Toyota Crown Majesta: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Toyota Crown Majesta (1999–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, 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.
16
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota Crown Majesta faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
013UZ-FE Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Seizure
CriticalOccasionalEngine $3,500–$22,000 to fix
The Crown Majesta S180 (UZS186) is powered by the 3UZ-FE 4.3L V8, identical to the unit in the Lexus GS430. The timing belt drive train uses sealed idler pulley bearings that are not serviceable and have a finite fatigue life. Beyond 100,000–150,000 km, bearing cage deformation or raceway spalling can cause sudden seizure, shredding the timing belt within seconds. Because the 3UZ-FE is an interference-design engine, belt failure results in immediate valve-to-piston contact across all four banks, bending all 32 valves and typically fracturing piston crowns. Crown Majesta owners in Japan often cover low annual mileage, so time-based degradation of belt rubber and bearing grease may cause failure at lower odometer readings than expected.
Symptoms to notice
Catastrophic engine stall without warning
Pre-failure rattling or squealing noise from engine front
Zero compression across all cylinders after stall
No restart — engine internally destroyed
Timing belt debris in cam belt area
What to check
Watch for: Catastrophic engine stall without warning. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove timing covers and physically inspect belt for cracking, glazing, hardening; spin all idler and tensioner pulleys and check for bearing roughness or play; confirm in writing that belt and all pulleys were replaced together; perform compression test before purchase.
Where to look: Timing belt and idler pulleys at front of 3UZ-FE V8, Crown Majesta engine bay
Ask the seller
“Can you provide service documentation showing timing belt replacement including all idler pulleys?”
“At what kilometre reading was the timing belt last replaced?”
“Has any noise ever come from the front of the engine?”
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?”
ElectricalCritical
SuspensionCritical
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
BrakesMajor
14 more documented faults on the Toyota Crown Majesta
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 16 documented faults for the Toyota Crown Majesta, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and suspension. A Toyota Crown Majesta 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 Majesta?
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We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Toyota Crown Majesta, covering engine, electrical, 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 Majesta?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Crown Majesta fall between $600–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 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 Majesta?
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Yes. A Toyota Crown Majesta 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.