouled iridium spark plugs that present as misfires rather than consistent oil consumption.

Symptoms to notice

  • Heavy blue-grey smoke on cold engine startup that reduces once the engine reaches operating temperature
  • Oil-fouled or carbon-coated spark plugs particularly on cylinders 1, 3, and 5 (rear bank)
  • Misfire codes P0300–P0306 alongside low oil level between services
  • Oil consumption between 1 and 2 litres per 3,000 km with no visible external leaks
  • Catalytic converter efficiency fault codes appearing as a secondary consequence of oil contamination

What to check

  1. Check for thick blue smoke immediately on cold startup that dissipates within 60 seconds.
  2. Pull all six spark plugs — fouled electrodes on plugs from one or both banks indicate valve stem seal leakage.
  3. Inspect oil filler cap and dipstick area for milky deposits or excessive carbon varnish.
  4. Review consumption against service records — more than 1 L per 3,000 km warrants seal inspection.

Where to look: Cylinder head valve stems across both banks (V-bank left and right), visible after removing valve covers

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle ever been diagnosed with blue startup smoke, and were the valve stem seals inspected or replaced?”
  • “Can you show spark plug replacement records and confirm whether fouled plugs were found at the last service?”
  • “What has the oil consumption rate been between the last three scheduled services?”

07VVT-i Actuator Sludge Causing Cam Timing Fault

Inspect oil filler cap underside for sludge.petrol2008–2015EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical5

01Pre-Collision System (PCS) False Activation and Deactivation

Verify the PCS recall completion via the VIN on Toyota's New Zealand recall database.2015–2020Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $0–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The millimetre-wave radar unit and forward camera used by the Toyota Pre-Collision System on AH30 models are sensitive to contamination, vibration-induced misalignment, and windscreen chip repairs, triggering false emergency braking events or causing the system to deactivate and illuminate a PCS malfunction warning. Toyota issued a recall (NZ NZTA Recall 2017-017 and related NHTSA action) covering a subset of AH30 generation vehicles for PCS software that could fail to detect certain obstacles. Post-recall units are improved but radar misalignment from minor front-end impacts remains a documented ongoing issue.

Symptoms to notice

  • Unexpected automatic emergency braking activation with no obstacle present
  • PCS warning light (exclamation mark in a car symbol) illuminated on the instrument cluster
  • System intermittently reports 'Pre-Collision System Unavailable' on the multifunction display
  • Automatic braking sensitivity behaves erratically — too aggressive in some conditions and absent in others
  • Warning chime and dashboard alert triggered by overhead signs, bridges, or parked vehicles incorrectly identified as collision threats

What to check

  1. Verify the PCS recall completion via the VIN on Toyota's New Zealand recall database.
  2. Check that the PCS warning light is not illuminated and that the system shows as active on the vehicle information display.
  3. Inspect the front grille area for any signs of impact or replacement that could have disturbed radar alignment.
  4. Ask about any windscreen replacement history, which requires radar recalibration.

Where to look: Millimetre-wave radar unit behind the lower front grille; forward-facing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen behind the rear-view mirror

Ask the seller

  • “Has this vehicle's VIN been checked against the Toyota PCS recall, and has the software remedy been completed at a Toyota dealer?”
  • “Has the windscreen ever been replaced, and if so, was the PCS radar and camera recalibrated by a Toyota-authorised repairer?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever braked unexpectedly or shown a Pre-Collision System warning without an obvious cause?”

02Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Pack Capacity Degradation

hybrid2015–2023Electrical
CommonElectrical $4,500–$13,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2AR-FXE hybrid system uses a nickel-metal hydride high-voltage battery pack that loses usable capacity after extended cycling, typically becoming noticeable from eight to ten years of service. As cells degrade unevenly, the battery management system narrows the charge window to protect weak cells, resulting in sharply reduced EV-only operation and a corresponding rise in ICE run-time. Severe cases trigger hybrid system warning lights and place the vehicle into a limp-home state that prevents regenerative braking from functioning normally.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid charge bars never reach full and deplete faster than when the vehicle was new
  • Internal combustion engine starts more frequently, including at very low speeds where EV-only is expected
  • Red triangle hybrid system warning light illuminated or stored in fault history
  • Fuel consumption measurably higher than the rated figure on combined driving
  • Regenerative braking feels weak or inconsistent

What to check

  1. Request a dealer or specialist hybrid health scan showing individual cell block voltages and state-of-health percentage — anything below 70% SOH warrants a pack rebuild or replacement.
  2. Verify that the hybrid charge gauge cycles between two and four bars rather than holding a full or near-full charge.
  3. Check for red triangle warning light history in stored fault codes.

Where to look: Under-floor high-voltage battery housing beneath the second-row seating area

Ask the seller

  • “Has a hybrid battery health scan been performed by a Toyota dealer or hybrid specialist, and what was the state-of-health percentage reported?”
  • “Has the high-voltage battery pack or any cell modules ever been replaced or reconditioned?”
  • “Does the vehicle still qualify for any remaining Toyota hybrid battery warranty coverage?”

