The Toyota 2AR-FE 2.5L four-cylinder powers the 2009-2017 Camry, RAV4, Scion tC, and Lexus IS 250 (some markets). It is one of the cheapest sedan engines to own - the few common issues are well-known.
The 2AR-FE is one of the most reliable midsize four-cylinder engines on the road. Most owners only see two repairs across 200K miles: ignition coils and a water pump.
Coils tend to fail around 80K-100K miles, causing misfires, rough idle, and codes P0301-P0304. Replace all four at once for prevention.
View P0301 Diagnosis →The water pump weeps from the weep hole around 100K-130K miles. Replace before failure on the highway.
Run free diagnosis →Some 2AR-FE engines consume oil mildly - about a quart per 3,000-5,000 miles. Not a class-action issue like the 2AZ-FE before it.
Run free diagnosis →Plastic thermostat housings get brittle with age and develop slow coolant leaks. Watch for the temperature gauge climbing.
View P0128 Diagnosis →High-mileage 2AR-FE chassis develop motor mount cracks. Symptoms are vibration at idle and a thump on shifts.
Run free diagnosis →The PCV valve clogs over time, causing rough idle and minor oil leaks. Cheap, easy DIY fix.
Run free diagnosis →Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact Toyota. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
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High-mileage 2AR-FE engines without coil and water pump records - budget for both.
2012-2017 Camry 2AR-FE (XV50) is widely regarded as one of the most reliable Toyotas ever built.
Plan $300-$500 for a coil refresh at 80K-100K and $400-$700 for a water pump at 100K-130K. Total non-routine lifetime cost is typically under $2,500.
Codes most often associated with the 2AR-FE 2.5L.
A maintained 2AR-FE routinely passes 250,000-300,000 miles. The bottom end is exceptionally durable.
Mild consumption is normal at higher miles, but not the class-action-level issue that affected the older 2AZ-FE.
Plan on 100K-130K miles. The first sign is a slow weep from the weep hole.
Yes - the 2AR-FE is interference. It uses a timing chain (no belt) and rarely has timing issues.
The 2AR-FE replaced the 2AZ-FE in 2009. It addressed the 2AZ's sludge and oil-consumption problems with a redesigned block, head, and piston ring package.