11/16Aurion 12Kluger

We had a petrol smell going through our Aurion. The dealership went straight for the fuel filter under the back seat and found nothing there or anywhere else either. We still had the petrol smell ... A few days later I took the petrol cap off and checked the seals and noticed some small deposits of dirt/mud/gunk around the seal on the filler inlet. Looks like it may have been some mud that got on the bowser nozzle from a previous mud truck fill up? Anyway, cleaned it off and also the cap seal and no more petrol smell. I hope yours is an easy fix like mine was...

A big killer of TBs is moving the butterfly valve too fast. It ruins the elec motor inside it. That link the OP posted mentions that. Only use TB cleaner!

I believe on the current model Klugers they no longer have a opening glass panel.. It may be for this reason here... or just cost cutting?

I have owned a GSU40R series Kluger "2WD" since new for 9.5 years now. Mine only has 120,000km on it but it has has a varied life. As you are looking to buy a used one it can be pot luck on what you get... as with any used car. People (and dealerships/mechanics can do some bad things to cars. Oil sludge... This can happen with any modern motor, it is not unique to the 2GRFE motor. I did see one report where someone did complain of it but when the truth came out he admitted he had not changed the oil for OVER 5 years!! I have seen other cars where the oil has turned to the consistency of a crayon for exactly the same reason. I know in the US the 1st generation did have a problem caused by the crank case ventilation outlet being in the wrong location and a TSA recommended moving it to the front valve cover area and the problem ceased. I'm not sure if the 1st generation here had the same problem. Mine does not have a hint of it. THE CURE. Change the oil every 10,000 km or 12 months, use FULL synthetic 5-30 oil. Only use Toyota or Ryco oil filters and ensure they are installed correctly. If installed incorrectly they can crush and impede the oil flow. Maintenance... Oil change as previously mentioned. Air filter every 20,000km (Toyota or Ryco) and at that time clean the PCV valve, MAF* sensor and Throttle Body*. (*) Only use cleaners intended for this purpose. The service schedule states 80,000km for transmission service. Make sure this is done. The cooling system in modern cars is the ticking time bomb with most modern cars. This must be done on time and dont skimp on the coolant used or the method in replacing it. Ensure it is bled correctly afterwards. The rest is common with most cars, serpentine belt, pulleys, tensioners, sensors, water pump, etc... The timing chain is metal so should last the life of the car. Suspension... The handling is ok for the size and height of the car but seems a bit soft. I have fitted new KYB struts to the rear recently and it improved the handling noticeably and will be fitting them to the front soon. (Update 27/9/21.. Fitted new KYB struts to the front and had an alignment. Worth every cent. The ride is now firmer but not overly hard and it steers and corners much better.) 2WD or AWD... I weighed up this when I was buying one. My cars for the previous 20 yrs or so were all FWD and I never had any problem with them on slippery roads. Naturally you have to drive to conditions and be sensible with the accelerator. The 2GRFE V6 is a powerful motor so you need to respect it. Good tyres are a must (Michelin). I have found the Kluger (2WD) has better traction in that regard than my other cars. Tyre wear is excellent. I got over 80,000km from my last set (Michelin) although the factory Dunlops were shot at 25,000km. The Michelins could have gone another 20,000km easily. The things that turned me off the AWD were the additional purchase price of the car, the extra weight, the extra servicing cost and the higher fuel consumption. Again that choice will be up to you and your intended use of the car. You get torque steer on all FWD cars. I cant recall noticing it on the Kluger though. BTW... The Kluger is basically an Aurion station wagon. It has a sedan type chassis and is not a bush bashing truck or suitable for towing large vans. I have towed a 14ft one with mine and it was no problem but I did not push it. The Prado or Hilux would be more suited to that sort of use. Overall I have found it to be a great car. Good for long trips, nice to drive, quiet and comfortable and surprisingly economical. Good luck with your search, I hope you find a good one.

