The world’s most reliable engine is having issues… let’s chat.

[@joshjamescars]

UPDATE #2: The Camry is home and good as (or better than) new! The timing chain tensioner was deemed to be faulty and it had likely meant that the engine timing has been off for the car’s entire life. It sounds COMPLETELY different now, see update including before/after footage here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS2qJakZs9rp80

[@FatalAnimal]

This is why I hate the term bullet proof. No car is bullet proof. No engine is bullet proof. No transmission is bullet proof. Toyota just makes cars with less of a chance of something major going wrong. Toyota haters love when something goes wrong with a Toyota. Toyota fanboys make it sound like every Toyota will last forever! I like the fact that you always a present a very even view Toyotas. That is always the most useful and interesting view.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! Exactly this. What you say is also true of resale which most Toyota people refuse to admit. They make cars that have a higher chance of retaining their value but it’s never a guarantee (especially at these new prices).

[@wakaflockaproject]

Some cars of the same model will last and some won't. Luck of the draw really

[@immanuelingari4336]

Its wonderful to see you're taking the imperfection positively❤

[@joshjamescars]

When you’ve owned as many cars as we have and like cars the way we do you know you’ll end up with a problematic one every now and again. 😂😅

[@kubanskiloewe]

i have this engine as a Hybrid in the Lexus and it runs still fine now with over 320000km on it. 1xwaterpump leak happened.

[@gwilli1754]

As long as the 2GRs get their oil changed at 5k or less, they should be great. The FKS is the last version of a long series of engines, so should be the most durable. Thanks for sharing!

[@joshjamescars]

Kinda sorta… the 2GR-FE is actually likely to be the most durable over the long run as it’s the most basic version of it (much like the 1GR-FE and 1UR-FE). The FKS got a lot of new technology added to it to make it more efficient and cleaner, and so it’s a far more complex engine. That’s not to say the FKS will not be one of the most dependable engines out there, but there’s more that CAN go wrong on the FKS.

[@tomkillsall]

Hi Josh, thanks for sharing, I also have a 2GR-FKS. And I’ll keep an eye on it. Hopefully everything works out for you guys soon. Keep us updated!

[@joshjamescars]

I hope so too, and will do!!

[@Rissybear]

Oh no 😥 keep us updated! Hope it goes well. ❤

[@joshjamescars]

Will do!!! And same here.

[@TEQLC]

That stinks! But you're right, there's good, bad, and ugly with car ownership. We just have to hope that the bad and ugly don't happen very often. ;)

[@csan255]

This engine has the port and GDI injectors which is why it should last for a long time as long as you do the regular maintenance.

[@joshjamescars]

Hi y’all! A quick update here (two days after taking it in), the service team has said that the knocking noise is most definitely NOT normal. The clicking is normal, that’s the direct injection. But the knocking sound is 100% not normal according to the tech and shop foreman. They don’t believe it is the vacuum pump, but haven’t completely diagnosed it yet. They have opened a case with Toyota Corporate and have sent logs over to Toyota to have them advise further.

[@randydiaz5951]

Please, keep us updated about it. Hope they find the remedy!

[@justahumbledude]

Any update? I've noticed a few of these similar sounds and will be getting a good look at it during my first service shortly.

[@bavardage]

I'm sorry to hear that you're having this noise ... I've never had a DI engine, but yours sounds more like a warmed-up diesel engine! I hope that all goes well with the diagnosis and potential repair. Nowadays, it's _so_ hard for techs/dealerships to get *_both_* of these right. 🤞🏼

[@joshjamescars]

Could not agree more! And hahaha right!?

[@stansbruv3169]

It’s totally normal! I should add that I drive a 2023 Tacoma with the 2GR-FKS. The night that I purchased it, I lifted the hood and pointed this (unusual to me) ticking noise out. The salesman tried to reassure me that this was normal but he noted my skepticism so he pulled over the service guy who had just prepped the truck for my purchase. To me, it sounded like a tiny diesel engine. The very experienced service guy reassured me that these sounds - the very same that I hear in your Camry (it’s like a tik as well as a rattle) are part of the normal operation. I believe them.

[@joshjamescars]

It may very well be “normal” for the dealer… I think the difference is yours has sounded like that since day one and is in a slightly different configuration being in a truck. Ours started doing it after 7 or 8 months (though it also is the first summer we’re going through with this car). So we shall see! Hoping it is normal and nothing serious.

