1991 Toyota Cressida problems

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The Toyota Mark II (Japanese: トヨタ・マークII, Hepburn: Toyota Māku Tsū) is a compact, later mid-size sedan manufactured and marketed in Japan by Toyota between 1968 and 2004. Prior to 1972, the model was marketed as the Toyota Corona Mark II. In some export markets, Toyota marketed the vehicle as the Toyota Cressida between 1976 and 1992 across four generations. Toyota replaced the rear-wheel-drive Cressida in North America with the front-wheel-drive Avalon. Every Mark II and Cressida was manufactured at the Motomachi plant at Toyota, Aichi, Japan from September 1968 to October 1993, and later at Toyota Motor Kyushu's Miyata plant from December 1992 to October 2000, with some models also assembled in Jakarta, Indonesia as the Cressida.

History

The first series, called the Toyota Corona Mark II was an all new vehicle at its introduction in 1968, that sought to offer a car that was just under Japanese government regulations concerning maximum vehicle dimensions and engine displacement, thus allowing the Crown to grow larger and more luxurious. Using the established platform of the Corona sedan but slightly larger and wider, it was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations, and offered as a competitor to the newly introduced Nissan Laurel in Japan, the Isuzu Florian, and the Nissan Bluebird / Datsun 510 internationally that appeared August 1967, and two years after the Mazda Luce in 1966.

At the Mark II's introduction in the late 1960s, Toyota was known as a small, economy car manufacturer. The Mark II allowed Toyota to establish itself as a more mainstream, international automaker and pursue new market opportunities. The Corona Mark II was sold as a larger companion to the Corona, while still being smaller than the Crown. The Mark II introduced a comfortable front-engine, rear-drive vehicle that was larger than older Toyotas while maintaining an affordable price and better fuel economy than vehicles with larger straight-six and V8 engines, and shared most of its technology and appearance with the larger, more prestigious Crown.

As the Mark II began to become popular with drivers around the world, Toyota introduced variations of the Mark II with two different model names, both sedans but with different styling and marketing approaches. The sportier Toyota Chaser appeared in 1977, and later in 1980, the high luxury content Toyota Cresta appeared, and both were exclusive together at Toyota Auto Store locations. As other automakers continued to offer vehicles in this size class, the Mark II's popularity peaked in the 1980s. The Mark II's siblings, the Chaser and the Cresta were discontinued due to declining sales, partly influenced by the Japanese recession that started in the early 1990s, and were combined into the short-lived Toyota Verossa. The Mark II evolved into the Toyota Mark X which was popular in Japan and select international markets until the growing demand for SUVs and crossovers, which saw the Mark X cancelled in 2019.

1991 Toyota Cressida

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Common 1991 Toyota Cressida problems

The Toyota Cressida 1991 is known for its sturdiness, reliability, and well-built features, but as an old car, it is prone to certain problems due to its age and mileage. Here are some common issues reported by owners of the 1991 Toyota Cressida:

  • Starter problems: Some owners have reported starter problems where the car won't start after driving it for a short distance and shutting it off. This problem can occur even after replacing the battery, alternator, and starter with new ones. In some cases, the ignition switch may need to be tested for issues or replaced.
  • Gearbox leak: A slight gearbox leak is a common problem in the 1991 Toyota Cressida. It is recommended to check the gearbox for leaks and repair them promptly to avoid further damage.
  • Differential noise: Some owners have reported a slight differential noise between 90-95 km/h. It is recommended to check the differential for any issues and repair them promptly to avoid further damage.
  • Automatic transmission shifting problems: At high mileages, the automatic transmission may not shift correctly. This problem is common in older cars with high mileage and can be caused by wear and tear on the transmission components.
  • Overheating and engine freezing: In some cases, the engine may overheat and freeze up, especially if the car is driven with low coolant levels. This problem can be caused by a blown heater hose or other cooling system issues.

In summary, the 1991 Toyota Cressida is a reliable and well-built car, but it is prone to certain problems due to its age and mileage. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help avoid these issues and keep the car running smoothly.

1991 Toyota Cressida engine

Is the 1991 Toyota Cressida reliable?

THE Cressida is a sturdy, well-built and reliable car with few problems. But it's now an old car and old cars are more prone to break down, no matter how good they were when new. Most Cressidas will show more than 200,000km on the odo, so you're taking on an old car in the last stages of its useable life.

Is Cressida a good car?

Available either as a four-door sedan or a station wagon, the new Cressida is Toyota's most American car to date, a triumph of Japanese market research and technological cloning. It is a very good car. Its engine performs faultlessly and its automatic-overdrive transmission is smooth and sure.