A few months late but in case anyone else has the same problem.. Safety glass does explode on it's own. We had a safety glass shower screen do it once, it went off like a bomb and no one was near the bathroom. The guy that replaced the glass said it happens all the time. He always replaces them with laminated glass. I see that the newer Klugers don't have that opening glass. I can't see how Toyota could blame the weather as this model was made in Japan and also shipped to the USA where winters are far worse than here. You are not alone with this... https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/shattered-rear-window.1346921/ https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/rear-window-shatter-on-its-own.47967/ https://www.thehulltruth.com/dockside-chat/647510-rear-glass-my-car-spontaneously-exploded-any-ideas-2.html

It may be a bit late now (this post being back in July) but I fitted a Joying double did HU to my 2012 Kluger many years ago. They are sold direct from their own website and were on Ebay also. They have a Sydney warehouse that stocks popular models. They have the perfect fit where there is no need to use filler strips on the side, I think the std Toyota size is 200x400mm? It has been one of the best things I have ever bought. After all these years everything still works perfect. The gain strength of the radio makes the original Toyota one look like junk. They supply the exact loom for your car (included in the price) and it is all plug and play. Your steering controls work plus you are able to customise the settings for those as well. Even my 6-7 year old unit has bluetooth and it works well. It is very simple to install, the hardest part was removing the plastic dash bits but with patience it can be done. There are how to videos on Youtube and maybe some guides on Toyota Nation USA. If anyone does get one don't bother trying to use the old Toyota mic as the one built into the HU is far better. One tip... My 2012 KXR model (base) has a dual diversity antenna system and it requires an adapter for other HU's. I got mine for about $5 off ebay at the time. Without it the reception is not good.

Only have 115,000 on my 2012 KXR 2WD so far and all is well. Put new tyres on it recently. I went with Michelin's again after getting 80,000 out of the old set. I could have got another 20k out of them but I found a good price on a new set and went with it. A friend in the USA has a series 1 Highlander (Kluger) with 300,000 miles on it (480,000 km?) and it has had only regular servicing and the usual consumables replaced.

Hi Michael. I have been eyeing off the current Klugers, with the run out deals they are offering they are a steal and from reports a solid vehicle. My 2012 only has 110,000 on it so it is still like new to drive. See what the future holds? Have you looked at the US Toyota Nation site as well? That is also a great resource for Kluger owners.

Cleaning the MAFS at least once a year is a cheap and easy thing to do. I doubt that a regular "service" at the dealer or local mechanic would include this unless they are unusually efficient. You must use the right spray and procedure to do this. I use electrical contact spray on our cars. The MAFS must not be touched with anything. Penty of how to's on the net. Another thing that should be done at the same time is a throttle body clean. Again, it is an easy thing to do and usually delivers a noticeable improvement. Same as the MAFS, use only throttle body cleaner and guides are on the net.

I put different sized rims on my Kluger but not 22". To be sure all would be ok I went to a couple of tyre places that sold rims and they checked it all out for me. They have the specs on what is appropriate and what is not. Not only just to meet running requirements but registration / insurance requirements as well. Worth the time to go see them and get it right.

I have a 2012 Kluger and only get the warning light when tank gets low, no beep sound. Warning sounds may be nice but if you miss hearing it then it could mean some walking and a lot of hassle. Easy enough to keep an eye on the fuel gauge anyway and fill when it hits 1/4 full.

Thanks for the feedback Michael. Always good to get it when a problem has been solved as it helps others. I dont have a Toyota head unit in mine as I replaced it, but I was wondering if yours has a pin hole on the facia anywhere to release a stuck cd like they have on home audio or computer cd drives? Would make it a lot easier if they did?

Dont say that MichaelG!! I have been considering a new Kluger, one of the current run out models as they are great value for the money. Trouble is, will I regret it like you? There is nothing wrong with mine and I have owned it since new back in 2012. The thought of a new Kluger is nice but the thought of parting with the one I own now is something I might find hard to do. For anyone wanting to have a read about the 2020? or for us, the 2021 model jump over to Toyota Nation site. They have a lot of feedback from owners there.

Same here Michael. I do the oil & filter changes on both our cars and they both have the same setup. Why? I have never seen anyone give a reason. The filters would be cheaper to produce for one thing. It sure is messy and awkward and a shame in such a great vehicle. Enjoy your Kluger!!! I have been driving mine for over 8 yrs and still love it.

Check the wire that connects to the vacuum solenoid located on the air filter box intake tube. It has a black plug and 3 vacuum hoses coming off it. If that wire is not connected correctly it will show VSC and other warning lights. That solenoid also has a habit of sticking. Remove and cycle it with a 12V battery a few times to hear it click (either pin is ok as it is not neg or pos specific). If it still sticks replace it. It also gives a sensation of spongy brakes.