For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
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Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2013 Toyota RAV4?
Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel-drive is what the moniker RAV4 stands for. A well-liked 5-seater SUV with a roomy cabin and comfy ride is the Toyota RAV4.
It has a reliable conventional 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4-cylinder engine.
Rear 60/40 split seat may be folded flat and reclines. The RAV4 has a load capacity of 73.4 cubic feet when the back seats are folded. Although it was added for 2016, the RAV4 Hybrid is uncommon and is not discussed in this review. The Toyota RAV4 is dependable. How are the AWD and engine performing? What issues have been reported?
Problems with the Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 had a very small number of complaints overall when compared to other SUVs of a similar design.
The navigation/rear view camera screen is difficult to see in daylight due to glare, according to a number of owners. Although Amazon sells aftermarket screen blinds, there are conflicting reviews.
A few complaints of water pump breakdowns have been made. Drops of pinkish fluid on the parking space, a low coolant level, and reddish-white residue at the belt area in the engine compartment are signs of the problem. These signs are on your left when you check under the hood.
A new water pump costs between $70-$150 in parts, plus $200-$350 in labor and additional coolant.
Numerous complaints concerning the 2014 model’s infotainment system being defective have been uncovered.
The audio system can reboot repeatedly or perhaps stop working altogether. Not just Toyota has issues with the infotainment system. If the repair is needed after the warranty has expired, it is costly. An audio unit costs more than $1,000 to replace. Many owners advised installing an aftermarket audio unit ($220-$500) as an alternative.
We looked through reviews on Amazon; numerous RAV4 owners said the aftermarket device, which costs $229 to 260, worked quite fine, albeit occasionally some of the steering wheel buttons’ functionality was lost. Another choice is to check out the offerings at a nearby auto electronics store.
When the transmission has a higher mileage, a worn-out valve and sleeve placed in the valve body of the gearbox may be the cause of a delayed or harsh engagement of the 6-speed automatic transmission (U760E/U760F) when shifting into reverse. The component is not particularly pricey. A trustworthy transmission shop will have the service bulletin outlining the issue and be able to fix it for a fair price.
In order to solve issues with torque converter shudder under light acceleration, Toyota provided the warranty extension ZH1. Click here to read more.
Consumer Reports rates the 2013-2018 RAV4’s reliability as “above average” as of September 2021. It’s interesting that the 2019 RAV4 is considered to be “below average.”
Engine: The 2.5L inline-4 2AR-FE, which has 176 horsepower, is the only one available for the North American RAV4. A DOHC engine with two tiny balance shafts and an aluminum cylinder block, it is lightweight.
Variable valve timing (VVT-i) is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, and there are four valves per cylinder. As opposed to direct fuel injection, which is utilized in many modern automobiles, this motor uses an older sequential multiport fuel injection system that is easier to use and more dependable. Additionally, because it is a normally aspirated (non-turbo) engine, it won’t experience many of the issues that turbo engines do.
This engine has an intriguing feature that enhances serviceability: the timing chain tensioner may be changed without removing the front cover.
Overall, the 2AR-FE is a reliable 4-cylinder engine that has been successfully installed in numerous other Toyota cars. Toyota advises using SAE 0W-20 oil for this engine. The oil capacity is stated to be 4.4 liters or 4.6 US qt (oil change with filter). At 120,000 miles, spark plugs need to be replaced.
Timing chain or timing belt? A timing chain is included with the 2AR-FE engine. No timing belt is present. It is not necessary to replace the timing chain on a regular basis.
Mechanical: The non-hybrid 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 has a standard six-speed automatic transmission (U760E or U760F). MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension. There are independent multi-links for the rear suspension. There is electronic assistance with the steering. Brakes on the back are discs.
All-wheel drive (AWD) system: Although completely automatic, this system is not meant for real off-roading. It is designed for front-wheel drive (front-biased). The front wheels are therefore constantly powered. The rear differential receives the torque from the transaxle through the rear driveshaft with the help of a tiny transfer case. When necessary, the rear axle is engaged via the electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential. With this straightforward, lightweight system, the rear axle only engages when necessary, resulting in higher fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy: Several comparable non-hybrid SUVs, such the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5, have superior gas efficiency. However, compared to many other SUVs of a similar size, the RAV4 is more fuel-efficient. The RAV4 with all-wheel drive is rated for 26 mpg combined (22/28 mpg city/highway) from 2013 to 2018. This indicates that on a lengthy highway trip, you can travel for up to 429 miles (690 km) on a single tank.
