Toyota Fortuner Problems & Used Buyer's Guide (2015

The Toyota Fortuner is a HiLux-based seven-seat 4WD wagon sold here from 2015 with one 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. Its main known problem is the diesel particulate filter on cars sold from October 2015 to April 2020, which Australian courts found defective. Check whether the DPF repair is done, read the service history, confirm two recalls by VIN, then get it inspected.

Key facts	Pre-facelift (October 2015–mid-2020)	Facelift (August 2020 on)
Engine	2.8 turbo-diesel, 130kW. 420Nm manual, 450Nm auto. DPF fitted	2.8 turbo-diesel, 150kW/500Nm
Gearboxes	6-speed manual or 6-speed auto at launch. Auto only on the 2020 car CarsGuide tested	6-speed auto
Drive	Switchable 4WD with high and low range, rear diff lock	Switchable 4WD with high and low range, rear diff lock
Braked towing	3,000kg quoted at the 2015 launch, 2,800kg on the 2020 auto. Check the compliance plate	3,100kg
Servicing	6 months/10,000km	6 months/10,000km
Warranty	Five years/unlimited km on a 2020 car. Check the start date	Five years/unlimited km
DPF manual burn switch	Standard from June 2018	Standard
Our pick	Comprehensive ($329) as the minimum. Elite ($449) on a late Crusade or any higher-value Fortuner

Looking at a Fortuner? Get it checked before you pay a deposit.

Our Comprehensive Inspection ($329) covers the 150+ Point Checklist, an OBD-II scan, full mechanical inspection, underbody photos (undertray removed where fitted, safe and permitted), exterior paint and body repair indicators, a 6–10 km road test and a PPSR check. Buying a late Crusade? Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) adds a senior inspector, a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, a paint thickness gauge on every panel, a history deep-dive, a valuation, on-site negotiation and up to $3,000 repair cover for 30 days (conditions apply). We come to the car across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Maitland, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong/Illawarra. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover.

Cover terms and exclusions

Comprehensive

$329Save $33

$296

with code SAVE10

Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$74.00

Elite Buyers' Protection

$449

Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$112.25

Book your Fortuner inspection 02 8320 1246

Which Toyota Fortuner are you looking at?

There's only one generation, so the question is which side of two updates the car sits on.

Launch cars (October 2015 on). CarsGuide's launch drive lists a new 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 130kW, 420Nm with the six-speed manual and 450Nm with the six-speed auto, Euro 5 emissions and a diesel particulate filter. The Fortuner had seven seats, with a side-folding third row, low and high-range 4WD, and a rear differential lock, in GX, GXL and Crusade grades. Towing was quoted at 3,000kg (CarsGuide, 2015 Fortuner first drive).

2019 safety update. CarsGuide says the range was updated in 2019 with some active safety technology, and the safety list on its 2020 Crusade test car includes autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control. That car was auto only, with the manual limited to earlier cars. It listed 130kW and 450Nm, a timing chain, 2,800kg braked towing, servicing every six months or 10,000km and a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (CarsGuide, 2020 Fortuner Crusade).

Facelift (August 2020). CarExpert's 2021 Crusade test lists the upgraded engine at 150kW and 500Nm, a six-speed auto, switchable 4WD with high and low range, a locking rear differential and 3.1-tonne braked towing. Servicing stayed at six months or 10,000km and the warranty at five years/unlimited kilometres. CarExpert adds that Toyota extends that to seven years for cars serviced to schedule, so ask Toyota what that covers on the car you're buying (CarExpert, 2021 Fortuner Crusade).

End of the line. In November 2025 CarExpert reported that Toyota would drop the Fortuner from Australian showrooms in mid-2026 with no replacement. Toyota put the decision down to shifting customer preferences, and CarExpert described the Fortuner as one of Toyota's slowest sellers (CarExpert, Fortuner axed).

What are the most common Toyota Fortuner problems?

These are reported by Australian courts, motoring writers and owners. They aren't failure rates.

The DPF defect on 2015–2020 cars

This is the big one, and it's a court finding. Toyota's own class action page says the case covers HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles with the 1GD-FTV or 2GD-FTV diesel that were bought or leased between 1 October 2015 and 23 April 2020. Under its heading on the High Court judgment, the same page says the legal position is that the vehicles were not of acceptable quality because of a defective DPF system, that Toyota engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct, and that the vehicles' value was reduced as a result (Toyota Australia, DPF class action).

CarExpert describes the defect as one that could block the filter, with excessive foul-smelling white smoke, higher fuel use and repeated trips back for inspection and repair. It says a manual DPF regeneration switch became standard on the HiLux, Prado and Fortuner from June 2018, and that an effective repair using updated exhaust hardware and software was developed in May 2020 and has been available free since (CarExpert, DPF class action settlement). Toyota's page says owners may have received a letter from Toyota in around October 2024 inviting them to have the DPF system repaired at a Toyota dealer.

