1994 Toyota T100 problems
The Toyota T100 is a full-size pickup truck produced by Toyota between 1992 and 1998. It was developed strictly for the US (and Canadian) markets, where larger pickups have a sizable market share.
History
As Toyota firmly established itself in the North American compact pickup truck market in the 1980s through 1990s, the company offered a truck that was larger than the compact as an alternative to the traditional North American full-size pickup truck market. North American Toyota dealers had long been clamoring for a full-sized Toyota truck, especially in light of the high percentage of Toyota Pickup owners who moved on to domestic full-sized trucks. The T100 reflected a philosophy of designing products specifically for localized international markets, where traditional products sold and made in Japan wouldn't sell well. This approach is also demonstrated with the introduction of the mid-size Toyota Camry (XV10) which was larger than the compact Toyota Camry (V30) in 1991, and again in 1997 when the Toyota Sienna replaced the slow selling Toyota Previa.
Rumored for many years before, the 1993 Toyota T100 boasted a full-size (8 ft) pickup bed but retained the engine and suspension setup of its smaller and older sibling, the compact Toyota Truck. Although the T100 was a bit larger than the competitive mid-size Dodge Dakota, it was still markedly smaller than full-size American pickup trucks of the time. This meant that the T100 occupied its own niche in the truck market. Before introducing the T100, the company reflected on its history of commercial truck manufacture and products they offered in the past. Past products started with the Toyota G1, the Toyota FA, the Toyota BX, the Toyota Stout, the Toyota ToyoAce, and the Toyota Dyna, and its market successes with their Hino Division. Though economical, reliable, and practical, the T100 was slow to be accepted by traditional buyers of full-size competitors, while it was larger than both the Toyota Truck followed by the Toyota Tacoma compact trucks. Wary of the market pushback of competing directly with the Big Three, Toyota chose this somewhat smaller size (and limited lineup) so as not to risk blowback and import quotas. The T100 was designed and engineered for the North American market and was not sold in Japan.
Although sales were slow at the start, the T100 sales did reach into the mid 40,000 vehicles sold range (1996) in the United States. Sales of the Chevrolet C/K were roughly 700,000 per year, while sales of the Ford F-Series surged from 550,000 to nearly 850,000 and Dodge from 100,000 to 400,000 with the introduction of the new Dodge Ram in 1993. Sales of the T100 fell approximately 30 percent when the new Ram went on the market in October 1993, 11 months after the T100's launch in November 1992.
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Common 1994 Toyota T100 problems
The Toyota T100, produced between 1993 and 1998, has been known for certain problems that owners have reported over the years. This article will discuss four common issues based on the complaints of Toyota T100 owners: (1) starter problems, (2) brake issues, (3) transmission failures, and (4) head gasket leaks.
- Brake Issues:
Another common problem reported by Toyota T100 owners is related to the brakes. Some owners have reported that the front brake pads wear quickly, requiring frequent replacement. This issue may be caused by the use of low-quality brake pads or the vehicle's high weight. To address this issue, owners can consider using high-quality brake pads or having the brake system inspected regularly.
- Transmission Failures:
Transmission failures are also a common issue with the Toyota T100. The 5-speed manual transmission, in particular, has been known to fail, with some owners reporting that their transmission locked into 5th gear.
- Head Gasket Leaks:
Head gasket leaks are a serious problem that can affect the Toyota T100. This issue can be caused by engine overheating or the failure of the head gasket itself. Symptoms of a blown head gasket include the presence of a milky brownish-yellow substance under the oil filler cap, white or gray smoke coming from the tailpipe, rough idling, and engine overheating. If a head gasket leak is suspected, it is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible, as this issue can lead to engine failure if left unaddressed.
In summary, the Toyota T100 has been known to have several common problems, including starter issues, brake problems, transmission failures, and head gasket leaks. By being aware of these issues and taking preventative measures, such as regular maintenance and using high-quality parts, Toyota T100 owners can help ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.
Why did the Toyota T100 fail?
But, in typical Toyota fashion, the company decided that truck buyers didn't need a V-8 or massive bulk. So the Japanese automaker combined a full-size eight-foot bed with a smaller cab and V-6 engine to achieve better fuel economy. American truck buyers of the 1990s weren't having it. The T100 was shunned.
How many miles will a Toyota T100 last?
The 3.4L is a good motor but you must do preventive maintenance on valve cover gaskets and timing belt. These motors will easily get 250K+ miles if this is done.
Why did Toyota stop making the T100?
In theory, a full-size pickup truck from Toyota in the early-1990s sounded like a recipe for success. However, in practice the T100 was a commercial failure, never selling more than 40,000 units in a single year when some Big Three competitors were selling upwards of 700,000.
What engine did the T100 have?
3.0 L V6
Design. When it was introduced, the T100 had one cab configuration, a regular cab, and one available engine, a 3.0 L V6 with 150 hp (112 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) of torque.
Why did the Toyota T100 fail?