[@joshjamescars]

To update here, the service team has said something is definitely wrong, they’re trying to diagnose what it is and how to fix it. They believe it is internal to the engine and don’t believe it is the vacuum pump… but are sending logs and have opened a case with Toyota USA. So we shall see what they say!

[@stansbruv3169]

@@joshjamescars Right on bruv! Good luck and thanks for the update. Please continue with updates. I’ll subscribe!

[@randy74989]

Well, Josh, you are too young to know about the Toyota 20R engine that I had on my 78 Corona Wagon. It was and still is one of the most reliable engines Toyota ever made, old school. LOL "The 20R's legendary reliability and low maintenance requirements were instrumental in Toyota motoring past Datsun to become America's largest importer."

[@abdulhamma6657]

These new toyotas are not good 😢. I have a 2022 corolla and the transmission went out under warranty. They replaced it and I still feel a shuttering at acceleration. They dont want to help anymore.

[@joshjamescars]

Go to another dealer. If you feel like it’s something serious your best course of action is to try to get it covered under your state’s lemon law. But there are also a lot of other factors to consider here as well including maintenance history and mileage, etc.

[@csan255]

Out of curiosity does your 2022 corolla has the eCVT transmission? And at what mileage did this happened?

[@tails300]

@@csan255I doubt it the hybrid eCVT is completely different in operation, he probably has a gas model Corolla with the belt/pulley traditional CVT. We’d need to know which trim level it is because 2022 was the last year the gas model used two different mechanical CVTs depending on the trim level.

[@abdulhamma6657]

@@csan255 its the one with a launch gear. Thats the part that failed. 33,000 miles.

[@abdulhamma6657]

@@joshjamescars yea I think these cars now are so complex even the technicians have trouble assembling everything. I heard on these have problems with the cooling system as well because its throwing a code for the coolant bypass valve. I can’t really use my A/C because of it. Its an $850 fix 🫠.

[@PLATINUM2U]

I had a xse V6 for 3 years. Never had a single issue with the engine. Buttery smooth and quiet. But I do remember a recall for the fuel pump assembly. Otherwise it was trouble free

[@otomoravec1732]

My 8gen Civic used to have a mystery knock on idle and above 5k rpm, regardless of load. It drove fine and the engine was otherwise very smooth. I discovered the A/C compressor was a little loose on one of its bolts and literally was knocking on the engine block. Easy fix. But the high rpm knock did not go away. Only with A/C off it was not present. Otherwise the A/C worked normally. So only when i knew i would spin the engine all the way, i turned off the a/c for a moment lol. So i left it as it was and spent several flawless years with the car. Now i got a hybrid Corolla which is solid but i miss the Civic a little, it had more personality.

[@joshjamescars]

The last gen Civic was notorious for AC problems. I think there was a recall for it, and I know many, many owners had issues with that. The Corolla hybrid is a great car but I agree, the Civic has always been really special.

[@dystopia-usa]

Fun Fact: one of the most bulletproof engines that Toyota ever made was the port-injected 1NZ-FE engine in the mostly-ignored Yaris hatchback (discontinued after model year 2018 in the USA).

[@denali6935]

Still used widely in Japanese corolla axios and Toyota vitz,

[@jayd8547]

So is Toyota fixing it if they deem it affected? My 2018 XSE V6 which has been maintained meticulously is doing the same thing… I took it in, and they said it was nothing… and this video just appeared in my feed here on KZbin. Now I’ve got some Ammo when I take it back in.

[@joshjamescars]

Possibly, though we’ll have to see what they say. Also, depending on how many miles you have, the vacuum pump is a wear item (not covered by any kind of warranty) at 120K miles regardless of how well you maintain your car.

[@MrRensan404]

I have the V6 2GR FE in my RAV4 with 200K miles on it. Yes, it has that annoying noise, but it still runs great and does not consume oil at all.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, the 2GR-FE is the older (and arguably better) version of the 2GR. The new one (2016 and newer) is the 2GR-FKS.

[@RPD91]

3:10 I have the exact same car basically with the same engine and I recently have experienced the exact same sound. I’ve been doing my oil changes at 5000 kilometres and I’m somewhat relieved it’s not a serious engine issue… I hope

[@joshjamescars]

Same here with oil changes, ours tend to be even less than 5,000 miles since we do it every 6 months and we don’t drive that far in 6 months… but we shall see what the dealer says!

[@joshjamescars]

Quick update, the service team has said something is definitely wrong, they’re trying to diagnose what it is. They don’t believe it is the vacuum pump.

