Toyota Timing Belt Replacement Cost (And Which Toyotas Don't Need One)
Honest framing first: most modern Toyotas use a timing chain and never need scheduled replacement. The belt-driven Toyotas are mostly older V6s and the older Tacoma / 4Runner trucks. If you have a 2007+ Camry, Avalon, Highlander, or Sienna V6, you have a chain. If you have a 2009+ Camry 4-cyl or RAV4, you have a chain. Don't pay for a service you don't need.
Toyotas that DON'T need a timing belt service
These all use timing chains, lifetime, no scheduled service:
- • Camry V6 2007+ (2GR-FE)
- • Avalon 2005+ (1MZ pre-2005, 2GR 2005+)
- • Highlander V6 2008+ (2GR-FE)
- • Sienna V6 2007+ (2GR-FE)
- • RAV4 2006+ all engines
- • Camry 4-cyl 2009+ (2AR-FE)
- • Tacoma 2005+ (1GR-FE V6 chain, 2TR-FE 4-cyl chain)
- • Tundra 2005+ (1GR-FE, 2UZ-FE V8 chain, 1UR-FE V8 chain)
- • 4Runner 2003+ (1GR-FE V6)
- • Corolla 2003+ (1ZZ-FE / 2ZR-FE chain)
- • Prius all generations
- • Yaris all generations
- • Lexus IS, GS, ES post-2007 V6 (2GR-FSE / 2GR-FE chain)
If a shop quotes you a "timing belt service" on any of these, push back. You have a chain.
Belt-driven Toyota cost by model
| Model / engine | Years | Interference | Bundle cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camry V6 (1MZ-FE) | 1994-2006 | No | $800-$1,100 |
| Avalon (1MZ-FE) | 1995-2004 | No | $800-$1,100 |
| Sienna V6 (1MZ/3MZ) | 1998-2010 | No | $900-$1,300 |
| Highlander V6 (1MZ/3MZ) | 2001-2007 | No | $900-$1,200 |
| Solara V6 (1MZ-FE) | 1999-2008 | No | $800-$1,100 |
| Tacoma V6 (5VZ-FE) | 1995-2004 | No | $800-$1,200 |
| 4Runner V6 (5VZ-FE) | 1996-2002 | No | $800-$1,200 |
| T100 V6 (5VZ-FE) | 1995-1998 | No | $800-$1,150 |
| Tundra V6 (5VZ-FE) | 2000-2004 | No | $900-$1,250 |
| Tacoma V6 (3VZE older) | 1989-1995 | No | $700-$1,000 |
| Older 4-cyl 5S-FE (Camry/Solara) | 1992-2001 | No | $400-$700 |
| Older 4-cyl 7A-FE (Corolla) | 1993-1997 | No | $400-$650 |
The 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE are notable as non-interference V6s. Belt failure means the engine stops running, no valve damage. Replacement is still recommended on schedule (90,000 mi / 7 yr) for reliability, but the urgency is far lower than for a J35 Honda or Audi 1.8T.
The 2GR-FE callout
The 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 powered most Toyota mid-to-large-class vehicles from 2005 onwards (Avalon 2005+, Camry V6 2007+, Highlander 2008+, Sienna 2007+). It is a chain. Some sources (and some shops) say "timing belt" out of habit because the older 1MZ-FE / 3MZ-FE V6 it replaced was belt-driven. The 2GR-FE has a chain that lasts the engine's life.
If you have a 2GR-FE-powered Toyota and someone is quoting you for a "timing belt service," they are wrong. Get a second opinion.
Independent Toyota specialist
- • Labour rate: $90-$130/hr
- • 1MZ V6 Camry bundle: $750-$1,000
- • 5VZ Tacoma bundle: $800-$1,100
- • Aisin OEM kit standard
Toyota / Lexus dealer
- • Labour rate: $140-$190/hr
- • 1MZ V6 Camry bundle: $1,100-$1,400
- • 5VZ Tacoma bundle: $1,150-$1,500
- • Genuine Toyota OEM parts