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Toyota1999–2018 Critical issues documented

Toyota Crown Majesta: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Toyota Crown Majesta (1999–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 14 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. 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.

Check this exact Toyota Crown Majesta

  • 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 →

14

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$500–$1,800

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Toyota Crown Majesta are you looking at?

3 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Toyota Crown Majesta

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Toyota Crown MajestaEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Crown Majesta came with 4, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Crown Majesta

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 Crown Majesta before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Also check the battery cooling fan inlet (under the rear seat) for blockage with debris.

    See why

    2GR-FXE Hybrid NiMH Traction Battery Capacity Degradation

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $2,800–$9,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Lift each front corner and grasp the tyre at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions to check for vertical play in the ball joint.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    The front suspension of the GRS180 and GRS200 Crown uses a double-wishbone layout with a pressed-in ball joint at the outer end of the lower control arm. The ball joint stud and socket are subject to high radial and axial loads through every cornering and braking event, and the rubber boot that retains grease and excludes water can crack with age, accelerating internal corrosion and wear. Once the joint develops measurable play the castor and camber geometry shift dynamically under load, causing steering wander and, at an advanced stage, the risk of sudden joint separation which constitutes a loss of steering control.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces
    • Steering wander or vague on-centre feel that worsens over rough roads
    • Uneven or accelerated tyre wear on the inner edge of the front tyres

    Typically $350–$900 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Watch for: Catastrophic engine stall without warning.

    See why

    3UZ-FE Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Seizure

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $3,500–$22,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Request OBD scan for misfire codes.

    See why

    2JZ-FSE D-4 Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves

    The 2JZ-FSE uses Toyota D-4 direct injection, spraying fuel directly into the cylinder rather than through the intake ports. Without fuel washing the valve faces, oil vapour from the PCV system deposits carbon on intake valve stems and seats. Heavy deposits restrict airflow and cause rough idle, hesitation, misfires, and power loss. Walnut-blast cleaning or manual scraping requires partial disassembly and is due on most examples above 150,000 km.

    What you would notice

    • Rough idle particularly when cold
    • Hesitation or stumble on light throttle application
    • Reduced power output at all rpm ranges
    • Misfire codes P0300–P0306 on OBD scan

    Typically $600–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Perform a steady-speed cruise at 70–100 km/h under light throttle and check for a rhythmic vibration or buzz through the floor and seat.

    See why

    AA80E / AB60E Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder

    The GRS180 and GRS200 Crown use the AA80E eight-speed or AB60E six-speed automatic transmissions, both of which employ a multi-plate lock-up clutch inside the torque converter to improve fuel efficiency. The friction material of this clutch requires specific fluid friction characteristics maintained by Toyota Genuine ATF WS. As the ATF degrades or if an incorrect fluid is used, the clutch cannot achieve smooth engagement and instead chatters rapidly as it alternately grips and slips, producing a shudder felt through the drivetrain. Contaminated or aged fluid is the primary cause; in advanced cases the clutch friction material is worn or glazed and replacement of the torque converter is required.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic shuddering vibration felt through the floor or driveshaft at 70–100 km/h under steady light throttle when the torque converter lock-up clutch is engaged
    • Sensation similar to driving over a rumble strip that disappears when accelerating firmly or decelerating
    • Transmission hesitation or flare on gentle acceleration from a standing start

    Typically $350–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    With engine running, observe ride height and listen for compressor operation (usually audible from boot area).

    See why

    Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Royal Saloon and Athlete Grades)

    Crown Royal Saloon and Athlete variants with electronic air suspension experience compressor failure caused by moisture ingress and worn motor brushes. A failed compressor cannot maintain ride height, causing the vehicle to drop to bump stops and triggering a suspension warning lamp. Used replacement compressors frequently repeat the failure; rebuilt or new units are expensive and sometimes unavailable.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle sits noticeably low or unevenly at one or more corners
    • Air suspension warning lamp illuminated on dashboard
    • Compressor runs continuously without reaching target height
    • Harsh bottom-out ride after parking overnight

    Typically $1,200–$2,800 to put right.

See all 14 documented issuesEverything researched for the Toyota Crown Majesta, including 3 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Toyota Crown Majesta has — 14Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

013UZ-FE Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing Seizure

Watch for: Catastrophic engine stall without warning.petrol2004–2009Engine
OccasionalEngine $3,500–$22,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

Parts involved: Timing belt.

