ImportRepairCost › Common problems › Toyota/Lexus 2GR-FE V6

Toyota and Lexus 2GR-FE 3.5 V6 common problems by mileage

Common problems · Toyota/Lexus · 4 known issues

The 2GR-FE is about as reliable as V6 engines get. The timing chain usually outlasts the car. What does come up is short and well known.

Covers: About 2005–2017 Camry V6, Avalon, RAV4 V6, Highlander, Sienna, Lexus ES 350, RX 350 and many more.

When these usually show up

Routine wearFix it when it startsCan wreck the engine or gearbox

VVT-i oil cooler line (earlier engines)

Water pump

Spark plugs

Valve cover gaskets

0k50k100k150k200k

Miles where owners and shops commonly report each problem. Plenty of cars go longer, some fail sooner. This is a heads-up list, not a schedule.

The list, in mileage order

VVT-i oil cooler line (earlier engines)Can wreck the engine or gearbox

Usually about 30k–120k miles

Signs: Sudden oil leak, oil spraying around the engine, low oil pressure light.

Early engines used a line with a rubber section that could burst. Toyota ran a service campaign to replace it with an all-metal line. If you are not sure yours was done, have a shop check.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Water pumpFix it when it starts

Usually about 60k–120k miles

Signs: Pink or white crust on the front of the engine, slow coolant loss, sweet smell.

The most common real repair on this engine. Usually a weep, not a sudden failure.

What owners paid: non-dealer median $1,175 (4 reports) · dealer median $1,838 (2). All 6 reports → · Repair guide →

Spark plugsRoutine wear

Usually about 100k–120k miles

Signs: Nothing, or a slight misfire if overdue.

Long-life iridium plugs. The rear bank is harder to reach on the transverse cars, so labor varies.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Valve cover gasketsRoutine wear

Usually about 100k–180k miles

Signs: Oil seeping at the edges of the valve covers, burning smell.

Slow leak, low urgency unless it is dripping on the exhaust.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Shop-floor advice

If it's leaking coolant, check the water pump area first.
Ask a Toyota specialist to confirm the VVT-i line was replaced on earlier cars.

Got a quote for one of these? Check itWe compare your quote with what owners reported paying for the same job.

1Pick your car's make2Pick the repair3Enter the quote you were given, including parts and labor$

Start by picking your make.

Keep reading

This article is general information for car owners. It is not a substitute for a diagnosis by a qualified mechanic who can inspect your car. Prices mentioned are medians of owner reports, not quotes.