1990 Toyota Land cruiser problems

General information about Toyota-Land cruiser
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā) (also sometimes spelled as LandCruiser) is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.

Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.

Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.

As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.

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Common 1990 Toyota Land cruiser problems

The Toyota Land Cruiser, a dependable SUV manufactured since 1951, has seen decades of improvement and revision. However, some model years are more prone to developing problems than others. This article focuses on the most common problems reported by Toyota Land Cruiser owners, specifically the 1990 model year, based on complaints from owners of this car.

One of the most common problems reported by 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser owners is transmission shifting to the wrong gear after passing the 120,000-mile mark. This issue can be attributed to a badly adjusted throttle position sensor or a faulty shift solenoid. Replacing the malfunctioning part that's causing the issue usually restores the transmission performance.

Another issue reported by 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser owners is engine failure during long trips. According to the owners of the affected Land Cruisers, the engine gave out while they were driving to their destination. Many of them brought their vehicles to the dealership. However, most technicians could not identify the exact problem that caused the engine failure.

The 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser's EVAP system, which keeps the vehicle's emission levels within safe and legal limits, can also develop faults. This system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. When it fails, it can cause a decrease in gas mileage, rough idling, and difficulty starting the vehicle.

The Land Cruiser's power steering pump may also leak on higher mileage vehicles, causing difficulty in steering and potential damage to other components of the power steering system.

In summary, while the 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its reliability, it can still develop common problems such as transmission shifting to the wrong gear, engine failure, EVAP system faults, and power steering pump leaks on higher mileage vehicles. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

How reliable are old Land Cruisers?

What Are the Issues to Watch Out for With a Land Cruiser? Other than normal wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on these vehicles. Even 20-year-old models are still running strong. The Land Cruiser's engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are all tough as nails.

How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.

What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?

2007

The 2007 Land Cruiser is the rarest and most sought after/desirable 100-series.

Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

How reliable are old Land Cruisers?

Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

What series is a 1990 Land Cruiser?

80 Series

Land Cruiser VX & GS (80 Series, 1990–1997)

How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.

1990 Toyota Land cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Tires problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Toyota Land cruiser complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Toyota Land cruiser.

2001-10-25

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-25
VIN: JT3FJ62G2L1
Components: TIRES
Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATION...AT HIGHWAY SPEED.*AK (DOT NUMBER: CRX318V913 TIRESIZE: 22575R15)

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2000-09-21

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-07-21
Components: TIRES
Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY SHE EXPERIENCED SOME DIFFICULTY IN STEERING CONTROL TO THE POINT WHERE SHE HAD TO REDUCE HER SPEED. LATER FOUND OUT THAT HER TIRE HAD A SEVERE SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *AK

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1998-09-29

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-03-03
VIN: JT3FJ62G7L1
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE GAS LINE IN THE REAR LEFT SIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CORRODED THROUGH THE PIPE AND LEAKED 2 1/2 GALLONS OF GASOLING INTO THE WHEEL WELL WHERE IT REMAIND, SLOSHING AROUND UNKNOWN TO US. WE COULD SMELL THE GAS BUT COULD NOT FIND WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAR. DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOKED FOR A LEAK BUT IT WAS NOT FOUND UNTIL THE INTERIOR PANEL WAS REMOVED THE WHEEL WELL. ONE SPARK AND WE COULD HAVEN BLOW UP. THERE COULD BE OTHER FAMILIES DRIVING AROUND AND SMOKING IN THE CAR A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION I THINK.

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1996-12-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-11-11
VIN: JT3FJ62G2L1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: SOFT PLUG IN ENGINE HEAD DISLODGED, CAUSING ENGINE OIL LEAK. *AK

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1995-07-11

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-29
Crash: 1
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WAS ABLE TO BE MOVED WHILE PARKED WITH NO KEY, CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE. *AK

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1990 Toyota Land cruiser recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Toyota Land cruiser.

1991-06-26

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO FIRE WHEN NEAR AN IGNITIONSOURCE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL TANK WITH AN IMPROVED TANK.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Toyota Land cruiser problems:

Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series common problems and solutions ...

https://magazine.unsealed4x4.com.au/unsealed-4x4-issue-066/toyota_landcruiser_80_series_common_problems_and_solutions

GUIDE · CHASSIS CRACKS AROUND THE STEERING BOX Being a massively popular solid axle front end four-wheel drive, the first thing everyone does when they get an 80 ...

1990 Montero | IH8MUD Forum

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1990-montero.201886/

Its a 1990, v6, 5 speed, 179k, and of course 4wd. How reliable are they? Any known problems? Thanks in advance!! Landcruiserjunky. For Sale ...

1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1990-toyota-land-cruiser/problems

Top 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems · Power Steering Pump May Leak on Higher Mileage Vehicles · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High ...