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Buying guide

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series (2009 to 2023): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series was built from 2009 to 2023 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, four wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: KDJ150, GRJ150, TRJ150, GDJ150 and GDJ151. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2009 to 2023
Chassis codes
KDJ150, GRJ150, TRJ150, GDJ150, GDJ151
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
4WD (four wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series (2009 to 2024). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. DPF on the 2.8 (2015 to 2020 builds)

    The 2.8 diesel DPF can fill instead of regenerating, giving smoke, limp mode, higher fuel use and power loss. Toyota's final fix came in the late 2020 update.

    Where to look
    The DPF warning light, the exhaust, and the dealer record for the DPF update
    How to test
    Watch for smoke and warning lights and ask whether the DPF update has been done. Ask how the truck has been used; short trips clog it.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a DPF costs at least a couple of thousand

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab), 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. EGR and intake carbon on the 2.8

    Carbon builds up in the EGR and intake, and the EGR cooler on the 2.8 is prone to leaks.

    Where to look
    The intake manifold and EGR valve, and the coolant level
    How to test
    Feel for lost power and watch the coolant level. Ask whether the intake has been cleaned.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost intake clean or EGR parts

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. 3.0 1KD injectors

    Early 3.0 1KD engines had injector, washer and piston crown problems; knocking, black smoke and noisy idle are signs.

    Where to look
    The injectors and injector invoices
    How to test
    Listen for knocking and a noisy idle, and ask whether the injectors have been replaced on schedule.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost injectors, or pistons if one cracked

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab), 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Dust past the air filter on the 2.8

    A loose air filter seal lets fine dust reach the airflow sensor, causing sudden power loss and limp mode.

    Where to look
    The airbox and the airflow sensor
    How to test
    Open the airbox and look for dust on the clean side and grit on the sensor.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost filter and sensor clean

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brake booster and master cylinder (pre 2012)

    Early models had suspect brake boosters and master cylinders: a spongy or hard pedal and a hiss from the booster.

    Where to look
    The brake pedal and the booster on the bulkhead
    How to test
    Feel the pedal under braking and listen for hissing.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost later Prado parts

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Suspension bushes and airbags

    Lower shock bushes and control arm bushes wear, and the rear airbags on up spec models age and give a harsh ride.

    Where to look
    The lower shock bushes, control arm bushes and rear air suspension
    How to test
    Listen for knocks and rattles and feel for a harsh, bouncy rear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bushes or airbags

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. 6 speed auto top gear (2.8)

    The 6 speed auto on the 2.8 does not always shift into its tall 6th gear at legal speeds.

    Where to look
    The gear indicator on the open road
    How to test
    Watch which gear it holds at 100 km/h on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a trait more than a fault

    Sources: 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 3.0 or the 2.8 diesel, or the V6 petrol?
  • Has the DPF update been done on the 2.8?
  • When were the injectors last replaced on the 3.0?
  • Has it been used mainly for short trips?
  • Have all recalls been completed?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new and Japanese import 150s. Check the Toyota recall and DPF update record for the VIN with a dealer.

A 150 suits a family that wants a capable, comfortable 4WD and will check the DPF or injector history for its engine.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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