Toyota Timing Belt or Chain: Which One Does Your Car Have?

Toyota has used both timing chains and belts in its cars. Due to their improved overall performance, Toyota switched to timing chains for most of their cars in 2005. However, over the years some cars like Toyota Solara and Tundra have used timing belts in their V6 and V8 engines.

So Toyota timing belt or chain, which one does your car have? Let’s check it out.

Do All Toyota Have Timing Belt Or Chain?

No, not all Toyotas have a timing belt or chain. Timing belt or chain is exclusive to Toyotas with internal combustion engines. Thus, a Toyota with an electric motor, like the Mirai, does not have a timing belt or chain. 

Which One Does Your Toyota Have: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain

 Here’s a list of which Toyota car uses the timing belt or the timing chain:

Toyota Sedans and  Hatchbacks: Timing Belt or Chain?

Toyota has been producing sedans and hatchbacks for a long time. From these two models, a wide range of car series was created, and the majority of them featured timing belts. But they switched to timing chains on later models.

ModelYearEngine TypeTiming Belt or Chain

Avalon
1995-2004 
2005-2021
V6
V6
Belt
Chain


Camry
1990-2001
2002-2021
1990-2006
2007-2021
All
4-Cylinder
V6
V6
Belt
Chain
Belt
Chain

Corolla
1990-1997 
1998-2020
4-Cylinder
4-Cylinder
Belt 
Chain
Cressida1990-1992 (Discontinued)L6Belt
Echo2000-2005 (Discontinued)4-CylinderChain
Matrix2003-2013(Discontinued)4-CylinderChain
Paseo1992-1997(Discontinued)4-CylinderBelt
Prius2001-2020 4-CylinderChain
Prius C2012-20194-CylinderChain
Prius V2012-20194-CylinderChain
Prius Plug-in2012-20154-CylinderChain
Prius Prime2019-20204-CylinderChain
Tercel1990-1998 (Discontinued)4-CylinderBelt
Yaris2007-20204-CylinderChain

Toyota SUVs AND Trucks: Timing Belt or Chain?

SUVs and trucks both have truck-based frameworks. But the SUVs are smaller than trucks and have a smaller wheelbase.

ModelYearEngine TypeTiming Belt/Chain/Gear


4Runner
1990-2000, 2010
1990-2002
2003-2020
2003-2009
4-Cylinder
V6
V6
V8
Chain
Belt
Chain
Belt
 FJ-Cruiser2007-2014V6Chain
Land Cruiser1990-1992 
1993-1997
1998-2007
2008-2011, 2013-2020
L6
L6
V8
V8
Gear
Chain
Belt
Chain


Sequoia
2001-2009
2010-2012
2008-2020
4.7 V8
4.6 V8
5.7 V8
Belt
Chain
Chain

Toyota T100
1995-1998 
1993-1998
4-Cylinder
V6
Chain
Belt

Tacoma
1995-2020
1995-2004
2005-2020
4-Cylinder
V6
V6
Chain
Belt
Chain

Toyota Truck
1990-1995
1990-1995
4-Cylinder
V6
Chain
Belt



Tundra
2000-2004 
2000-2009
2005-2014
2007-2020
2010-2019
V6
4.7 V8
V6
5.7 V8 
4.6 V8
Belt
Belt
Chain
Chain
Chain

Toyota Crossovers: Timing Belt or Chain?

Toyota has the following crossover models available.

ModelYearEngine TypeTiming Belt/ Chain
C-HR2018-20204-CylinderChain


Highlander
2001-2007, 2009-2014
2001-2007
2008-2019
4-Cylinder
V6
V6
Chain
Belt
Chain
Highlander Hybrid2006-2010 
2011-2019
V6
V6
Belt
Chain


RAV4
1996-2000
2001-2019
2006-2012
4-Cylinder
4-Cylinder
V6
Belt
Chain
Chain
RAV4 EV1998-2003, 2012-2014Electric motorNeither timing belt nor timing chain
RAV4 Hybrid2016-20204-CylinderChain
Venza2009-2015AllChain

In case, you drive a Honda CRV, check whether it has a timing belt or chain.

Coupes And Sports Car Models 

ModelYearEngine TypeTiming Belt or Chain
GT86 or Scion FR-S2013-20204-CylinderChain

Celica
1990-1999 
2000-2005
4-Cylinder
4-Cylinder
Belt
Chain
MR21990-1995 4-CylinderBelt
MR2 Spyder2000-2005 4-CylinderChain


Solara
1999-2001 
1999-2009
2002-2008
4-Cylinder
V6
4-Cylinder
Belt
Belt
Chain
Supra1990-1998 L6Belt
GR Supra2020V6Chain

Minivan and MPV Models

MPVs concentrate on appearance and technology. But minivans are more family-oriented, along with features to have children on board.

