Toyota’s 2AR-FE is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder commonly used in the Toyota Camry and RAV4. It has been around since 2008 and has proven to be smooth, reliable and fuel efficient. Sure it might lack the power of a V6 or even many newer four-cylinder engines. But its strong suit is reliable, low-cost operation.
As with every engine, there are some trouble spots to watch out for. According to Tuning Pro, the three most common are relatively small but worth checking out. We will cover those issues in this article.
Toyota 2AR-FE specs and information
The 2AR-FE engine was produced by Toyota from 2008 to 2020 Displacing 2.5-liters, it’s one of the larger four-cylinder engines on the market, making it ideal for larger vehicles like the Toyota Camry and RAV4. It produces 169 to 180 horsepower and around 170 lb-ft of torque.
The AR family of Toyota engines is still in production and is used in many vehicles with hybrid powertrains. It features an aluminum block with variable valve timing and cast iron cylinder liners. Where it really shines is fuel efficiency and longevity with low operating costs.
Here are 3 common Toyota Camry 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine problems.
Although the 2AR-FE four-cylinder is a reliable, long-lasting engine, there are three problems.
Water pump failure
Water pumps are a part that eventually wear out on all engines. When they start to go bad, they usually start leaking coolant. But more seriously, they can fail internally, either by seizing or falling apart. As a result, the vehicle can quickly lose coolant and overheat.
If the water pump fails completely, you will see the temperature gauge rise rapidly and you will hear a grinding or screeching sound from under the hood. If this happens, you’ll want to pull over to a safe place as soon as possible and turn off the engine It is best to avoid running the engine until the water pump is replaced.
Camry and RAV4 transmission problems
The second problem Tuning Pro references is not really an engine problem. Instead, it has to do with infection.
The transmission is part of the drivetrain but a separate component from the engine. In some Toyota Camrys and RAV4s the transmission’s torque converter may act to fail. When this happens, you may notice transmission slip or hesitation. It can make rough transitions when accelerating or stopping.
Often due to poor maintenance, Camry and RAV4 transmission problems affect a small number of vehicles. Transmissions, like many mechanical components, require regular service to maintain their performance and extend their life.
Engine knocking sound
Engine knocking is caused by many problems. Some of these problems may be minor while some may be serious. In the case of the Toyota 2AR-FE, engine knocking is minor and barely noticeable. Still this is one of the most common Camry 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine problems.
Typically, engine knocking noises on 2AR motors involve the timing gears for variable valve timing. Knocking occurs when the engine is cold and runs for less than a minute. TOYOTA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE ISSUE AND OFFERED A WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR.
If you are concerned about engine knocking noises, it is best to have your engine checked by a Toyota dealer or certified mechanic. If nothing else, it will give you peace of mind.
Should you buy a Toyota with the 2AR-FE engine?
If reliability, good fuel economy, and getting from point A to B are your priorities, the answer is absolutely yes. Tuning Pro groups it among the most reliable engines of all time, and the problems on this list are either minor or only affect a small percentage of Toyota vehicles.
All cars eventually have problems and need repairs. But the key to longevity comes down to two things:
- Quality of design and construction are key factors. A vehicle’s design, including mechanical components such as the drivetrain, plays an important factor in its longevity. Vehicles that have a lot of problems or have had a few expensive repairs rarely last as long as a vehicle that is essentially problem free.
- Equally, if not more important than design and construction: vehicle maintenance. A constant law of car ownership is that a well-maintained car is always more trouble-free and reliable than a poorly maintained car. It doesn’t matter what vehicle it is. Virtually any car runs better, lasts longer, and costs less to own if properly cared for.
While we can’t promise maintenance on individual vehicles, we can say that the Toyota Camry and RAV4 with the 2AR-FE are the best-built, most reliable vehicles on the road. Properly cared for, they routinely last over 200,000 miles without any major problems.