But, in typical Toyota fashion, the company decided that truck buyers didn't need a V-8 or massive bulk. So the Japanese automaker combined a full-size eight-foot bed with a smaller cab and V-6 engine to achieve better fuel economy. American truck buyers of the 1990s weren't having it. The T100 was shunned.
Is Toyota T100 a good car?
T100 has super reliablilty, gas mileage & comfort
Reliable, easy to do routine maintenance like oil and filter changes. We always get compliments on it. It is 350k miles and still going strong after nearly 24 years. Nobody beats Toyota.
What size engine is in the 1993 Toyota T100?
There's only one engine available in the T100, a very smooth running 150-horsepower, 3.0 liter V-6 with overhead cams.
Why won't my T100 start?
The most common reasons a Toyota T100 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1994 Toyota T100 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota T100 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Toyota T100 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Toyota T100 complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Toyota T100.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-05
- VIN: JT4VD20AXR0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. SHIFT LEVER IN FIRST GEAR, CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED AND CLUTCH BYPASS SWITCH ENGAGED. VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY ONE FOOT WHILE TURNING KEY NEARLY RAMMING INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF DISABLED VEHICLE. VISUAL INSPECTION OF CLUTCH PEDAL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, TOYOTA P/N 107-34010, REVEALED TWO METAL FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE SUPPORT, ONE APPROXIMATELY ONE AND ONE HALF INCHES LONG AND THE OTHER APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF AN INCH LONG IN THE HEAT ZONE OF ONE SPOT WELDED AREA. THE LARGER OF THESE TWO CRACKS ALLOWS THE FIREWALL PORTION OF THE BRACKET TO MOVE IN (FLEX) TOWARDS THE FIREWALL WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED PREVENTING THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD FROM FULLY DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH. THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD HAS BEEN ADJUSTED (LENGHTEDED) AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE CRACKED BRACKET IS AVAILABLE, IF DESIRED. THANK YOU! *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-13
- VIN: 4TAVN13D3RZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTICED EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FRAME RUST AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/09/12*LJ
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-02
- VIN: JT4VD10A6R0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACCEPT OUR COMPLAINT ABOUT OUR 1994 TOYOTA T-100. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE 05V389000 AS A VALID SOURCE FOR A COMPLAINT. TOYOTA STATES THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR OUR VEHICLE. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM TOYOTA OF A RECALL. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-20
- VIN: JT4VD20A0R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE RODE ROUGH AND AT ONE POINT, OVERHEATED AND BLEW A HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND DETERMINED THAT THE RECALL ON THIS ISSUE HAD EXPIRED IN 2004.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-28
- VIN: JT4VD10A9R0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 5MPH THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STEER. UPON INSPECTION THE CONTACT DETERMINED THERE IS A CRACK IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V389000, REGARDING THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-09
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A DEFECT WITH THE CLUTCH AND ASSEMBLE NO LONGER BEING ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. I LOST USE WHEN I WAS DRIVING DUE TO THEM NO LONGER BEING ATTACHED AT THE WELDS AND WALLS! THIS WAS NOT FUNNY AND DANGEROUS. NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT AND NO LONGER ABLE TO START THE TRUCK. THE PEDAL WON'T EVEN TOUCH THE BUTTON TO ENGAGE THE TRUCK TO START. THE PEDAL LEADS TO THE ASSEMBLY INSIDE THE TRUCK THAT IS NOT ATTACHED ANY LONGER.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTIFREEZE IS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THEN IS BEEN PASS INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH CONSUMER THINKS IS BURNING IT AND PASSING A WHITE SMOKE THAT GOES IN TO HIS HOUSE AND GIVING HIM SEVERE HEADACHES. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT WILL ONLY GIVE HIM A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY AND NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OF ANYTHING ELSE IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-20
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRES I HAD REPLACED BECAUSE 3 OUT OF THE FOUR TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. MR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-25
- VIN: JT4VD10A8R0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE WALL FAILED CASTASTROPHICALLY ENTIRE WALL LET GO. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, TIRE PRESSURE MAINTAINED AT 35 PSI CHECHED UNDAMAGED TIRES AFTER INCIDENT ALL AT 35 PSI WITH TWO DIFFERENT TIRE GAUGES. TOOK TIRE TO DEALER (SAM'S) TREAD REMAINING 6/32 OR ORGINIAL 14/32. DEALER WILL REFUND ON 33% OF ORGINIAL COST BUT MICHENLIN DEMANDS DAMAGED TIRE BE RETURNED IN? CONCERNED BECAUSE I RECOMMENDED THESE TIRES AS REPLACEMENTS FOR MY DAUGHTERS 2000 FORD EXPLORER . CALLED MICHENLIN AND GOT NO INDICATION OF ANY CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENT OR DESIRE TO LEARN WHY TIRE FAILED.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: JT4UD10D1RO
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-15
- VIN: JT4VD10A1R0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PLASTIC RETRACTOR STICKS OUT OF DOOR.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-15