Where the court case stands, as at November 2026. CarExpert reported on 13 October 2026 that Toyota had agreed to a $750 million settlement covering two class actions, subject to Federal Court approval. It says the proceedings concern 264,170 HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles acquired between 1 October 2015 and 23 April 2020. The second action covers qualifying owners who bought privately and directly from the original owner between 24 April 2020 and 31 July 2025 and still own the vehicle (CarExpert). Approval, eligibility and amounts can change, so read the current court-ordered information on Toyota's page before you rely on any of it.

What it means when you're buying. Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm by VIN whether the DPF repair has been done. CarsGuide notes that Fortuners built after June 2018 let the driver force a burn-off, and says a modern diesel with a DPF may not be the right choice unless your driving includes about half an hour at highway speed every two or three weeks (CarsGuide, Fortuner diesel problems). For the engine side of the story, see our guide to Toyota 2.8 diesel DPF problems.

Servicing: every six months, and it matters

Both CarsGuide and CarExpert list six-month/10,000km service intervals. In an owner answer about tow vehicles, CarsGuide also warns that the common-rail diesels in this class tolerate poor servicing badly (CarsGuide, Fortuner problems). With six-month intervals, a one-year gap in the book means two missed services.

EGR faults

Comparing the Fortuner and Pajero Sport in 2021, CarsGuide said both had suffered niggling reliability problems, mainly DPF and some EGR issues, and that the models were old enough by then for most of the bugs to have been ironed out (CarsGuide). On a pre-2021 car, any engine warning light needs a scan before you negotiate.

Ride, noise and the third row

CarsGuide describes the suspension as harsh and says cabin noise and vibration were worse than rivals in its test. It also criticises the side-folding third-row seats for the cargo width they take up (CarsGuide, 2020 Fortuner Crusade). None of this is a fault. Drive it on a rough road with someone in the back before you decide.

Towing is less than a HiLux

CarsGuide points out that the Fortuner's coil-sprung rear axle is there for comfort and reduces towing ability next to the leaf-sprung ute. It quotes 2,800kg for the Fortuner against 3,500kg for the HiLux at the time, and CarExpert lists 3.1 tonnes after the 2020 facelift (CarsGuide; CarExpert).

Underbody scrapes

CarsGuide rates the Fortuner well in low-range off-road work but recorded underbody scraping in deep ruts (CarsGuide). A car with a lift kit, snorkel or recovery points may have been used that way, so look underneath.

What Toyota Fortuner recalls should I check?

We read both of these on the federal register. The list is as at November 2026 and may not be complete, so check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au and with a Toyota dealer.

Recall	Models / years	Issue
REC-001315	HiLux and Fortuner 2018–2020, 23,957 units. CarExpert says the affected vehicles were built from June to December 2018	Brake booster may have been made incorrectly. Repeated pedal use can cause loss of braking assist and a longer stopping distance. The register lists a free repair if required
REC-001297	Lexus, Prius, Corolla, Fortuner (the register spells it Fortuna) and HiLux, about 27,500 units (no year range shown). WhichCar says the affected Fortuners were built from June to December 2015	Airbag pressure or G sensors can develop an open circuit, which may switch off the side, curtain or front airbags and light the airbag warning lamp

What this means for you: a 2015 build needs the airbag sensor recall confirmed, and a 2018 build needs the brake booster recall confirmed (CarExpert, HiLux and Fortuner recalled; WhichCar, airbag sensor recall).

What our inspectors check on a Toyota Fortuner

This is what we look at, and which package includes it. It's a list of checks, not a claim that the car has these faults.

1.OBD-II scan for stored and pending fault codes, including DPF and EGR codes. (Every package)
2.Engine bay: oil and coolant leaks, fluid levels and condition, start-up behaviour and idle quality. (Every package)
3.Brakes, steering and tyres, including brake pedal feel. (Every package)
4.Full mechanical inspection: engine, cooling, gearbox, driveline, suspension, mounts, exhaust and the DPF area for signs of soot or leaks. (Comprehensive and Elite)
5.Underbody photos, with the undertray removed where fitted, safe and permitted. We photograph scrapes, dents, bash plates, the exhaust and any aftermarket suspension. (Comprehensive and Elite)
6.Interior and electronics: warning lamps, air conditioning, the DPF switch where fitted, the third-row seat mounts and belts. (Every package. Comprehensive and Elite add a full electrical test)
7.Exterior paint and body repair indicators. (Comprehensive.) Elite adds a paint thickness gauge on every panel. Essential has no paint check.
8.PPSR check. (Comprehensive and Elite. Essential doesn't include one)
9.Senior inspector and a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold. (Elite only)
10.History deep-dive, valuation and on-site negotiation. (Elite only)

Road tests are 3–5 km on Essential, 6–10 km on Comprehensive and 10–12 km on Elite. More on how we work is on our Toyota pre-purchase inspection page.

