The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado might be fresh off the showroom floor, but it’s already showing common signs of trouble for diesel owners. If you’ve picked one up recently — or you’re thinking about it — it’s worth knowing where the trouble spots are before they leave you halfway up a fire trail.
That said, don’t get us wrong — this is still a tough, capable rig with plenty to offer. Like most modern diesels, the Prado just has a few quirks that need attention early on. Thankfully, a quality diesel tune can address many of these issues right from the start. And fortunately, every one of these issues has a proven fix.
We’ve been keeping a close eye on these new Prados as they roll through the workshop, and while they’re built strong, there are some recurring problems worth keeping on your radar. Let’s break them down, why they matter, and how Willy’s workshop can sort them before they turn into expensive problems.
Quick Links
- 1. DPF problems straight out of the gate
- 2. Turbo lag and sluggish low-end torque
- 3. EGR valve sensitivity and clogging
- 4. Transmission tuning that needs a rethink
- 5. Factory tune made for compliance, not performance
- Take your LandCruiser from capable to commanding
1. DPF problems straight out of the gate
Yep, unfortunately the dreaded Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) dramas haven’t gone anywhere. The 2024 Prado comes fitted with a DPF system that’s supposed to clean itself through regen cycles, which is a process where the filter burns off built-up soot at high temperatures.
But here’s the problem. That regen only kicks in properly when you’re driving at consistent speeds, like on long highway runs. So if you’re mostly doing short trips or stop-start towing, the exhaust temperatures don’t get high enough.
What happens is the soot starts to build up faster than it can burn off, and the system can’t handle it. Over time, the DPF gets overloaded, the warning lights come on, and you’re stuck in limp mode wondering what just happened.
Why it matters
A blocked DPF chokes performance and hurts your fuel consumption. And if left ignored, it can lead to major repair bills, or in some cases a full DPF replacement.
How we fix it
At Willy’s Workshop, we start with a full diagnostic scan to see exactly how your DPF’s performing. If it’s clogged, we clear any fault codes and get the system running clean again.
From there, we can safely tweak the regen settings to better suit how you drive, whether that’s short trips, towing or off-road work. We’ll also check your ECU tune, because poor fuelling or airflow can make DPF problems worse in no time.
2. Turbo lag and sluggish low-end torque
While Toyota’s new 2.8L turbo-diesel looks good on paper, plenty of Prado owners are finding it feels sluggish when taking off from a standstill, or when climbing under load.
That low-end lag is mostly down to the factory tune, which prioritises emissions compliance over real-world performance. The result is a delayed throttle response and a power band that doesn’t really kick in until you’re well into the rev range.
Why it matters
If you’re towing a van, pushing through sharp hill climbs, or fully loaded up for a weekend away, turbo lag can leave you hanging.
And slow response times don’t just make driving a frustrating nightmare. They can make overtaking and hill climbs downright risky. That’s why you want torque on tap when you put your foot down, and not a few seconds later.
How we fix it
This is where a proper ECU remap or dyno tune transforms the way your Prado drives. We bring the torque in earlier, sharpen up throttle response, and smooth out the flat spots in your rev range.
What does that look like? Better drivability, safer overtaking, and stronger performance when you’re pulling weight or heading off-road, without sacrificing a single drop of reliability.
3. EGR valve sensitivity and clogging
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on newer diesel Prados is touchy. It’s designed to reduce NOx emissions. But in real-world conditions, particularly dusty tracks or stop-start city traffic, it can clog up with carbon, throwing fault codes or causing rough idle.
Why it matters
When the EGR clogs up, it chokes airflow and messes with combustion timing. This leads to a host of issues, from sluggish performance to uneven idling and hotter exhaust temps. Let it go unchecked and all that heat and carbon can start damaging key engine components, turning small fixes into major (and costly) repair jobs.
How we fix it
First, we clear out the carbon buildup with a targeted cleaning treatment, which restores proper airflow and helps your EGR function like it should.
Then, if the EGR cycle is acting up, we recalibrate it so the valve opens and closes at the right times, preventing soot from settling in the first place. Finally, we fine-tune your ECU mapping to improve combustion and reduce soot production.
4. Transmission tuning that needs a rethink
Toyota’s autos are usually dependable. But in the 2024 Toyota Prado, the shift logic can feel off when the pressure’s on.
Under load, the transmission often holds gears too long or shifts too early. That can seriously throw off your momentum and make the gearbox feel hesitant, as if it’s always just a step behind what you’re asking it to do.
Why it matters
When your gearbox isn’t tuned properly, it puts extra strain on the drivetrain, burns more fuel, and makes the whole vehicle feel like it’s fighting you. And the wrong shift at the wrong time can kill performance and make driving feel like a constant battle.
Learn More: How to improve diesel engine performance
How we fix it
We start by scanning your transmission control module and checking how it’s currently behaving under different loads and speeds. Then we adjust key settings, like shift timing and throttle sensitivity, to better suit the way you drive. You’ll instantly notice a transmission that feels in sync with your foot, and no longer fighting against it.
5. Factory tune made for compliance, not performance
Last on our list of common problems with the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado? The factory tune.
Let’s call it how it is — Toyota plays it safe. These vehicles are detuned from the factory to meet global emissions standards, not to handle Aussie conditions. That leaves a lot of performance missing. Performance like power and torque your Prado already has, but isn’t using. It’s just sitting there, begging to be unleashed.
Why it matters
When you’re carrying extra weight, your Prado’s lack of low-end torque becomes obvious. You’ll find yourself constantly pressing harder on the pedal, struggling up steep inclines, or waiting longer to overtake.
It also makes towing feel heavier than it should, and everyday driving much more work than it needs to be.
How we fix it
We custom-tune your Prado’s ECU to match how you actually use it. By unlocking torque earlier in the rev range and refining fuelling and boost control, we bring out the performance that’s already there. You’ll gain smoother response, more pulling power and better fuel economy. And it’s all tuned safely within your engine’s limits.
Take your Landcruiser from capable to commanding with Willy’s Workshop
The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado already has the bones of a great 4WD. But a proper tune takes it to the next level. If you want better towing power, quicker response and a setup that actually suits your driving, we’ve got you covered.
At Willy’s Workshop, it’s never just a quick plug-and-play. We take the time to understand your setup, scan for hidden issues, and fine-tune every detail — from the DPF and EGR systems to your transmission and torque delivery.
When you bring your ride into Willy’s, you’ll drive away knowing your Prado’s sorted for the long haul, with more usable power and better fuel economy. So book your Prado in today, and feel the difference a proper diesel tune can make.