[@rebeccatrainor734]

Always great and helpful information. Thanks Josh!!!!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!!

[@HoodsGlobal]

***Toyota keeps on tweaking their great engines, creating more problems along the way.

[@Iknownothing16]

Alls I gotta say is both the i4 and the v6 have very loud injectors that quiet u after they get to temp and after owning a i4 for four years with the only thing I’ve done is change oil tires and brakes I can’t complain my v6 I’ve owned for a lil over a year and I’ve beaten the shit out of that poor thing but it loves it

[@joshjamescars]

They do, but ours will now do this all day regardless of whether it’s first thing in the morning or after coming home in the evening.

[@poptartsandburgers]

I honestly wouldn't have been able to tell if you hadn't pointed it out, so I don't think it is a huge problem...at least for the moment. I'll have to listen more closely to the 2GR in my Highlander and ES to see if it exhibits the same behavior. You still have an awesome car, bro!

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I really hope it’s not because I’d like to keep this car for many, many years. There’s nothing that drives as well as this engine does, so hopefully it’s an easy/quick fix and we’ll be good. 😅

[@poptartsandburgers]

@@joshjamescars Indeed, I know exactly what you mean when cruising around in the ES. I hope to do the same thing and drive that car as well as the Highlander into the sunset.

[@OnlyMeee-ie3dw]

I had the 4 cylinder in my 2020 Camry. Your car is quiet compared to the one I had. I had to shut it off once while going through a drive through. When I got to the window they told me diesels give their kiosk problems. Toyota said it's normal. So were the dozen other problems the car had including the hot antifreeze smell, transmission issues and the battery dying a few hours after parking it. I got rid of the car before its second oil change because it was the most annoying car I've ever owned and the only Toyota product I've ever hated. Seems Toyota's problems started with the 2018 Camry and its other models are following with even bigger problems. I hope the problems Toyota is having with most of the cars and trucks is a wake up call for them to make good, or even great, cars again.

[@williamturpin8278]

I am sorry to hear this about one of your cars. It sucks no mater what year, make and model because we invest so much into them for transportation. Based upon my research, the more I get into Toyota and Lexus vehicles the more I see that they are NOT Bullet Proof 100% but that they usually make vehicles that are less likely to have major issues. However, here lately I have seen comments from some Toyota owners saying that Toyota dealers told them issues like burning oil, in a non-turbo engine with less than 100k miles, is normal. Which is not normal at all and is a sign that the motor will probably die soon. Also, there have been issues with Toyota's new turbo motors - Tundra and Tacoma. It does not support that they are infallible for sure. This is all to say that we should all prepare for some issues with cars and should not rely upon anecdotal comments that a Brand has no issues at all.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! It would be unrealistic to expect any car to never have issues. And yes, any new engine or new technology vehicle is always going to have some bugs to work out. Or big bugs like tundras and LX600s needing entirely new engines. 😅

[@neilquinn]

Any idea how common the timing cover oil leak is in the 2GR? Esp on newer 2017+ 2GR-FKS models (GS350). Super expensive to fix.

[@joshjamescars]

It’s pretty common from what we understand.

[@neilquinn]

@@joshjamescars Hard to consider an engine super reliable if it has a known $3000+ repair coming

[@JW-zz5wk]

Is the 2gr fe is the reliable one....

[@joshjamescars]

They’re both statistically very reliable when you look at age and number of problems relative to cars on the road, but the FKS is more complex.

[@MrOktsx]

I have a '24 Lexus NX 350h that has a vibration/ Drivability issue. Dealership can't replicate and I have an appointment with a Lexus traveling technician in mid August. Not happy.

[@joshjamescars]

The NX350h is noisy with a lot of vibration because of the way the four cylinder Toyota hybrid system operates. Have you test driven another NX350h to see if it’s the same? A lot of people buy the NX hybrid thinking that it’s a luxury vehicle and will ride like one but the NX hybrid is a Rav4 hybrid with a different body, so keep that in mind. If you’re running on the stock tires, they are run flats which can also crest more noise and vibration.

