How frequently does VVTI chain rattle occur during cold starts?

I’m trying to figure out how common this issue is. Does it typically happen to all Corollas at a certain mileage? I’m considering a 2010 model with 200k miles, but I won’t be able to test it on a cold start to see if the issue is present. The price is well below market value, but I’m not looking to take on a major repair like this if it can be avoided.

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It is common in vehicles that have not had regular oil changes. If your engine is sludged up and you notice the rattle, you should consider planning for a future repair or purchasing the necessary parts from Toyota’s official website during a Thanksgiving sale to do the replacement yourself. This approach can help avoid a costly repair bill. However, if you wait until it breaks down while driving, the repair costs will be significantly higher.

Oh, I assumed it was a more complex job that most home mechanics wouldn’t tackle. I’ve only done a few minor repairs, like changing the ignition coil, so I doubt I could handle something like that on my own. So, I guess there’s really no way to confirm if there’s a rattle on startup without pulling the engine, right?

Here are a few links that might help you with your decision.

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It’s actually a design flaw. Toyota updated the VVT actuator because the pin kept getting stuck, which interfered with the VVT’s functionality.

You should request the VIN to check if the TSB for the VVT cam phaser was completed. If it hasn’t been done, it would be a good idea to reseal and inspect the timing components at the same time.

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I checked the NHTSA site, so if it shows 0 unrepaired recalls, does that mean the TSB was completed?

You will need to look up the TSB online. I don’t remember if it ever became an official recall. In the Car Care Nut video, it’s explained that the actuator fails because a pin that controls the VVT locks based on oil pressure. It’s been a while since I watched the video, so I’m not sure if Toyota issued a TSB or a recall.

To be sure, you can call Toyota customer service and provide them with the VIN. They will be able to give you more details.

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ok thank you, its actually a tsb according to the video you posted so not even sure if i can get info to see if it was performed or not

I actually watched that first video yesterday, which is what started me down this rabbit hole.

While lack of oil changes can contribute to this issue, it also appears to be a factory defect. In my case, it wasn’t a Corolla, but my Camry had the same rattle, despite being well-maintained. The problem was a sticking OCV, and after replacing it, the rattle stopped. From what I have seen, it’s often either the VVT actuator cam gear or the OCV. It could also be due to a clogged OCV filter that needs cleaning or replacing. Personally, I would start by swapping the OCV and filter since they are the cheapest and easiest fixes. If the rattle persists, the VVT cam gear is likely the culprit.

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I am the owner of 2009 Vibe 1.8 with 166k miles with no issues. Oil changed with synthetic oil every 4,000 miles.

It’s all based on oil changes and if they were done.

2010 LE with 180k miles, no issues. I use 0W20 oil every 5k miles.

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I might just go ahead and buy it and take the risk. It’s not like I have a lot of other options anyway.

This was a manufacturing defect. It occurred on my wife’s 2009 Japan-made Corolla between 80-90K miles. We regularly changed the oil every 4-5K miles using Mobil1 0W-20 and a Toyota filter.

Before the warranty expired, we brought it to the dealer due to a startup rattle, but they claimed they couldn’t hear anything. Maybe the technician had experience in artillery! Unfortunately, the issue worsened after the warranty expired, and the repair estimate was around $1,700. Since it didn’t affect the car’s performance, she continued driving it as is.

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Interesting, so it never broke down? How many miles did she drive it after that?