3rd gen reliability?

So what is the general consensus on the 4 cyl 3rd gens? My company is looking into options of getting a few midsize trucks and the 3rd gen is high on the list due to fuel economy and ease of maintenance.

Is the instrument cluster issue isolated to a specific year or trim level?

Any other issues that could become an issue?

 

Same motor as second gen when talking 4 cyl. I think all that changed was gear ratios in auto trans. The manual remained the same. The axles no change, I think. You're not going to have reliability issues. They're proven and dependable.

 

Everything I hear is good with the 4 bangers

 

What about the cluster?

Also I thought they changed the rear end too. Something like 8.75 or around there?

 

There are no gauge issues. Only issues they ever had were the touch screen which has been resolved. The rears I think are 8.4". Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

That's good to hear.
My personal has been a bear here lately but it's been beaten on pretty hard.

 

I hope so. Few folks have mentioned the cluster on the 4 banger side. Not sure if it's just a few or common with a trim level.

 

Stick with a 4 and you're golden

 

Haha. Yeah 2TR-FE is great. Not sarcastic.

 

It's proving to be true

 

When the 3rd gen first came out I test drove one with a 3.5. I was underwhelmed at the lack of power on tap compared to my 05 with the 2TR-FE and over size tires.

Hit the throttle with ECT on and nothing happened different.

 

The 2016 and up 2.7 had some updates to run

$52 0W 20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0W 20 oil including a low friction timing chain and dual VVT . Also 3rd gen has different axles 8" and 8.7" the four-cylinder automatic will come with an 8 inch 4.30 axle ratio. I have a 2017 2.7 4 x 4 automatic and I love it. It's a great combination. Also of note the 2.7 is still made in Japan and is a global motor. It's the one that goes a million miles

 

I believe if you get a Manual Trans it will come with the larger rear.

 

Not sure the valve guides or seals will survive 1 million miles but hey one can dream lol.

I'm pretty certain our fleet will probably utilize 5W-20 synthetic as we live in Texas where it gets a bit warm.

 

Not an option for our fleet. Plus we do alot of city driving. My knee already hates me it doesn't need any more reason to do so lol.

 

VVT needs 0/20 to properly meter oil flow through the screen or engine timing will be retarded.

 

Either 5W-20 or 0W-20 will work fine as the viscosity difference is mostly when cold.

 

If I recall it's 8.75.

OP, 4 banger is solid as fuck. If given the option between an immortal engine or a v6 crippled with Atkinson interruptions, for free, I would choose the 4.

 

My coworker has 4 banger and he has mentioned to me multiple times that the rpm needle sometimes stops working.

 

I keep reading similar thing's. I bet it's probably not that common. Besides they have to fix it if it becomes an issue per FMVSS standards.