[@MrOktsx]

@joshjamescars Thanks for your response. Yes, I drove another 350h and it didn't exhibit any of the vibration issues that mine has. A few days ago,my NX did this vibration as I was going through an intersection. But, this time it was much more intense and prolonged. I took it to dealership today and two technicians drove it. The first seemed close to saying he could feel something going on, and the second one felt nothing. I have an appointment 2 weeks from now for a traveling technician to evaluate my car. This is not luxurious, nor as the advertising asserts "amazing". I'm getting very frustrated.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

I've seen a decline of Japanese Vehicles quality over the decades. Nothing like they were in the 80s and especially in the 90s. Toyota has be known to be the Quality King of them all with reliability. Unfortunately im on my third Toyota Product and still having issues. I had a 2014 Camry that had issues. Traded that in with and got a 2018 Camry with some issues. Got a Settlement and sold that bought a Pre-owned Lexus that has some issues as well. No car is perfect. But i never had that many issues when i had my 2010 Chevy Impala. My '18 Camry and my Lexus were both made in Japan. I wonder with the Tundra recalls etc whats going on with Toyota. Good luck on your Camry

[@joshjamescars]

I agree 100% with you. IMO one of the issues that Toyota created for themselves is that instead of focusing on a really solid, core lineup of vehicles (like they did in the 80s and 90s), they’re now trying to be everything for everyone and so we have five midsize SUVs just on the Toyota side (Crown Signia, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser) and weird vehicles that don’t need to exist (Crown sedan). So instead of making five great cars they’re making ten to fifteen just okay cars. Resources in time and people spread thin across, etc. And at the same time as they’re doing all of that they’re trying to develop a whole portfolio for the next decade of BEVs, FCEVs, etc.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

@joshjamescars true I agree. A few years ago I've seen pictures and videos of the Crown (Camry) over in Japan. But what they gave us here in the states like you said is a weird Sedan. So you guys discontinued the beautiful Avalon, because it was low in sales and realized Americans like SUV's . But then give us a smaller Sedan vehicle that sits up higher off the ground with AWD? You can't tell me that the Crown Sedan is going to higher Sales then the Avalon . Smh who's working in the Toyota Headquarters these Days 😄

[@altisamuels8694]

Great review as always

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

Hope its the vacuum pump Josh. Soon youll be back in business!

[@joshjamescars]

Here’s hoping! They should be getting back to us in the next few days. :)

[@r.weaver3769]

I worked on everything on the road in the US, NOTHING is dead ass reliable, they all break. Now, people that take great care of their cars, stay on top of maintenance, etc...Have better luck with even the most unreliable of cars. But I also know people who abuse the crap out of their cars, can get in a car that appears couldn't make it cross town, running on 3 year old engine oil, drive cross country and back and keep driving for 10 more years. Unexplainable! Your car, to me, sounds just like an exhaust leak from the manifold/head mating surface. They tend to tick like that as they are closer to the valves. Dodge Hemi engines make that exact same noise as their manifold bolts tend to break off in the head, and start with a very light tick, but as time goes gets louder as the manifold warps due to being unsupported from broken bolt. Not saying that is what you have, just on video it sounds that way to me, I've repaired more than I care to mention.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! 100%. The dead ass reliable comment comes from the fact that we are fastidious about car care, whether on a brand new car or on a 5-10 year old car too.

[@nathanbarnett7652]

Toyota's reputation is in the toilet. I bought an NX350H luxury car. 7 months layer, only one key fob. Not only me but thousands of disgruntled customers.

[@joshjamescars]

You should have gotten a second key fob by now. If you didn’t get the letter in the mail, call your sales associate and ask if you are able to go and get your second one.

[@takusungjung3894]

this video is hurting my feelings because i like the camry xse and i own one a well

[@joshjamescars]

I love our Camry and hope they can get it all sorted out.

[@DerekCully]

By chance does anyone know if the vacuum pump is lubricated via motor oil?

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, it runs on the motor oil.

[@calirain1681]

Hey Josh I can’t tell, it sounds just like my Gx460 lol

[@wonderboy1998]

To bad happened to you, fingers cross that is not a major issue. To bad you don have the car care nut mechanic in Texas, he will fix that for you . And btw when you leave your care for repair...and they ask you if you need a car while your Camry is being taking care of, say yes and request the new Camry 😁😉 PSA: FOLKS DON FORGET TO LIKE THE VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBE.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha I know! And ugh, Toyota doesn’t do service loaners. 🙄 I’m waiting for them to get a new Camry in their rental pool!

[@darhammora7867]

Since it’s an engine problem, is it covered under the warranty?!

[@joshjamescars]

Yes, most definitely.

[@mercboy111]

Engine knock is petrol. Are you using 95RON? When in doubt I suggest writing to Ahmed of The Car Care Nut.

