2020 Toy Taco Overheat Problem - How concerned should I be?

Hello there

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) How concerned should I be about the Tacoma overheating and permanently damaging the engine?

1. About a month ago, I took my 2020 Taco to the dealership for the 50K standard oil change, checks, and fluid changes. I live in the Augusta GA area and JAN 2024 was unusually cold. 2 weeks later, while driving to work, I noticed some steam coming out of my hood (no indications from the temp gauge), pop the hood and noticed radiator fluid kind of splashed on my engine, the normal radiator cap was resting on a snug spot in the wheel well and the radiator had another type of cap which the dealer mechanics use to fill up the radiator with fluids. I also noticed I was low on oil. Let the engine cool, put 2 quarts of oil in engine and resealed the proper cap on the radiator. Attempted to drive home later in the day, and the temp alert message came on screen as well as my temp gauge creeped up briefly into the red. Put car in N, pulled over to side of road, and called for a tow. Towed to dealership where they inspected it and replaced radiator fluid and reinstalled the cap.

2. Took it driving for a week and everything OK. Then while drving home, I heard a pop, which I mistook for a rock in the wheel well. 2 min later, the temp alert comes on, temp gauge creeped up into the red area, and again, I put car in N and maneuvered to roadside out of traffic. Took back to dealership and it was discovered that main and sub water-pumps needed replacement, the hose from radiator to engine needed replacement, radiator cap and oil pan headgasket also need replacement.

The dealership is attenting to this. But how concerned should I be for future problems? Is this a case where the water pumps are replaced and good to go, or did should I be concerned for other damage? Should I just forgo this beloved Toy Taco and look for a new one or not? I will be towing a camper (4K pull weight) and want to know if I can still safely pull it or worry that my engine will overheat suddenly and give out.

Many thanks in advance.

 

ugh, that sucks
You could also ask for them to extend the warranty, but you will probably meet resistance and have to go to Toyota.
If you pulled over as soon as it started heating up, it's probably okay.

I am still wonder what they did to it, to cause this kind of damage to the cooling circuit,,,, and 2 quarts low on oil? Someone should be relocated to sweeping the lot.

 

Burn the stealership down!! HAHA

Wow that really sucks. Sounds like they are taking responsibility for the fuck ups but man oh man does that put you in a bad spot.

I would be calm but firm and talk with the GM of the dealership and ask for an extended warranty.

Also take good notes and let Toyota know what a shit show this has been.

Good luck