Toyota/2GR-FXE

Toyota · Naturally aspirated

2GR-FXE

Highlander/RAV4·AU30·2010–2016·3,956 cc

"Engine and transmission problems seem rare — timing chain cover gasket can leak over time, and it's a huge expense to fix."

GOOD

76/ 100

"Solid hybrid V6, watch those oil leaks"

355

Max HP

380

Torque Nm

8,000

Oil interval km

Recalls

Known issues

Known Issues

Timing Chain Cover Gasket Oil Leak€800-2,500 · 100,000-180,000 kmHIGH

The timing chain cover gasket is a well-documented failure point on the 2GR family. The leak starts minor but worsens progressively over time and requires significant labour to access and replace due to engine positioning.

Oil drips on timing cover area

Oil residue on CV/axle housings from splatter

Visible oil staining on front of engine block

DIY: Expert

Oil Cooler Line Leaks€300-900 · 100,000-160,000 kmHIGH

The oil cooler lines on early 2GR-FE/FXE engines are known to develop leaks. Community reports indicate this is a common issue on pre-facelift models around 120,000+ km. Replacement with upgraded lines is strongly recommended.

Oil residue near oil cooler lines

Oil smell under hood

Visible oil seepage around line fittings

DIY: Moderate

VVT-i Oil Line Deterioration€150-400 · 80,000-150,000 kmMODERATE

The rubber VVT-i oil feed line is known to degrade and leak on the 2GR engine family. Many used examples will already have had this replaced. Verify service history for this repair.

Oil leak at rear of engine near VVT-i actuator

Oil smell after driving

Low oil level without visible drips underneath

DIY: Moderate

Cold Start Grinding/Rattle Noise€200-1,200 · 80,000-160,000 kmMODERATE

Some 2GR-equipped Highlanders exhibit an intermittent grinding or rattling noise on cold startup. This is not consistent on every start but recurs every few startups. Linked to VVT-i phaser oil pressure or idler pulley wear.

Grinding or rattling on cold start

Noise disappears once engine warms up

Inconsistent — not every cold start

DIY: Moderate

Idler Pulley Wear€100-350 · 80,000-140,000 kmMODERATE

Idler pulleys on early 2GR variants are noted as a known wear item in community discussions. Worn pulleys can cause belt noise and eventual belt failure if not addressed.

Squealing or chirping belt noise

Visible pulley wobble

Belt wear or glazing

DIY: Low

Buying Checklist

Cold-start the engine and listen for grinding or rattling — repeat 2-3 times if possible

Inspect the timing chain cover area and oil cooler lines for any sign of oil seepage or fresh leaks

Confirm VVT-i oil line has been replaced — ask for receipts or inspect the line condition directly

Check engine oil level and condition — low oil on a hybrid V6 may indicate ongoing leaks being masked

Verify idler pulleys spin smoothly with no play and no belt squeal on startup

Request full service history to confirm regular oil changes at 8,000 km or less intervals

Service Reality

Community oil interval8,000 km

Oil specificationToyota 0W-20 fully synthetic (or equivalent API SN/SP rated)

Est. ownership cost (2yr)€600-1,500 per year including oil leaks, consumables, and hybrid system maintenance

Real mix fuel consumptionNo data

Also Found In

Toyota Highlander (non-hybrid, 2GR-FE)Toyota AvalonToyota Camry V6Toyota SiennaLexus ES350Lexus RX350Lotus Evora (2GR-FE variant)

Buying Advice

The 2GR-FXE in the AU30 Highlander is a fundamentally strong hybrid V6 with a good ownership reputation — catastrophic engine failures are rare and community sentiment is broadly positive. The main concerns are oil leak points (timing cover, oil cooler lines, VVT-i line) that are well-understood and fixable, though the timing cover repair is expensive due to labour. Buy with confidence if the service history shows regular oil changes and the known leak points have been addressed or show no current seepage. Budget €500–1,500 as a contingency for oil leak remediation on higher-mileage examples.