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive RAV4 at 23/30 mpg (10.2/7.8 L/100km) or up to 461 miles (742 km) on one tank, making it more fuel-efficient. Among its close rivals, the RAV4 Hybrid is undoubtedly the most fuel-efficient vehicle. According to the EPA, the 2016 AWD Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the interstate.
Is there a timing belt or chain on the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla, 2020 Toyota RAV4, and even the 2020 Toyota Yaris all have timing chains rather than timing belts as standard equipment.
Which Toyota engines are equipped with timing chains?
So, that is how the timing chain and belt operate. Which one, though, does your Toyota use? Here is a quick list of the components used in the engines of various Toyota vehicles:
Sedan And Hatchback Models
- All Avalon models from 1995 to 2004 feature timing belts. Timing chains are used in the vehicles from 2005 through 2020, including the 4-cylinder Avalon Hybrid.
- Toyota Camry: The timing belt is used in all models from 1990 to 2001 as well as the V6 model from 2004 to 2006. The timing chain is utilized by the 20022020 4-cylinder and 20072020 V6 vehicles.
- Toyota’s well-known Corolla compact vehicle has a timing belt from 1990 to 1997. Timing chains, however, were introduced in models starting in 1998. The Corolla Hybrid and Corolla iM/Scion iM models are included in this.
- Cressida: The straight-six engine of the Toyota Cressida from 1990 to 1992 had timing belts.
- This subcompact’s timing chain-powered 4-cylinder engine was sold from 2000 to 2005.
- Timing chain for all models, 20032013, shown as a matrix.
- Timing belt for all Paseo models from 1992 to 1997.
- Prius: From 2001 to the most recent models, all Prius models share the same timing chain. The Prius C, Prius V, Prius Prime, and Prius Plug-in are all included in this.
- All Tercel models produced between 1990 and 1998 had engines with timing chains.
- Timing chains are used in all Yaris vehicles produced from 2007 through 2020, including the Scion iA and Hatchback variants.
Crossover Models
- Toyota’s C-HR is a brand-new compact crossover with a strong emphasis on lifestyle.
- Timing chains are used in all 4-cylinder engines in the Highlander from 2001 to 2007; timing belts are used in V6 vehicles. From 2008 through 2019, timing chains are used in all V6 vehicles. Except for the V6 hybrid, it employs timing belts from 2006 to 2010 and timing chains starting with the 2011 model year.
- RAV4: From 1996 to 2000, all 4-cylinder models of the RAV4 used timing belts; starting in 2001, timing chains were used. Timing chains are also used in the V6 version from 2006 to 2012. Timing chains are used in the hybrid cars from 2016 to 2020.
- Venza: The timing chain for the Venza ranges from 2009 to 2015.
Minivan Or MPV Models
- Timing chains were employed in the engines of this storied Toyota minivan from 1991 to 1997.
- The Sienna sports a V6 engine with timing belts and was manufactured from 1998 to 2006. The V6 vehicles from 2007 through 2020 then employ timing chains. Timing chains are used in the 4-cylinder variant from 20112012.
SUV And Trucks
- 4Runner: Timing chains are used in the four-cylinder 199020002010 4Runner. Timing belts are used on the 19902002 vehicles for the V6 variations. Timing chains are then used for the 4Runner’s V6 engines from 2003 to 2010. If your engine is a V8 model (20032009), a timing belt is used.
- FJ-Cruiser: This mid-size SUV with classic styling was sold from 2007 to 2014. They were all powered by V6 engines with timing chains.
- The Land Cruiser offers a wide range of engine configurations. The gear drive system is used with the 19901992 straight-six engine (the same function, but uses a set of gears rather than belts or chains). Timing chains are used in the 19931997 straight-six engine. The V8 models from 1998 to 2007 make use of timing belts. While the V8 versions from 20082011 and from 20132020 employ timing chains.