03Hybrid NiMH Battery Pack Capacity Degradation

Use Toyota Techstream to read HV battery state-of-health and check for P0A80 or ancillary battery codes such as P0A7F and P3000.hybrid2011–2015ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Power Sliding Door Motor and Cable Failure

Operate each sliding door multiple times via interior switch, exterior handle, and key fob.2008–2022Electrical
CommonElectrical $450–$1,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Both ANH20W and AH30W Vellfire models share the Alphard sliding door platform and are affected by the same motor burnout and Bowden cable wear. Door failures are common in high-mileage JDM imports, as the electric actuators see continuous daily use. Latch solenoid wear adds a secondary failure mode on older units.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door fails to respond to button, handle, or fob
  • Door reverses or stops mid-travel without obstruction
  • Motor strain noise or cable snap from door mechanism
  • Door will not latch shut without manual assistance
  • Door warning light on with door physically closed

What to check

  1. Operate each sliding door multiple times via interior switch, exterior handle, and key fob.
  2. Confirm smooth full-travel operation and firm latching.
  3. Listen for motor strain or cable grind.
  4. Check sill-edge wiring harness condition for cracks.

Where to look: Rear sliding doors both sides — motor behind lower trim panel, cable in door sill channel

Ask the seller

  • “Do both sliding doors cycle reliably open and closed every time?”
  • “Has either door motor, latch, or cable been replaced?”
  • “Has either door ever stopped mid-travel or failed to fully latch?”

05Hybrid 12V Auxiliary Battery Premature Failure

Ask for the 12V battery replacement date and test voltage at rest (should be above 12.4 V) and under load.hybrid2015–2023Electrical
CommonElectrical $280–$650 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Hybrid Vellfire models carry a small 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery that powers the vehicle ECUs, body electronics, and the high-voltage system's wake-up circuitry. Because the 12V battery is only charged intermittently through a DC-DC converter from the hybrid pack rather than by a conventional alternator, it experiences shallow cycling that accelerates plate sulphation. Battery life in real-world use commonly falls to three to five years versus the six to eight years expected in a conventional petrol vehicle, and failure leaves the vehicle unable to enter READY mode.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle fails to enter READY mode — displays 'Check Hybrid System' with no other obvious cause
  • Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously on startup then clear after a restart
  • Infotainment system resets to factory defaults indicating a total power interruption
  • Remote key fob range decreases and doors fail to unlock at normal distance
  • Battery warning or red triangle appears on the instrument cluster

What to check

  1. Ask for the 12V battery replacement date and test voltage at rest (should be above 12.4 V) and under load.
  2. A battery over four years old in a hybrid carries elevated risk and should be factored into negotiation.
  3. Check for corroded terminals or evidence of swelling in the case.

Where to look: Luggage area under the floor or in a dedicated tray behind the right-rear trim panel depending on variant

Parts involved: 12V battery.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the 12V auxiliary battery last replaced, and has it ever caused a no-start or 'Check Hybrid System' warning?”
  • “Has a load test been performed on the 12V battery recently, and what was the result?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever failed to enter READY mode or shown multiple simultaneous warning lights?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Front Strut Mount Bearing and Upper Spring Seat Deterioration

With the vehicle stationary, have an assistant turn the steering lock to lock while you listen at each front strut tower for a clunk or click.2015–2023Suspension
CommonSuspension $600–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AH30 Vellfire's MacPherson-type front strut uses a bearing-in-rubber upper mount that deteriorates from ozone cracking and compression set, particularly in New Zealand and Australian conditions where vehicles sit unused for extended periods between family trips. As the bearing seizes within the degraded rubber mount, the strut cannot rotate freely during steering inputs and generates a loud knocking or clunking sound over undulations and when turning at low speed. The rubber spring seat concurrently collapses, reducing ride height and altering suspension geometry, leading to uneven tyre wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Knocking or clunking from the front suspension over speed humps, rough roads, or driveways at low speed
  • Clunking or creaking sound when steering wheel is turned at low speed or while stationary
  • Steering feels notchy or catches slightly during slow parking manoeuvres
  • Uneven front tyre wear inconsistent with wheel alignment records
  • Front ride height lower on one side than the other

What to check

With the vehicle stationary, have an assistant turn the steering lock to lock while you listen at each front strut tower for a clunk or click. On a test drive, note any knocking over speed humps or rough surfaces at low speed. Visually inspect the top mount rubber for cracking, oil seepage from the bearing, or uneven compression. Measure ride height at the front wheel arches to check for spring seat collapse.

Where to look: Top of front strut assembly at the MacPherson strut tower in the engine bay

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front strut mounts or upper bearings ever been replaced, and at what mileage?”
  • “Has the vehicle had a recent wheel alignment check, and were any suspension components flagged as worn?”
  • “Is there any knocking or creaking from the front suspension on slow turns or over rough surfaces?”

Toyota Alphard twin faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

2AZ-FE Head Gasket / Water Jacket Spacer FailureCritical · EngineHybrid NiMH Battery Pack Capacity DegradationMajor · ElectricalVVT-i Actuator Sludge Causing Cam Timing FaultMajor · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Toyota Alphard twin’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Toyota models

Toyota Prado64 documented faultsToyota RAV463 documented faultsToyota Hilux59 documented faultsToyota Kluger13 documented faultsToyota Rush13 documented faultsToyota Highlander12 documented faults

Toyota Alphard twin buyer questions

Is the Toyota Alphard twin reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 13 documented faults for the Toyota Alphard twin, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and cooling. A Toyota Alphard twin 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 Alphard twin?

We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Toyota Alphard twin, covering engine, electrical, and cooling. All 13 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Alphard twin?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Alphard twin fall between $900–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 Alphard twin?

Yes. A Toyota Alphard twin 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.