What engine does a 1991 Toyota Cressida have?

The Toyota Cressida 1991 comes in Sedan. The Toyota Cressida 1991 is available in Unleaded Petrol. Engine sizes and transmissions vary from the Sedan 3.0L 4 SP Automatic to the Sedan 3.0L 4SP Automatic.

Why did Toyota stop making Cressida?

Though the Cressida would continue to sell well for another few years, the shared concepts and other similarities between it and the LS400 is what eventually led to its demise. While the Cressida was one of Toyota's best-selling flagship vehicles, its sales overlapped with vehicles under the Lexus marquis.

Is the 1991 Toyota Cressida reliable?

THE Cressida is a sturdy, well-built and reliable car with few problems. But it's now an old car and old cars are more prone to break down, no matter how good they were when new. Most Cressidas will show more than 200,000km on the odo, so you're taking on an old car in the last stages of its useable life.

Is Cressida a good car?

Available either as a four-door sedan or a station wagon, the new Cressida is Toyota's most American car to date, a triumph of Japanese market research and technological cloning. It is a very good car. Its engine performs faultlessly and its automatic-overdrive transmission is smooth and sure.

What engine is in a 1991 Toyota Cressida?

The Toyota 7M-GE introduced in the early months of 1986 is a 2,954 cc (3.0 L) 24-valve (4 valves per cylinder) DOHC/fuel-injected engine. The valves are spaced at a performance-oriented 50° angle. Cylinder bore and stroke is 83 mm × 91 mm (3.27 in × 3.58 in). The 7M-GE was produced from 1986 through 1992.

Why did Toyota stop making Cressida?

Though the Cressida would continue to sell well for another few years, the shared concepts and other similarities between it and the LS400 is what eventually led to its demise. While the Cressida was one of Toyota's best-selling flagship vehicles, its sales overlapped with vehicles under the Lexus marquis.

1991 Toyota Cressida car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Cressida problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Equipment problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Tires problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Toyota Cressida vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Toyota Cressida complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Toyota Cressida.

2005-08-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JT2MX83E5M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: DT: CONSUMER OWNED A 1991 TOYOTA CRESSIDA. THERE WAS A HUMMER PM525 MUFFLER, MANUFACTURED BY PILOT MOTOR SPORTS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AFTER PURCHASE. THE HEAT FROM THE MUFFLER CAUSED THE REAR BUMPER TO CATCH ON FIRE. IT BURNT THE WHOLE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THIS OCCURRED ON AUGUST 1, 2005 CONSUMER THOUGHT THE MUFFLER WAS INSTALLED A YEAR EARLIER. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN INOPERABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR; CONSUMER WAS REBUILDING THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A DRIVE; HE CAME HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE CAME OUT, APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS LATER, HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS BURNT.*AK
2002-05-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-16
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JT2MX83E8M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON A FL TURNPIKE. THE TEMP. WAS 85 DEG. F. TRAVELING AT ABOUT 80 MPH (GENERAL TRAFFIC WAS TRAVELING AT THAT SPEED). A COUPLE ON IN A TRUCK WAS INDICATING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH OUR CAR (THEY ACUALLY STATED THAT OUR CAR WAS ON FIRE). THE CAR WAS HANDLING OK AT THE TIME AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL SMELLS. I PULLED OVER INTO AN EXIT AS SOON AS THE WAY WAS CLEAR, AND WHEN I WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, THE BREAK PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR - THE CAR GRADUALLY CAME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. AS SOON AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, A PLUME OF BLACK SMOKE STARTED TO BILLOW OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD, PROPED IT OPEN - THE FIRE WAS CONCENTRATED ON THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF THE ENGINE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS (THEY HAD ARRIVED ON THE SCENE WITHIN 15 MINUTES). BECAUSE OF RECENT INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET, I'VE BECOME AWARE THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR '1991-'1992 CRESSIDAS. APARENTLY, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEAD GASKETS FAILING AT SOME POINT AFTER 100K MILES, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK PAST THE GASKET ONTO THE HOT MANIFOLD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. WHEN I STARTED THE READ THESE REPORTS, THIS INCIDENT BEGAN TO MAKE SENSE. I MAINTAINED OUR CAR VERY CONSCIENTIOUSLY, FOCUSING ON PREVENTITIVE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP IT IN EXCELLENT RUNNING ORDER. UP TO THIS POINT OUR CRESSIDA HAS PROVEN VERY RELIABLE AND WE HAD BEEN VERY HAPPY OWNERS.. *AK
2001-08-14

