The Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 has a documented oil cooler hose failure (covered in TSB 17-200) that can drain the engine of oil in seconds. Affects the Camry V6, RAV4 V6, Sienna, Avalon, and Highlander 2007+ - preventive replacement at 100K saves engines.
When the oil cooler hose ruptures, drivers often have under 30 seconds before catastrophic engine damage. This single TSB has saved more 2GR-FE engines than any other.
TSB 17-200 covers a known rubber-hose failure that drains engine oil in seconds. Replace with the updated nylon hose at 100K miles or earlier - this is the single most important preventive fix on a 2GR-FE.
Run free diagnosis →The 2GR-FE water pump typically lasts 100K-150K miles. Symptom is a slow weep from the pump weep hole - replace before it fails on the highway.
Run free diagnosis →Some early 2GR-FE engines develop a small leak at the VVT-i banjo fitting. Easy fix once identified.
View P0011 Diagnosis →High-mileage 2GR-FE engines develop timing-cover gasket weeps. Often deferred until they drip onto the alternator.
Run free diagnosis →Rear-bank plug access is tight (intake removal recommended). Most independent shops charge more than the part cost just for labor.
View P0301 Diagnosis →Some high-mileage 2GR-FE engines consume up to a quart per 3,000-5,000 miles. Normal aging, not a defect.
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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Any 2GR-FE without the updated nylon oil cooler hose - budget the $250-$500 fix immediately on purchase.
Any 2GR-FE with documented TSB 17-200 hose replacement plus a recent water pump is a genuinely bulletproof V6.
Plan $250-$500 for the TSB 17-200 hose replacement, plus $400-$800 for the water pump around 100K. Plug replacement (with intake removal) runs $300-$600. Lifetime costs on a maintained 2GR-FE are very low.
Codes most often associated with the 2GR-FE V6.
TSB 17-200 covers replacement of the rubber oil cooler hose with an updated nylon part - the rubber hose is known to rupture and drain engine oil in seconds.
Typically $250-$500 at an independent shop, less if DIY. Compared to a $5,000+ engine replacement, it is the cheapest insurance on the engine.
Yes - it is one of the most reliable V6 engines ever produced. The oil cooler hose is the single biggest preventable failure mode.
A maintained 2GR-FE routinely passes 250,000-300,000 miles. Owners on Sienna and Highlander forums report 400K examples.
Camry V6 (2007+), Avalon, Sienna (2007+), Highlander V6, RAV4 V6 (2006-2012), Venza, and Lotus Evora.