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?”

02AA80E / AB60E Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Clutch Shudder

Perform a steady-speed cruise at 70–100 km/h under light throttle and check for a rhythmic vibration or buzz through the floor and seat.petrol2003–2012Transmission
CommonTransmission $350–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The GRS180 and GRS200 Crown use the AA80E eight-speed or AB60E six-speed automatic transmissions, both of which employ a multi-plate lock-up clutch inside the torque converter to improve fuel efficiency. The friction material of this clutch requires specific fluid friction characteristics maintained by Toyota Genuine ATF WS. As the ATF degrades or if an incorrect fluid is used, the clutch cannot achieve smooth engagement and instead chatters rapidly as it alternately grips and slips, producing a shudder felt through the drivetrain. Contaminated or aged fluid is the primary cause; in advanced cases the clutch friction material is worn or glazed and replacement of the torque converter is required.

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

  • Rhythmic shuddering vibration felt through the floor or driveshaft at 70–100 km/h under steady light throttle when the torque converter lock-up clutch is engaged
  • Sensation similar to driving over a rumble strip that disappears when accelerating firmly or decelerating
  • Transmission hesitation or flare on gentle acceleration from a standing start

What to check

Perform a steady-speed cruise at 70–100 km/h under light throttle and check for a rhythmic vibration or buzz through the floor and seat. Scan for transmission fault codes related to torque converter slip ratio. A fresh ATF WS drain-and-fill will often suppress the shudder temporarily, confirming the diagnosis. If a workshop inspection is possible: Drain a sample of the ATF and inspect for dark colour, burnt odour, or metallic particles.

Where to look: Torque converter lock-up clutch inside the transmission bell housing, between the engine and transmission unit

Parts involved: Torque converter, Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the automatic transmission fluid last changed, and was Toyota Genuine ATF WS used?”
  • “Has the car ever exhibited a shuddering vibration at highway cruise speeds?”

03Automatic Transmission Shift Solenoid Wear from Neglected ATF

Check ATF level and condition via dipstick; dark colour and burnt smell indicates long service intervals.petrol1999–2018Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $500–$3,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The A341E, A750E, and A960E automatic transmissions used across Crown generations develop shift solenoid contamination and valve body sludging when ATF is not changed at regular intervals. Degraded fluid causes solenoid sticking and valve body scoring. Symptoms range from harsh shifts to full slip. A transmission fluid and filter service resolves early-stage contamination; advanced cases require valve body overhaul.

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh or jerky 1-2 upshift under light throttle
  • Delayed engagement when selecting Drive from Park or Neutral
  • Slipping between gears under load
  • Transmission warning light or OBD shift solenoid fault codes

What to check

  1. Check ATF level and condition via dipstick; dark colour and burnt smell indicates long service intervals.
  2. Test drive and note shift quality at all throttle levels and speeds.
  3. Scan for transmission fault codes.
  4. Request documented ATF service history.

Where to look: Automatic transmission, valve body accessible via oil pan removal

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the automatic transmission fluid ever been changed and when?”
  • “Are there any shifting problems, hesitation, or harsh changes?”
  • “Has the transmission been rebuilt, serviced, or had fault codes?”

04A960E Torque Converter Shudder at Cruise

Conduct a test drive at 80 km/h in lock-up range under steady light throttle to provoke shudder.petrol2012–2018Transmission
CommonTransmission $250–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The A960E 6-speed automatic transmission fitted to GRS210 models is prone to torque converter clutch shudder during light-throttle highway cruising, typically between 60 and 100 km/h. In lock-up mode the torque converter clutch engages mechanically for efficiency; degraded or contaminated ATF causes the clutch friction lining to chatter rather than engage cleanly, producing a rhythmic vibration felt through the floor and seat. Symptoms temporarily resolve after ATF replacement but recur if fluid service intervals are exceeded. Prolonged shudder causes friction material transfer to the fluid and accelerates torque converter wear.