[@joshjamescars]

We don’t think it’s engine knock. Different sound coming from a different part of the engine. Most likely the vacuum pump but it’s going in tomorrow to the Toyota dealer!

[@mercboy111]

@@joshjamescars fingers crossed it is. Keep us posted 🙏

[@wally6193]

Why does the TSB show - MARKET: USA Mexico only, what about Canada?, why did we get excluded, just curious. Josh, maybe you can ask the dealer this question and why aren't aren't RX350's included in this as they have the 2GRFSK engines too. Thanks.

[@joshjamescars]

RX350 is included, but not sure why Canada is not! The dealer wouldn’t know the answer to that question, though, as they are a local entity that is not affiliated with Toyota corporate.

[@wally6193]

@@joshjamescars Oh I didn't see it listed or mentioned, yes of course the dealer ship isn't involved in issuing of any TSB but they would know if it applied to the RX models, right. Thanks for the reply.

[@joshjamescars]

@wally6193 Here’s the link that mentions it, directly from the US NHTSA: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10247804-9999.pdf

[@wally6193]

@@joshjamescars Great, thanks for the link Josh. Be sure and let us know how the repair turns out. The link isn't to the original TSB but to a L-SB, which is what? DAH, sorry, L is for Lexus, lol. I noticed it says engine/hybrid system, does that mean it's for hybrid models only, doesn't seem right, hmmm. The first word of the introduction says "some" meaning not all, interesting. Thanks again.

[@CrazyGreek80]

Time to go BMW the mighty B58 engine is strong with forged internals.😊

[@loyal4theway159]

Toyota and honda v6 engines are very good small turbo engines are horrible

[@joshjamescars]

Well this V6 bucks the trend, then! 😂

[@kevjao267]

I dont really hear it. Sounds normal

[@joshjamescars]

There’s a distinct tapping/clunking noise that the car never made before. It may end up being deemed as normal but it’s definitely different from how the car ran for the first 6 months.

[@samueljames8368]

@@joshjamescarsdo you hear that noise at freeway speeds

[@S_Paoli]

welcome to the bad Toyota engine club... (2022 Tundra and now apparently Camry as well?)

[@joshjamescars]

Sorry to hear that’s happening to you but this (most likely) a premature wear issue not a fundamental design flaw as is the case with the Tundra.

[@CPBOXFIXR]

Never liked the FKS versions of these engines.

[@joshjamescars]

Agree. I’d rather have the FE but those are long gone.

[@moneyMall17]

Damn josh your cute

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you. I disagree, but I appreciate it. 😂

[@SuperMan-uj7dh]

hey you maybe having an issue with a vacuum pump, but the knocking noise is completely normal. this is my 2022 avalon with the same engine. toward the end of the video, you will hear the same knocking noise, that is normal for this engine. Now I will say that your vacuum pump sounds very weird and different compared to mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6iqlJ-XnNh4ra8

[@TheDaon13]

Or maybe they’re taking a consistently great, reliable engine and purposely making it not great in order to push electric cars. Otherwise seems odd, no?

[@joshjamescars]

No offense but this is a baseless conspiracy theory that goes against every principle of good business. They’ve already cancelled this engine in almost every car to make room for hybrids and EVs. And moreover, they want people to keep coming back to Toyota… deliberately creating engine issues isn’t the way to make that happen.

[@poptartsandburgers]

@@joshjamescars Agreed. I'm not a huge fan of EVs but I can't see Toyota doing this on purpose.

[@TheDaon13]

@@joshjamescarsBut to your point, they’ve cancelled almost all of these engines. And gas cars are cheaper than hybrids or electric. So they’re not the money makers the way they used to be. I’ve been a lifelong Toyota owner and currently own a Lexus. So I don’t take any pleasure in my comment. But the desire to force EVs on people from the auto industry despite the pushback and concerns from consumers makes me think they’re no longer too interested in caring what the customer thinks and merely follow what the government insists. If that makes me a conspiracy theorist, so be it. So far all of my recent conspiracy theories have come true.

[@joshjamescars]

@TheDaon13 Not caring what the customer thinks and deliberately making engines break are two totally different things.

[@TheDaon13]

@@joshjamescarsI’m not suggesting they’re deliberately making engines break. I’m more in step with your previous comments on Lexus about them using cheaper materials, etc on their latest models as they focus solely on their EV lines. Maybe there is some diminished focus on quality in the manufacture of Toyota ICE engines. But you’re right. There’s always a few bad apples even in the best of brands.