I’m looking to buy a 2021-2024 Toyota Corolla, Camry, or RAV4, and I’m wondering about the reliability of their 2.0 and 2.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. I’ve heard these engines don’t have the same issues as turbo engines like Honda’s 1.5L or Ford’s 1.5L Ecoboost, but what are the common problems to look out for, especially with repairs? I’d like a vehicle that can go 200-250k miles without major issues. Any advice on these engines or other common problems like transmission issues?
These engines are great as long as you change the oil every 5k miles. If you follow the 10k oil change schedule, you might end up with burning oil around 100k miles, which could lead to engine problems before 200k miles. If you’re just leasing, 10k is fine, but for long-term ownership, I wouldn’t risk it.
@Poe
That’s true. Cylinder scoring usually shows up between 80-120k miles with 10k intervals, and oil burning starts at around 100-160k miles. You might end up needing a new engine around 180k miles. But hey, mechanics are just trying to sell more oil changes… right?
@RoadWarriorX
It’s better to spend the extra on 5k oil changes now than face the cost of a new engine later. What’s more expensive, 5k oil changes or 6k for a new engine?
Poe said:
@RoadWarriorX
It’s better to spend the extra on 5k oil changes now than face the cost of a new engine later. What’s more expensive, 5k oil changes or 6k for a new engine?
I’m totally with you. I saw a lot of engines fail from lack of maintenance when I was a mechanic. Dealers push the 10k oil change because they want to get the car out of warranty, but it’s just bad advice in the long run.
@RoadWarriorX
Yeah, the 10k oil change push is just for the dealership’s benefit. I’d rather stick with a more frequent oil change schedule and keep the engine in good shape for the long haul.
@Poe
I do my own oil changes, usually at around 6k miles, using Mobil 1 full synthetic with an OEM filter. I haven’t had any issues with oil consumption so far.
These engines are very reliable. I haven’t had any issues with them at all. Unlike turbos, these engines are much more durable in the long run.
Dane said:
These engines are very reliable. I haven’t had any issues with them at all. Unlike turbos, these engines are much more durable in the long run.
Thanks for the feedback. This confirms what I expected. I do have another question: Why has Honda switched their flagship models to 1.5L turbo engines, but Toyota hasn’t? Is it because of emissions regulations, or is there something else at play?
@Hartley
I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve heard about some issues with Honda’s 1.5L turbo engines recently. They are good vehicles, but for bigger cars like the CR-V, it’s a lot of strain. As for emissions, Toyota may have a better average on their non-turbo engines, plus they seem to be focusing more on hybrid models these days.
@Hartley
I think Toyota just went the hybrid route, while Honda chose the turbo engine. In terms of emissions, they’re probably close to being on par with each other.
Dane said:
These engines are very reliable. I haven’t had any issues with them at all. Unlike turbos, these engines are much more durable in the long run.
That’s not true. Toyota’s turbo diesels are really reliable. The 1JZ and 3S turbos were some of the best engines back in the day, and they’re still running strong.
Toyota has a few different 2.0L and 2.5L engines. The hybrid versions tend to last longer because they don’t run as often as the regular gas engines. The 2AR engine and its successor are known to be bulletproof, but the newer engines haven’t been tested as much. For long-term reliability, I’d recommend the Camry or RAV4, and if you go with the Camry, the hybrid or V6 is a safer bet.
Both the 2.0 and 2.5L engines are very reliable if you maintain them well. Regular oil changes and occasionally driving on the highway to get the oil hot enough to burn off moisture are key. Also, change the coolant every year. It’s a small price to pay to prevent bigger issues later.
Both engines are basically bulletproof. The only issue with the 2.5L engine is a small problem with the coolant bypass valve in some models, but it’s an easy fix. Other than that, you shouldn’t have any major issues.
The 2.5L engine has been around since 2008. The only change is the injection method, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
Zeph said:
The 2.5L engine has been around since 2008. The only change is the injection method, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
Toyota is likely going to switch to hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for all their cars soon. Hopefully, hydrogen fuel cells will be available more widely too.
Zeph said:
The 2.5L engine has been around since 2008. The only change is the injection method, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
The 2.5L engine you’re talking about was first used in the 2018 Camry, so it’s still relatively new.
Zeph said:
The 2.5L engine has been around since 2008. The only change is the injection method, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
The engine you’re thinking of was last used in the 2017 Camry and 2018 RAV4. The newer 2.5L engine is a completely new design.