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

  • Rhythmic shudder or vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle
  • Vibration disappears when accelerating firmly or lifting off completely
  • Sensation of driving over continuous rumble strips at cruise
  • May trigger VSC or traction control slip indicator
  • Worse when transmission fluid is dark or overdue for change

What to check

  1. Conduct a test drive at 80 km/h in lock-up range under steady light throttle to provoke shudder.
  2. Check ATF condition on dipstick for dark colour or burnt smell.
  3. Review ATF service history; shudder persisting after a fresh ATF change indicates torque converter friction material wear requiring replacement.

Where to look: Automatic transmission and torque converter assembly, underside of vehicle at bellhousing

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the ATF last changed and what Toyota-specified fluid was used?”
  • “Any shudder or vibration felt at highway cruise speed?”
  • “Has the transmission been rebuilt or the torque converter replaced?”

052JZ-FSE D-4 Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves

Request OBD scan for misfire codes.petrol1999–2008Engine
Very commonEngine $600–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2JZ-FSE uses Toyota D-4 direct injection, spraying fuel directly into the cylinder rather than through the intake ports. Without fuel washing the valve faces, oil vapour from the PCV system deposits carbon on intake valve stems and seats. Heavy deposits restrict airflow and cause rough idle, hesitation, misfires, and power loss. Walnut-blast cleaning or manual scraping requires partial disassembly and is due on most examples above 150,000 km.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rough idle particularly when cold
  • Hesitation or stumble on light throttle application
  • Reduced power output at all rpm ranges
  • Misfire codes P0300–P0306 on OBD scan

What to check

Request OBD scan for misfire codes. Ask for intake cleaning history. On examples above 150,000 km with no cleaning record, budget for the service. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a borescope to inspect intake valve faces through intake ports with manifold removed or vacuum line disconnected for access.

Where to look: Intake valves inside cylinder head, accessed via intake manifold removal

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the intake been walnut-blasted or chemically cleaned?”
  • “Any rough idle or hesitation on acceleration?”
  • “What is the full service history and current mileage?”

062GR-FSE D-4S Intake Valve Carbon Buildup

Confirm D-4S port injectors are firing by checking injector pulse signal with a noid light or scope.petrol2012–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine $700–$1,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

Parts involved: Fuel injector.

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?”
Electrical3

012GR-FXE Hybrid NiMH Traction Battery Capacity Degradation

Also check the battery cooling fan inlet (under the rear seat) for blockage with debris.hybrid2008–2012Electrical
CommonElectrical $2,800–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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?”

02MG2 Resolver P315A Traction Warning Fault

Scan with Toyota-compatible diagnostics (Techstream or equivalent) for P315A.hybrid2018 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $800–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The MG2 motor-generator resolver is a rotary position sensor integrated into the hybrid transaxle that supplies precise rotor angle data to the hybrid control module. Chafing of the resolver wiring harness against the transaxle casting, connector pin corrosion from moisture ingress, or degradation of resolver coil windings triggers DTC P315A. The hybrid system enters a reduced-power or no-drive limp mode with traction control and triangle warning lights illuminated. In severe cases full hybrid drive is disabled and the vehicle cannot move under electric power.

Symptoms to notice

  • Traction control VSC warning light illuminated
  • Hybrid system triangle warning (master warning)
  • Vehicle enters reduced-power limp mode
  • P315A DTC stored in hybrid control ECU
  • Loss of electric drive or erratic power delivery

What to check

  1. Scan with Toyota-compatible diagnostics (Techstream or equivalent) for P315A.
  2. Inspect MG2 resolver wiring harness routing through the transaxle bellhousing area for abrasion damage.
  3. Check 14-pin resolver connector for corrosion or pushed-back pins.
  4. Measure resolver primary coil resistance against OEM specification.

Where to look: Hybrid transaxle housing, MG2 resolver connector at rear of engine bay near firewall

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the hybrid system ever entered a warning or limp mode?”
  • “Any traction control or VSC warning lights in recent ownership?”
  • “Has resolver wiring or the hybrid transaxle been inspected or repaired?”