ModelYearEngine TypeTiming Belt/Chain
Previa1991-1997 4-CylinderChain


Sienna
1998-2006 
2007-2020
2011-2012
V6
V6
4-Cylinder
Belt
Chain
Chain

What’s the Difference Between a Timing Belt and a Timing Chain?

You now know whether a timing belt or chain is used in your Toyota engine. But how do the two differ from one another? Are there any specific benefits or downsides to each system?  Let’s find out.

Comparison FactorsTiming Belt Timing Chain
MaterialRubber, Nylon, etc.Metal
Life Span60,000 to 100,000 miles80,000 to 120,000
NoiseLess Noiser than the chainMore Noisier than belt
Possibility of Slipping & elongationHigher possibility of slippage & elongationComparatively lower than the belt
Need of LubricationNo need for lubricationRegular Lubrication needed
Price$50$80-250

Made mostly of rubber, timing belts are more affordable than a timing chain. But the timing chain lasts way more than the timing belt. Some timing chains even last 200,000 miles.

Toyota Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Interval

Timing belts made by Toyota for earlier models typically last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. But this limit might have already been reached by most of the old cars. So it’s better to get a mechanic to check the condition of the timing belt before taking the car for a drive.

On the other hand, timing chains require replacement every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. But if maintained properly, they can last up to the engine’s lifetime.

Toyota Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Cost

The price of the timing chain replacement kits ranges from $75-$200. But some chain kits can go up to $500. The timing chain, cam tensioner, upper rail, right tensioner guide rail, and left side guide rail are typically included in this kit. The kit also includes the oil pump chain, oil pump tensioner, and oil pump guide rail.

Labor costs for this replacement can vary depending on your location and your car model. But it is usually between $400 to $1500 with the timing chain kit included in pricing.

Timing belt replacement, on the other hand, will cost you between $390-$900. The cost of labor is expected to be between $300-460, while the cost of a replacement kit is between $190-$300.

A timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump with gasket, and three accessory drive belts are often included in this set. The gaskets and seals for the valves and camshaft are also included.

This expense can go up if the timing belt/chain is not replaced at its recommended time. To prevent this extra expense, you must be aware of the warning signs of a malfunctioning timing belt/chain.

What are the Signs of a Bad Timing Belt or Chain?

There will be a few warning signs if your Toyota timing belt or chain goes bad. These are the symptoms of a faulty belt or chain to look for:

  1. The car vibrates and shakes unusually while idling
  2. Excess smoke comes from the exhaust pipe
  3. A knocking or ticking noise comes when speeding up
  4. Rough Idling
  5. Engine Misfires or suddenly loses power
  6. Metal bits in engine oil
  7. Engine doesn’t start
  8. Poor engine performance
  9. Poor fuel economy, etc.

Toyota Timing Chain Maintenance Tips

The timing chain can last a long time if it is maintained properly throughout the years. Here are a few tips to help you with the maintenance-

  • Always use the manufacturer’s recommended grade engine oil. Also, ensure to top up and change the oil regularly.
  • Get a mechanic to check your vehicle every 50,000 miles to see if everything is working properly.
  • If the timing chain tensioner seems faulty or broken, replace it as soon as possible.

If your Toyota has a timing belt in it, it’s best to get them checked every 30,000 miles for any wear or tear. If you do notice any tear in the belt, replace it as soon as possible. Plus, if you notice other issues like overheating, or struggling to start the engine, check whether the timing is off on your engine.

Do All Toyota Have Timing Belt Or Chain Infographic

FAQs

Are Timing Belts and Serpentine Belts Interchangeable?

No, timing belts and serpentine belts are not interchangeable. The timing belt’s function is to ensure coordination between the crankshaft and camshaft movement. The serpentine belt, on the other hand, operates the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning system, etc. Although they may seem similar, both serve very different purposes.

Is It Possible to Switch the Timing Belt to Timing Chain in Toyota Cars?

No, you can not switch from a timing belt to a timing chain or vice versa. Because it is not possible to install a timing chain in the timing belt compartment. You need to reconstruct the whole engine structure to do this which is not possible. 

How Many Years Does A Timing Belt Last? 

A timing belt can last for 7 years. In terms of miles, it is recommended to replace every 60,000 to 100,000 years. Manufacturers recommend changing your timing belt after 7 years, even if the car has less than 30,000 miles. Because timing belts fail more frequently because of age than mileage.

Conclusion

That was our take on the Toyota timing belt or chain. Hopefully, our article cleared your confusion about the timing belt or chain problem.

If you are still unsure about the timing belt or chain situation you can always ask a professional for help or take your car to a mechanic.

Until next time!

Written By

Photo of author

Aaron Byrne

Hi, Aaron Byrne here. I'm an expert automotive mechanic with 10 years of experience. I work on engine parts especially timing belts for their repair, maintenance, and replacement.

Fact Checked And Mechanically Reviewed By

Talha

Talha Atta

Talha Atta, a Mechanical Engineer and experienced technical content writer and editor at Autoglobes.com with a passion for the automotive industry.