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-13
  • VIN: JT2MX83E2M0
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: FIRESTONE , FIREHAWK TIRES ARE NOT ORIGINAL TIRES ON A TOYOTA, CRESSIDA, 1991, P205/60R15, DOTVDUNJBBO. WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 TO 80 MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VERY BADLY. PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER AND NOTICED LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF. HOWEVER, TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED.*AK MILEAGE AT PURCHASE OF THE TIRES WAS 63000 MILES, TIRE HAD 18425 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. *SLC
2000-11-29

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-19
  • VIN: JT2MX83E6M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE COMPONENTS WHEN ENGINE OVERHEATED, CONSUMER HAS OWNER TWO OTHER TOYOTA CRESSIDAS (1982 AND 1990) WHICH EXPERIENCED THE SAME HEAD GASKET FAILURES.
1997-10-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-20
  • VIN: JT2MX83E7M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH EMISSION, ALL THE SMOKE GETS INSIDE VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, BUT NOT AT ALL TIME. *AK
1997-10-04

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: AIR FLOW (VENTILLATION) FAN FAILED.
1996-07-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-12
  • VIN: JT2MX83E5M0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPPED/SHUTTERED. *AK

Negative 1991 Toyota Cressida car reviews

  1. Torey Schaefer 2024-01-01

    I had a lot of issues with my car, from 72K to 130K. I had to replace the air conditioning compressor for $800, the radiator, two water pumps, and the cylinder head gaskets. I also had to replace the air intake regulator. The last straw was when I needed a new head gasket, which cost me $800. The mechanic told me that the engine mounts and numerous sensors were also ready to go. It's surprising because everyone talks about how Toyota cars can go for so many miles without problems. Maybe I just got unlucky. However, my friend's wife has had even more problems with her Toyota car. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this product and will probably not buy another Toyota product.

Positive 1991 Toyota Cressida car reviews

  1. Travon Treutel 2024-11-26

    That's one of the best Toyotas ever made!

  2. Dangelo Franecki 2024-11-11

    This car is fantastic!

  3. Jordan Runolfsdottir 2024-11-04

    I hope this message finds you well! I just wanted to share that I purchased this car back in August of 1991 and it's still running smoothly to this day. I truly believe that Toyota should be proud of their craftsmanship and quality. Thank you for taking the time to read my message!

  4. Aaron Nader 2024-10-23

    If you're looking for a car that's tough and reliable, this is the one for you. I've personally witnessed how much this car can withstand, and it's impressive. When I first got it, I wasn't a fan of the looks, but after putting in a lot of effort to clean and customize it with new rims, tires, window tinting, and a lowered suspension, it started turning heads everywhere I went. People would often approach me and ask about the car, and while it's a Toyota Cressida, many were unfamiliar with it. It would take me about 10 minutes to explain, but it was always worth it.

  5. Carmine Champlin 2024-10-16

    This is one of the combinations of reliability, performance, joy of ride, and budget buy luxury sedans. I have had this car for some time now, and I really like it. Don't hesitate, this sedan is worth every single penny.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Toyota Cressida problems:

I am being gifted a 1991 Toyota Cressida and would like advise on ...
I am being gifted a 1991 Toyota Cressida and would like advise on ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/215jzh/i_am_being_gifted_a_1991_toyota_cressida_and/

Mar 23, 2014 ... I guess to look out for things that are common problems people have encountered with this car. Also advise on anything particular I should ...

Concerns with Cressida being my first car... | Toyota Nation Forum
Concerns with Cressida being my first car... | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/concerns-with-cressida-being-my-first-car.200148/

Jul 11, 2007 ... Head gasket blowing is purely a trait of the MX83. The MX73 has one common problem: maintenance. Because they are such reliable cars that don't ...

Toyota Cressida Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues
Toyota Cressida Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/toyota/cressida

Top Toyota Cressida Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Power steering pump may leak and require replacement · Replace ...

5MGE reliablility, trouble spots? | Supra Forums
5MGE reliablility, trouble spots? | Supra Forums
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/5mge-reliablility-trouble-spots.88938/

Dec 2, 2002 ... cooling problems are common and any original valve stem sells will need replacing. ... This older Cressida is beginning to sound alot better then ...

1991 Toyota Cressida Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1991 Toyota Cressida Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/toyota/cressida/1991

Get 1991 Toyota Cressida repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Toyota mechanics near you.

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