The 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations of the Lexus RX 350, ranging from 2007 to the present, have a timing chain drive system. Alternatively, the models produced between 1998 to 2002 are equipped with timing belts. Only the 2nd generation models (2003-2006) come with both timing chain and timing belt options.
The Lexus RX 350 requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.. One important part of this maintenance is the timing belt or chain, which plays a crucial role in the engine’s operation.
So, I’ll now discuss your query on Lexus RX 350: Timing Belt or Chain.
Let’s discuss the Lexus RX 350 models, all the generations, the engine specification, and the timing belt driving system.
Lexus Rx 350 Timing Belt Or Chain? Short Overview
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 (1998-2002) XU10 | 3.0 L V6 Gas Engine | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 (2003-2006) XU30 | 3.5 L MZ V6 Gas Engine | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 (2003-2006) XU30 | 2.4 L AZ/GR Inline 4 Gas Engine | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 (2007-2015) AL10 | 3.5 L V6 Gas Engine | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 (2016-2022) AL20 | 3.5 L V6 Gas Engine | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 (2022-Present) AL30 | 2.4 L Turbocharged Inline-4 Gas | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
Lexus RX 350 (1998 to 2002) 1st Generation XU10
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 – 1998 | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (Gasoline) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 1999 | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (Gasoline) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2000 | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (Gasoline) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2001 | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (Gasoline) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2002 | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (Gasoline) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
Lexus RX 350 (2003 to 2016) 2nd Generation XU30
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2003 | 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Chain | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2004 | 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Chain | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2005 | 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2006 | 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6 (Gasoline) | Timing Belt | 60k to 100k Miles |
Lexus RX 350 (2007 to 2016) 3rd Generation AL10
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2007 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2008 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2009 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2012 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2013 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2014 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2015 | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (Gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (Gasoline hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
Lexus RX 350 (2016 to 2022) 4th Generation AL20
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2016 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2017 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2018 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2019 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2020 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2021 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2022 | 2.0 L 8AR-FTS I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXS V6 (hybrid gasoline) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
Lexus RX 350 (2022 to 2023) 5th Generation ALA10/ALH10
| Model Years | Engine Spec | Engine Timing System | Replacement Interval |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2022 | 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4 (Gasoline) 2.5 L A25A-FXS I4 (Gasoline hybrid) 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4 (Gasoline hybrid) 2.5 L A25A-FXS I4 (Gasoline plug-in hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
| Lexus RX 350 – 2023 | 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4 (Gasoline) 2.5 L A25A-FXS I4 (Gasoline hybrid) 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4 (Gasoline hybrid) 2.5 L A25A-FXS I4 (Gasoline plug-in hybrid) | Timing Chain | Engine’s Lifetime |
How Much Does a Lexus RX 350 Timing Belt Cost?
Lexus RX 350 timing belt replacement can cost you around anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor). Generally, timing belts aren’t very expensive. But the real cost lies in labor, since many parts must be disassembled to reach the belt. To save on labour costs, you can DIY, but some people do not want to take the risk.
In case, you’d want to know whether the Acura MDX or Mazda 3 come with a timing belt or a chain, check the linked sources anytime!
How Much Does a Lexus RX 350 Timing Chain Cost?
Lexus RX350 timing chain replacements typically cost between $2,422 and $2,957, including labor and parts. However, taxes and fees are not included in this range or based on your individual model year or location. Related repairs may also be needed. This range may vary depending on your vehicle’s model year and the area you live in.
FAQs
How Long Do Lexus Timing Belts Last?
Usually, Lexus timing belts last up to 100,000 miles without any issues. However, a routine maintenance check should be performed to check the condition of the timing belt. This will ensure the timing belt is properly functioning along with other parts.
How Many Miles Will A Lexus RX 350 Last?
On average, the Lexus RX can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles with regular maintenance and sensible driving habits. You can expect your RX to last 16 – 20 years before it requires critical repairs or replacement, costing an average of $550 a year.
What Is The Most Common Problem With Lexus RX 350?
The most common problems with Lexus RX 350 include oil leaks, steering wandering, and faulty camshaft timing oil control valves. The other issues include faulty rain sensors, rattling doors, infotainment system malfunction, airbag warning light, etc.
Conclusion
That was all there was to say about your query on Lexus Rx 350: Timing Belt Or Chain. Hopefully, now you know which model of Lexus RX 350 you own and which timing drive system your vehicle is equipped with. Until next time, goodbye for now.
