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Hello Everyone!
Newbie here. I am going to take a look at a 1989 Toyota Americana motorhome with 84k original miles. I've been doing my research and I am aware of the head gasket issues. I tried searching online if the work has been done no luck and toyota says they don't have anything on record or show any open campaigns/recalls. I would really appreciate any help. Thank you!
Last edited by Sammysosa; Aug 29, 2025 at 06:42 AM.
There was never a "recall" regarding the head gasket. Instead there was a special service program. Recalls are official US "things," which usually involve safety issues. (My '95 had a recall to replace the relay rod.)
As a special service program, Toyota is free to discontinue it whenever. Not all original head gaskets had problems, and even if yours had been replaced, 36 years is a long time for any automotive part.
There was never a "recall" regarding the head gasket. Instead there was a special service program. Recalls are official US "things," which usually involve safety issues. (My '95 had a recall to replace the relay rod.)
As a special service program, Toyota is free to discontinue it whenever. Not all original head gaskets had problems, and even if yours had been replaced, 36 years is a long time for any automotive part.
Good luck!
100% correct! Sorry I should of put sevice campaign. I've read some post that it was 1990-1995 with the head gasket issue and the late 80s might be good. Due to them still having asbestos supposedly. I just wanted more insight before I make this purchase. 😳 Thank you!!
Last edited by Sammysosa; Aug 29, 2025 at 10:35 AM.
Yes, Toyota sent out a service bulletin within the first year or two that we owned our 1991 4Runner V6. The dealer replaced the head gaskets at no charge. I would have copied the details to this post but my son has the truck and all the maintenance docs now. He was born in 1991 and came home from the hospital in our shiny new 4Runner!
It's the driver's side head gasket around the No. 6 cylinder that fails from the exhaust crossover and downpipe. The passenger's side head gasket never fails but the Toyota campaign would replace both for good measure.
That's one of the main reasons that I put headers on the V6 early on. I figured all that heat near the back two pistons and valves couldn't be good. 200,000 kms later and still running strong!
Aug 28, 2025 | 11:31 PM