- VIN: JT4VD10B2R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN SITTING IN VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN IDLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT4VD20A3R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKETS, HAD THEM REPLACED BY DEALER IN 1998 AND AT THAT TIME THE DEALER STATED TOYOTA KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE. THE HEAD GASKET HAS AGAIN "BLOWN" AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THIS SECOND REPAIR FROM MY OWN POCKET. I WANT TO KNOW WHY TOYOTA, KNOWING THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE, WON'T REPAIR IT A SECOND TIME...OR IF THEY WILL REIMBURSE ME THE MONEY I HAD TO PUT OUT (1,300 DOLLARS) FOR REPAIRS AND CAR RENTAL.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER PARKING VEHICLE NOTICED LOTS OF FULE LEAKS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. DEALER STATED STATED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: JT4VD10A9R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: HAD PARKED & LEFT VEHICLE. RETURN & STARTED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER ARRIVING HOME, AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & INFORMED THE SENSORS WERE GONE & WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-27
- VIN: JT4VD20A0R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED BY DEALER AT NO COST,BUT I ALSO NEEDED TO REPALCE THE TIMING BELT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THE DRIVE TRAIN HAS A WARRANTY FOR 60,000 MILES,AND I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR SIX YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. YOU WOULD THINK THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE WITH A TRUCK WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. MY EXTRA WARRANTY WAS USELESS IN THIS MATTER ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. IF I DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED THEY WOULD SAY I DIDN'T DO PROPER MAINTANCE TO THE TRUCK MAKING MY WARRANTY VOID.I WAS IN A CATCH 22 SITUATION. IFEEL THE DEALER OR TOYOTA SHOULD REFUND MY $185 FOR INSTALLING THE TIMING BELT.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT4UD10DXR0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FADED PAINT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT4VD20A7R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-23
- VIN: JT4RN93P8R5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TOO LIMP. CAUSING BELT TO TWIST/FUEL OUTSIDE DOOR WHEN OPENED. *SD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-24
- VIN: JT4VD20A7R0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AXLES FAILED. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-24
- VIN: JT4VD20A7R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED 8 TIMES. *SD
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER'S AIR BAG, ALSO AIR BAG BURNED PASSENGER'S FACE AND UPPER CHEST. *SKD
1994 Toyota T100 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Toyota T100.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.
- Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE RELAY ROD MAY FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Positive 1994 Toyota T100 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Toyota T100 problems:
1994 Toyota T100 Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
Top 1994 Toyota T100 Problems · Vehicle Won't Crank Due To Starter · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Throttle Position Sensor ...
T100 Problems to look for - YotaTech Forums
Feb 9, 2006 ... I think the 93-94 T100's with the 3.0 are ... Stock Toyota pads are better ... problem, racks, recirculating, room, steering, t100, transmission.
Q&A: Toyota T100 93 - Symptoms of Bad Igniter & Common Problems
Feb 9, 2007 ... I HAVE A 1993 TOYOTA T100 V6 3.0EFI THE PROBLEM IS IT WILL ONLY RUN FOR THREE TO FIVE MINUTES AND IT JUST SHUTS OFF.
so what are some common problems? 3vze - YotaTech Forums
May 11, 2007 ... I have a 94 pickup with the 3vze, what are some common ... Um common hum Are you new to Toyota's i can ... problems, prone, t100, toyota, truth, v6.
Q&A: 1993 Toyota T100 Common Problems & Engine Issues
Feb 20, 2009 ... I have a 1993 Toyota T100, for a while the truck has been running. Especially on start up. It seemed like the problem - Answered by a ...
Other years of Toyota T100
Are you having problems with your 1994 Toyota T100?
Deion Orn 2024-11-18
This is the best truck I've ever owned! I've had two GMC's before this one, but unfortunately they both fell apart by 80k miles. However, I bought this truck used in '95 with only 14k miles on it, and it just turned 200k miles! The only thing I've had to replace is the A/C compressor, which gave out after 8 years. I did take it in at 80k miles for the head gasket recall, and a new timing belt and water pump. I just put a second timing belt and water pump at 200k miles. I drive it hard at 80+ mph, and it still idles like new. The radio gave out after 8 years, but all other electronics, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors still work!
Quentin Bergnaum 2024-11-12
This truck is amazing! After replacing the rear springs, I've been able to haul over 2000 lbs without any issues. It's always up for a challenge - I've even pulled countless stumps with it.
Kareem Hintz 2024-11-09
You're going to love driving this truck! It handles like a dream.
Hilbert Sauer 2024-11-06
I had a full size caddy cut me off, but thankfully I walked away unharmed. After spending $5400.00 on repairs, my truck was back on the road and handled the incident well. There was some front end damage, but it wasn't too severe. The cost for Toyota original parts was a little high.
Alexie Bartell 2024-10-19
This truck is amazing! After replacing the rear springs, I've been able to haul over 2000 lbs without any issues. It's always up for a challenge - I've even pulled countless stumps with it.