How should you test-drive a used Fortuner?

Ask the seller to leave the engine cold. Watch the exhaust at start-up and for the first minute.
Look at the dash. No DPF, engine or airbag lamp should stay on.
Accelerate firmly onto a main road and check the mirrors for white smoke.
Press the brake pedal several times in a row at low speed in a safe place. The assist should feel the same each time.
Try high range and low range yourself on a loose surface, if the seller agrees.

What paperwork and PPSR checks do you need?

A PPSR check for finance owing, write-off and stolen status. It's in Comprehensive and Elite. See PPSR check NSW.
A service record with no gaps at six-month/10,000km intervals.
Proof of the DPF repair on any car sold new between October 2015 and April 2020. Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm by VIN.
Recall completion by VIN, using the table above.
Class action claims. Eligibility is set by the court. Read Toyota's DPF page yourself.

How do you negotiate on a used Fortuner?

A 2015–2020 car with no record of the DPF repair is your strongest lever. Get the dealer's answer in writing.
Gaps in six-month servicing on a common-rail diesel are worth real money off, or a reason to walk away.
White smoke or a DPF lamp on the test drive means stop and get a diagnosis first.
Open recalls should be completed before you pay.

Our Elite inspector can negotiate on the spot using the findings.

Is a used Toyota Fortuner a good buy? Our verdict

Yes, with the DPF question answered first.

October 2015 to mid-2018: inside the class action period and without the manual burn switch. Only with proof the DPF repair is done and a full service record.
Mid-2018 to April 2020: still inside the class action period, but with the manual switch. Same proof needed. Check the brake booster recall on 2018 builds.
August 2020 facelift on: 150kW, 500Nm, 3.1-tonne towing and a car sold after the class action period. This is the one to aim for if the budget stretches.

In a 2019 buyer answer, CarsGuide said the Fortuner suits back-road touring more than mostly on-road driving, and that rival wagons ride better (CarsGuide).

Toyota Fortuner FAQs

What are the most common Toyota Fortuner problems?

The main one is the diesel particulate filter on cars sold from October 2015 to April 2020, which the courts found defective. CarsGuide also reports some EGR issues on earlier cars, a harsh ride, side-folding third-row seats, and diesels that don't tolerate missed services. The federal register lists a brake booster recall and an airbag sensor recall. These are reported issues, not failure rates.

Which Toyota Fortuner years have the DPF problem?

Toyota's class action page covers Fortuners with the 2.8 diesel bought or leased between 1 October 2015 and 23 April 2020. CarExpert says a manual regeneration switch became standard from June 2018 and that Toyota's effective repair, with updated exhaust hardware and software, has been available free since 2020. Ask a Toyota dealer to confirm by VIN that it's been done.

Is the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 diesel reliable?

Outside the DPF defect, the sources we checked don't report widespread engine faults. CarsGuide notes the engine uses a timing chain and said in 2021 that the model was old enough for most DPF and EGR bugs to have been ironed out. It also warns that common-rail diesels tolerate poor servicing badly, so a complete six-month service record matters more than the badge.

What is the Toyota DPF class action, and does it affect a used buyer?

It covers HiLux, Prado and Fortuner diesels acquired between October 2015 and April 2020. As at November 2026, CarExpert reports Toyota has agreed to a $750 million settlement that still needs Federal Court approval, with a second action for some later private buyers. Eligibility is set by the court, so read Toyota's DPF class action page for current details.

How much can a Toyota Fortuner tow?

It depends on the year. CarsGuide quoted 3,000kg at the 2015 launch and 2,800kg braked for the 2020 Crusade auto, and CarExpert lists 3.1 tonnes after the August 2020 facelift. Read the compliance plate and handbook for the exact car, and allow for passengers and luggage against the gross combination mass.

Which inspection should I book for a Fortuner?

Comprehensive ($329) is our minimum. It includes full mechanical inspection, underbody photos, exterior paint and body repair indicators and PPSR. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) suits a late Crusade or any higher-value car. Essential ($199) has the 150+ Point Checklist and a 3–5 km road test, but no PPSR and no paint check.

Aussie Auto Care Pty Ltd · ABN 19 701 853 090 · 02 8320 1246 · Mobile pre-purchase inspections.