0312V Auxiliary Battery Drain Causing Hybrid Lockout

Check battery manufacturing date stamp for age.hybrid2018 onwardElectrical
CommonElectrical $180–$650 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AZSH20 Crown hybrid depends on a 12V lead-acid auxiliary battery to power the hybrid control ECU, door lock actuators, keyless entry module, and all body electrical systems. Combined quiescent current draw from multiple always-on ECUs can discharge the 12V battery within two to three weeks of inactivity. A discharged 12V battery prevents the hybrid system from initialising so the READY light never illuminates, simultaneously locking all door actuators and rendering keyless entry inoperative. The 12V battery in this platform has a short service life of approximately three to four years in New Zealand's climate, and many grey imports arrive in NZ with an ageing Japanese-market battery already past its service interval.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid system fails to reach READY state — READY light never illuminates
  • All door lock actuators fail simultaneously
  • Keyless entry completely unresponsive
  • 12V battery or hybrid warning appears on instrument cluster
  • Vehicle fully inoperative after two or more weeks without use

What to check

  1. Check battery manufacturing date stamp for age.
  2. If a workshop inspection is possible: Test 12V auxiliary battery open-circuit voltage (should read 12.4 to 12.6V resting) and load test to OEM CCA specification.
  3. Measure parasitic drain with a multimeter in series after 20-minute sleep period; specification is under 50mA ignition off.

Where to look: Boot or luggage area, 12V auxiliary battery under floor trim panel at rear right

Parts involved: 12V battery.

Ask the seller

  • “How old is the 12V auxiliary battery and has it been replaced since import?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever failed to start or had all door locks fail at once?”
  • “Is the vehicle driven regularly or stored for weeks at a time?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior5

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Lift each front corner and grasp the tyre at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions to check for vertical play in the ball joint.2003–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front suspension of the GRS180 and GRS200 Crown uses a double-wishbone layout with a pressed-in ball joint at the outer end of the lower control arm. The ball joint stud and socket are subject to high radial and axial loads through every cornering and braking event, and the rubber boot that retains grease and excludes water can crack with age, accelerating internal corrosion and wear. Once the joint develops measurable play the castor and camber geometry shift dynamically under load, causing steering wander and, at an advanced stage, the risk of sudden joint separation which constitutes a loss of steering control.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven surfaces
  • Steering wander or vague on-centre feel that worsens over rough roads
  • Uneven or accelerated tyre wear on the inner edge of the front tyres

What to check

Lift each front corner and grasp the tyre at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions to check for vertical play in the ball joint. Also inspect the ball joint boot for cracking or grease leakage. Any perceptible play in the joint requires immediate replacement. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a pry bar under the lower arm to check for any radial play.

Where to look: Outer end of the front lower control arm on each side, connecting the arm to the steering knuckle

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower ball joints been replaced, and if so at what mileage?”
  • “Has a wheel alignment been performed recently, and did it reveal any geometry outside of specification?”

02Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Royal Saloon and Athlete Grades)

With engine running, observe ride height and listen for compressor operation (usually audible from boot area).petrol2003–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $1,200–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Crown Royal Saloon and Athlete variants with electronic air suspension experience compressor failure caused by moisture ingress and worn motor brushes. A failed compressor cannot maintain ride height, causing the vehicle to drop to bump stops and triggering a suspension warning lamp. Used replacement compressors frequently repeat the failure; rebuilt or new units are expensive and sometimes unavailable.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle sits noticeably low or unevenly at one or more corners
  • Air suspension warning lamp illuminated on dashboard
  • Compressor runs continuously without reaching target height
  • Harsh bottom-out ride after parking overnight

What to check

  1. With engine running, observe ride height and listen for compressor operation (usually audible from boot area).
  2. Check for any suspension warning lamps.
  3. Ask the seller to demonstrate all suspension height modes.
  4. Inspect air lines for cracking or disconnection.

Where to look: Air suspension compressor mounted in boot/spare wheel well area; air lines run to each wheel corner

Parts involved: Air suspension strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Is the air suspension original and fully operational?”
  • “Has the compressor ever been replaced?”
  • “Does the car sit at the correct height after being parked overnight?”

03Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush Collapse

Inspect all rear suspension arm bushes visually for cracking, tearing, or the metal sleeve rotating independently within the rubber.2003–2012Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $700–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The GRS180 and GRS200 Crown rear suspension uses a multi-link arrangement with multiple rubber-bonded compliance bushes in the lateral and trailing arms to manage wheel alignment under cornering and braking loads. The natural rubber compounds used in these bushes harden, crack, and delaminate from the metal sleeves over time, particularly in vehicles that have been subject to heavy loads or operated on rough roads. When the bushes collapse the rear wheels develop uncontrolled toe and camber changes under cornering and braking loads, leading to an unstable rear end that can feel as though the car is stepping out unpredictably at higher speeds.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear end wander or instability under motorway lane changes or when cornering at speed
  • Rear tyre wear that is uneven across the tread width, typically on the inner edge
  • A dull thudding from the rear when the car hits a sharp dip or ridge at speed

What to check

Inspect all rear suspension arm bushes visually for cracking, tearing, or the metal sleeve rotating independently within the rubber. A four-wheel alignment printout showing rear toe or camber outside specification is a strong indicator. Pay particular attention to the toe-control link bushes which are the most heavily loaded. If a workshop inspection is possible: Place a pry bar between each arm and the subframe to check for abnormal bush compliance.

Where to look: Rubber compliance bushes in the rear lateral links, upper control arms, and trailing arms of the rear multi-link subframe assembly

Ask the seller

  • “Has a four-wheel alignment been done recently, and were the rear toe and camber readings within Toyota's specification?”
  • “Have any rear suspension bushes been replaced during the life of the car?”

04Front Wheel Hub Bearing Failure

Spin each wheel by hand and listen for roughness or grinding.petrol2003–2012Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front wheel hub bearing assemblies on S180 and S200 Crown wear progressively, typically presenting above 100,000 km on imported examples. The sealed hub units are not rebuildable and require full assembly replacement. Failure produces a speed-proportional wheel rumble that changes in character when lateral load is transferred during steering.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rumbling or humming from front axle that increases with vehicle speed
  • Noise intensity changes when weaving or changing lanes
  • Vibration through steering wheel at highway speed
  • Excessive wheel play when rocked at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions

What to check

Spin each wheel by hand and listen for roughness or grinding. On the test drive, note any hum that varies with lateral load. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, grip each front wheel and rock firmly — any perceptible play points to bearing wear.

Where to look: Front wheel hub assemblies, one each side, mounted behind brake rotors

Parts involved: Wheel bearing.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front wheel bearings been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Any rumbling or humming noise at highway speed?”
  • “What is the total odometer mileage?”

05Brake Caliper Guide Pin Corrosion and Seizure

The caliper should move with light hand pressure across the full travel of the pins with no binding or roughness.2003–2012Brakes
CommonBrakes $200–$650 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front and rear sliding-type brake calipers on the Crown use two hardened steel guide pins coated with a rubber boot and high-temperature grease to allow the caliper body to slide laterally as the pads wear. In humid operating conditions and on vehicles that stand for extended periods, the guide pin boots perish and allow moisture ingress, leading to surface corrosion that causes the pin to seize within its bore in the caliper bracket. A seized guide pin prevents the outboard pad from releasing fully after brake application, causing continuous drag, rapid and uneven pad wear, and brake pull. In severe cases the pad can wear completely through and cause rotor damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking, particularly after the brakes have warmed up
  • Uneven brake pad wear with the outer pad significantly thinner than the inner pad on the same caliper
  • A dragging or binding sensation or elevated fuel consumption caused by a partially applied brake at operating temperature

What to check

The caliper should move with light hand pressure across the full travel of the pins with no binding or roughness. Inspect the pin boots for tearing or displacement. Compare inner and outer pad thickness — a significant difference indicates the caliper on that corner is not sliding correctly. Also check rotors for heat discolouration or scoring on one face only. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove each brake caliper and manually slide it along the guide pins by hand.

Where to look: Guide pins on the front and rear brake caliper mounting brackets at all four corners of the vehicle

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads, Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the brake pads last replaced, and were the caliper guide pins cleaned, inspected, and re-greased at that service?”
  • “Does the car pull to one side when braking, or have the brakes ever felt as though they were dragging?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Toyota Crown Majesta’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 MR214 documented faultsToyota Porte14 documented faultsToyota Sienta14 documented faults

Toyota Crown Majesta buyer questions

Is the Toyota Crown Majesta reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 14 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?

We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Toyota Crown Majesta, covering engine, electrical, and suspension. All 14 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 Crown Majesta?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Crown Majesta fall between $500–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.