Toyota Century Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Toyota Century is Toyota’s flagship luxury saloon, built in Japan as a rival to the Mercedes S-Class and Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is famous for comfort, craftsmanship, and smooth V8 or V12 engines depending on model year. Although extremely rare in the UK, some examples are imported by collectors and enthusiasts. While the Century is one of the most reliable luxury cars ever made, it is still a complex hand-built vehicle. When problems do appear, parts availability and specialist labour in the UK can make repairs very costly. Knowing the common faults and the likely repair costs in pounds helps owners prepare for long-term ownership.
Common Toyota Century Problems and Repair Costs
1. Air Suspension Problems
- Symptoms: Uneven ride height, knocking sounds, poor ride comfort.
- Cause: Air strut leaks or compressor failure.
- Repair: Replace struts or compressor.
- Cost: £1,200 to £2,000 per strut, £1,500+ for compressor.
2. Electrical and Control Module Issues
- Symptoms: Malfunctioning climate control, warning lights, or failed seat and mirror functions.
- Cause: Faulty relays, wiring wear, or old control modules.
- Repair: Diagnostics and replacement.
- Cost: £200 to £800.
3. Engine Oil Leaks (V8 and V12 Models)
- Symptoms: Oil stains under the car, smell of burning oil.
- Cause: Ageing seals and gaskets.
- Repair: Replace gaskets and seals.
- Cost: £500 to £1,200.
4. Cooling System Failures
- Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, or fluctuating temperature gauge.
- Cause: Radiator or water pump wear, or ageing hoses.
- Repair: Replace radiator, pump, or hoses.
- Cost: £400 to £900.
5. Transmission Wear
- Symptoms: Harsh gear shifts, slipping, or hesitation.
- Cause: Worn components or fluid degradation.
- Repair: Transmission service or rebuild.
- Cost: £400 to £600 for service, £2,000 to £3,500 for rebuild.
6. Brake Wear
- Symptoms: Squealing noises, vibration, poor stopping performance.
- Cause: Heavy weight of the vehicle.
- Repair: Replace discs and pads.
- Cost: £400 to £700 per axle.
7. Rust and Corrosion (Older Imports)
- Symptoms: Rust on sills, wheel arches, or underbody.
- Cause: Age, moisture, and road salt.
- Repair: Rust treatment, welding, or panel replacement.
- Cost: £500 for light work, several thousand for major repairs.
8. Hybrid System Issues (New Century SUV 2023-on)
- Symptoms: Warning lights, reduced performance, poor fuel economy.
- Cause: Hybrid battery or inverter failure.
- Repair: Replace battery or inverter.
- Cost: £2,500 to £4,500.
Typical Repair Costs Table (UK)
| Problem | Repair Cost Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Air suspension strut replacement | £1,200 to £2,000 |
| Air suspension compressor | £1,500+ |
| Electrical or control module repairs | £200 to £800 |
| Engine oil leak repairs | £500 to £1,200 |
| Cooling system repairs | £400 to £900 |
| Transmission service | £400 to £600 |
| Transmission rebuild | £2,000 to £3,500 |
| Brake repairs (per axle) | £400 to £700 |
| Rust repairs | £500 to several thousand |
| Hybrid battery or inverter replacement | £2,500 to £4,500 |
Long-Term Ownership and Reliability
The Toyota Century has a legendary reputation for reliability, particularly the older V12 versions used as chauffeur cars in Japan. However, in the UK parts are rare and must often be imported, which adds cost. Air suspension failures, electrical issues, and transmission wear are the most expensive to fix. The newer hybrid Century SUV offers efficiency but brings expensive battery and inverter risks.
Typical annual servicing costs are around £800 to £1,200, but large jobs such as suspension or hybrid system repairs can quickly become very costly.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Century is one of the most exclusive and prestigious luxury cars in the world. It blends Japanese craftsmanship with Toyota reliability. While generally dependable, problems such as air suspension leaks, electrical faults, and gearbox wear can lead to high bills in the UK due to limited parts and specialist labour.
Tips for buyers:
- Check service history and parts sourcing.
- Inspect suspension, brakes, and underbody carefully.
- Test all electrical and comfort features.
Tips for owners:
- Stick to specialist servicing schedules.
- Import genuine parts directly from Japan when possible.
- Protect older models against rust.
- Budget for high-cost repairs, especially with hybrid versions.
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