head gasket leak from stripped bolt a common issue?

[blue_water]

planning to go look at a 2004 I4(2.4L) highlander with 110k miles on it.
I just read online that the I4 models have a common problem of coolant leak from the head gasket(stripped bolt), is this true? Is there an easy way to inspect this? any other common issues I should look out for?

Thanks.

[High Altitude]

Originally Posted by blue_water

planning to go look at a 2004 I4(2.4L) highlander with 110k miles on it.
I just read online that the I4 models have a common problem of coolant leak from the head gasket(stripped bolt), is this true? Is there an easy way to inspect this? any other common issues I should look out for?

Thanks.

It does happen some times and is a known issue with that engine, the 2az-fe. The bolts won't hold in the threads, strip and the head lifts. It is a pretty easy fix, but very labor intensive.

I am sure there are some youtube vids on it.

Most of the time you will notice a coolant leak on the intake side of the engine between the head and block. There is a foam piece between the intake manifold and block, it will be wet with coolant.

The engine is a good engine though IF you don't have this problem. I put 285k miles on one without any head issues.

I personally wouldn't have a problem buying one, but I could do the head gasket and bolt hole insert fix myself if I had to.

If you aren't willing to do the fix yourself (if it happens), I wouldn't buy it, unless you are getting the car for a very cheap price, since it is very expensive to have a mechanic do it at shop rates.

[wellshii]

I would look at lower mileage vehicles.
And if that were a problem,it would happen within the few first thousand miles(if it is a bolt problem)

Reading reviews the vehicle seems good.
Good job on your research. If you do intend to buy anything used,
remember fluids lose their effectiveness regardless of miles.
Brake fluid is a perfect example as well as coolant.
Make sure all services have been done.

[supton]

I'd have a tough time getting a 2AZ-FE, for just this reason. That and some of them tended to be oil burners.

I have not kept up lately, at one time (when I was car shopping) I knew what years were bad for this 2.4L. I don't anymore. You could do a search and see what years are bad years; that may help drive the decision. It's possible that the Highlanders were not impacted by these problems too.