Overview
The story
A published reference lists the 3.4L V6 in the Tacoma from 1995 to 2004, the 4Runner from 1996 to 2002, the T100 from 1995 to 1998 and the Tundra from 2000 to 2004. It made 190 hp in the Tacoma and 183 hp in the 4Runner. TRD sold a supercharger for 1997 and later Tacomas. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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Fuel injected 5VZ-FE A published reference
183 hp in the 4Runner, 190 hp in the Tacoma · 1995–2004
In 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner, 1996–2002; 1st gen Toyota Tacoma, 1995–2004; 1st gen Toyota Tundra, 2000–2004
Figures
- Displacement: 3.4L (3,378 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 93.5 × 82 mm A published reference
- Block and head: Cast-iron block, aluminum heads A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams per bank driven by a belt, four valves per cylinder A published reference
- Interference: No, a broken belt does not damage the valves A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Oil leaks from the valve covers Every version
One source so far
Check: Look for oil on the valve covers and smell for burning oil after a drive.
80/20 Automotive says the valve cover gaskets slowly crack and leak small amounts of oil, and names the oil pan gasket and main seals as less common leaks. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Head gasket failure Every version
One source so far
Check: Look for milky oil, white exhaust smoke and coolant that keeps going down.
80/20 Automotive calls it extremely rare on the 3.4, mentions a past recall of a small batch of gaskets, and says most failures happen past 200,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Loose crank balancer bolt Every version
One source so far
Check: Ask whether the balancer bolt was torqued to spec at the last timing belt job, especially if it starts hard or runs rough.
MOTOR says the 3.4's crank sprocket and balancer are slip-fit, not pressed on. If the bolt loosens, the sprocket wobbles, upsets the crank sensor's signal and causes hard starts and rough running. MOTOR
Owning
Maintenance
Timing belt, water pump and tensioner Every version
Replace every 90,000 miles MOTOR, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Ask the seller: Ask for records showing the timing belt and water pump were changed together.
If it was skipped: MOTOR says Toyota recommends inspecting the belt at 60,000 miles and replacing it at 90,000. Specialists say the water pump is more likely to fail before the belt does, so change both together, and replace the hydraulic tensioner if its plunger moves.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
Very long-lived Every version
One source so far
80/20 Automotive calls the 3.4 highly reliable and says many consider it among the most reliable engines ever made, likely to reach 300,000 to 400,000 miles or more. A seller's guide (unofficial)