- 20012009 4.7L V8 Sequoia Timing belts are used in Sequoia. Timing chains are used in both the 20102012 4.6L V8 and the 20082020 5.7L V8 models.
- Toyota T100: Timing belt for the 19931998 V6 engines and timing chains for the 19951998 4-cylinder engines
- Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma and the 4Runner share the same base, but the engines are different. Timing chains are used on all 4-cylinder vehicles from 1995 to 2020. Timing belts were used on V6 vehicles up until 2004, however starting with the 2005 model, they were replaced by timing belts.
- Toyota Truck: Timing belt for 19901995 V6 engines and timing chains for 19901995 4-cylinder engines.
Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2008 Toyota RAV4?
The 2.4-liter and 3.5-liter engines in the Rav4 are both timing chain engines rather than the feared timing belt. In typical use, your timing chain won’t need to be repaired or changed; just make sure to check your oil regularly.
How long does a Toyota RAV4 timing chain last?
Older cars might have a timing chain, which is comparable to a motorbike chain and has a lifespan of about 60,000 miles. For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that.
Which issues does the Toyota RAV4 have?
There were 35 reports of gearbox issues made by RAV4 drivers as of December 2021. One customer claimed that after purchasing a 2019 RAV4 with 17,500 kilometers, he frequently experienced issues with the gears changing correctly. When this RAV4 owner brought his vehicle to a Toyota dealership, the problem was fixed with a software update. As vehicles do not become better with time, these kinds of software updates are frequently more of a band aid than a remedy.
Another driver complained that his RAV4 was lurching forward at slower speeds, making the on-ramp to the busy 10 highway unpredictable and perhaps dangerous. Shuttering and shaking were other prevalent concerns. He was informed that his vehicle was functioning as intended and that the dealership could not reproduce the problem.
There were reportedly six recalls for the 2019 RAV4 due to difficulties with the backup camera, separating suspension arms, and coolant leaks, among other things. Surprisingly, there were no transmission-related recalls.
Transmission issues with the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have been extensively reported. The 2020 RAV4 was expected to be an improved model, but there have already been far too many complaints and reports of unhappiness. The 2020 RAV4 has a number of concerns that drivers are having, some of which are listed below:
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission that is slow.
- Transmission Leaks
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Alignment and steering problems
No recalls have yet been issued as a result of the 2020 RAV4 transmission issues. But these are the recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 as of April 2021:
- Select 2020 RAV4s have engine problems and coolant leaks, which led Toyota to conduct a recall and provide some RAV4 owners a free replacement engine and engine block.
- Toyota has agreed to replace the front lower suspension arms on some 2020 RAV4s at no cost in order to restore their safety. These arms may have cracks in them.
- Toyota has decided to replace the power steering gearboxes in a small number of 2020 RAV4s because they have issues with the electric power steering system.
- Toyota was compelled to replace the fuel pump assemblies in select 2020 RAVs because the fuel pumps in those vehicles have started to malfunction and create engine issues.
- Toyota is offering to replace the steering columns in select 2020 RAV4s because they may have an influence on the airbags in them.
Several sources claim that a software update that was issued on April 15, 2019, can fix the Toyota RAV4 transmission. However, other owners claimed that even after receiving updates from the Toyota dealership, the transmission issues persisted, and owners had to take their RAV4 to a dealership to get the update.
Timing belts or chains: which is superior?
Timing belts typically last less time than timing chains. Timing belts are made of rubber, which isn’t as strong as metal, but chains are made of metal, and this is the simple explanation for why this is the case. Timing belts are not weak, but they will probably need to be replaced at some point, whereas a chain can last the lifetime of the car.
Timing belts typically need to be replaced in the mileage range of 55,000 miles (about 90,000 km) and 90,000 miles (roughly 150,000 km). Therefore, a timing belt is still a very reliable and significant component of your car.
Whether your car has a timing chain or belt, it’s critical that you watch for any symptoms of wear and strain and take appropriate action. Depending on the sort of engine you have, a broken timing belt can have disastrous results. You could be better off searching to get a new vehicle if the repairs are too expensive to be practical.