Toyota 2GR engine

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Rubber VVT-i oil line that can burst 2GR-FE, mostly to 2010 One source so far

What to check: Look for oil around the back of the engine and ask whether the rubber VVT-i oil hose has been replaced with the metal line.

80/20 Automotive says the leak mainly affects engines up to 2010, when Toyota switched to a metal line, and that a big leak can appear out of nowhere and drain the oil quickly. It recommends replacing the rubber hose before it fails.

Sources ¹
Water pump failure 2GR-FE One source so far

What to check: Look for coolant at the front of the engine and watch the temperature gauge.

80/20 Automotive says failures are most common on early engines, that the pump was updated around 2010, and that a pump failing inside makes the engine overheat quickly, so it is an urgent repair.

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Noisy idler pulley 2005 to 2008 2GR-FE One source so far

What to check: Listen for squeaking or rattling from the drive belt at idle.

80/20 Automotive says the idler pulley troubled early engines, especially 2005 to 2008 RAV4s and Highlanders, and that Toyota fitted a heavy-duty pulley around 2009.

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