Thinking about buying a used Toyota Crown (1999–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 28 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, suspension, and body & rust. 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.
28
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Toyota Crown faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The GWS204 Crown Hybrid uses the same Panasonic NiMH traction battery module architecture as the Lexus GS450h, comprising individual prismatic cells stacked in a temperature-managed pack beneath the rear seat. Repeated high-rate charge and discharge cycles, combined with inadequate cooling when ambient temperatures are high, cause irreversible capacity fade through lithium plating of cell plates and internal resistance rise. Once overall pack capacity drops below roughly 60 percent of original, the hybrid ECU restricts available power, reduces EV-only operation, and eventually illuminates the master warning and hybrid system warning lights.
Symptoms to notice
Hybrid system warning light or master warning light illuminated, often with fault codes P0A7F (battery capacity low) or P3000-series
Fuel economy significantly below Toyota's published figure, with the petrol engine running almost continuously even at low speeds
State of charge gauge oscillating rapidly or refusing to reach full charge
Reduced or absent EV-only drive mode at low speeds
What to check
Also check the battery cooling fan inlet (under the rear seat) for blockage with debris. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan the hybrid battery ECU with a Toyota Techstream diagnostic tool to read individual cell block voltages and state-of-charge balance. A spread greater than 0.2 V between the weakest and strongest cell blocks during a standardised load test indicates significant degradation.
Where to look: High-voltage NiMH battery pack located beneath the rear passenger seat and boot floor
Ask the seller
“Has the hybrid battery ever been tested with Techstream for individual cell balance, and can you share the report?”
“Has any hybrid system warning light appeared, and if so what was the diagnosed fault?”
022GR-FSE D-4S Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
MinorOccasionalEngine $700–$1,600 to fix
The 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 uses Toyota D-4S dual injection combining port and direct injection, which significantly reduces but does not eliminate intake valve carbon buildup compared with pure direct injection engines. At high mileage or under extended low-load urban driving the port injectors operate at reduced duty, allowing oil vapour deposits to accumulate on valve stems. Deposits typically remain lighter than pure DI engines but cause rough cold idle and hesitation beyond 120,000 km if the intake has never been serviced.
Symptoms to notice
Rough cold idle that smooths once at operating temperature
Occasional stumble on light-throttle acceleration
Slight hesitation at part throttle above 100,000 km
Minor reduction in maximum power output at high mileage
What to check
Confirm D-4S port injectors are firing by checking injector pulse signal with a noid light or scope. If a workshop inspection is possible: Borescope inspection of intake ports through throttle body for brown or black deposits on valve heads; deposits will typically be lighter and more uniform than a pure DI engine.
Where to look: Cylinder head intake ports and intake manifold, both V6 banks
Ask the seller
“What is the odometer reading and has the intake ever been cleaned?”
“Has the vehicle been used mainly for short urban trips where DI sooting is accelerated?”
“Any hesitation or misfire codes in the diagnostic history?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
ElectricalMajor
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Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
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CoolingMajor
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ElectricalMinor
26 more documented faults on the Toyota Crown
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 28 documented faults for the Toyota Crown, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and suspension. A Toyota Crown 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 Crown?
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We've catalogued 28 known faults for the Toyota Crown, covering electrical, 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 Crown?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Crown fall between $600–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 28 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 Crown?
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Yes. A Toyota Crown 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.