Lexus Engines: Common Problems and Specs

Lexus cars use Toyota engines but I decided to create a separate article that will embrace all Lexus engines that I review in this blog. Fortunately, there are quite a lot of engines that were mainly used in Lexus vehicles and that deserve to be listed in this context.

I will update this page and add new engines once I review something new. Also, each engine heading will have one or two links so you can enhance your knowledge about a certain engine, its specs, common problems, and some other important features.

Lexus 2GR-FE engine

In Lexus vehicles, this 3.5L engine is well-known for powering the most popular RX generation. The legendary engine was also used in the Camry, Avalon, and Sienna, as well as in many Lexus models.

The 3.5L engine is a V6. Fortunately, it offers port injection with zero problems. The engine is pretty up-to-date, it offers the VVTi phasers. There are cast-iron sleeves in the aluminum block for better longevity. The only problem is that in terms of fuel efficiency, there is nothing the 2GR-FE engine can make you happy with.

I should say the engine is very reliable and this is probably one of the last Toyota engines that the company can be proud of.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2004-2018
• Average lifespan of 2GR-FE:220,000-260,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:250-280 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:VVTi phasers are not the best ones, throttle contamination, uneven idling RPM, fast ignition coils wear.

Lexus A25A-FKS engine

You may know this engine as the Lexus NX 250 powerplant. But it's a well-known Toyota engine that is primarily known for powering the most popular SUV in the US - the Toyota RAV4.

It's quite unusual that this engine has balance shafts. Quite an outdated thing that would add some problems, in my opinion.

One of the best advantages is its fuel mileage. In the NX it can offer wonderful consumption in real life, not just in specs. And it's very smooth and silent during work. Emission equipment is probably the worst thing that you should consider if you decide to buy a car with this engine.

It's fun to drive although the power shows nothing extraordinary. All the torque is available pretty early.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-2024
• Average lifespan of A25A-FKS:170,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-S)
• Power range:200-210 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:mysterious noise from time to time, EGR leaks, other EGR problems, prospective timing chain issues.

Lexus T24A-FTS engine

This is a very powerful and still economical turbocharged engine with 2.4L of displacement and 4 cylinders. The engine is very fresh and there is still no information about its serious high-mileage problems.

Anyway, I can see some potential flaws in the construction of the engine. I really like how it goes - it's fun to drive and it doesn't give you the feeling that there is too little or too much power under the hood.

The engine has been used in the Highlander and also in the Lexus NX and RX. In some markets, the Toyota Crown also utilizes this machine. The twin-scroll turbocharger makes it pretty powerful.

The timing is driven by chain, each camshaft has its phaser. There are hydraulic lifters in the construction.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2021-2024
• Average lifespan ofT24A-FTS:160,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-ST)
• Power range:270-280 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:some electronics and software glitches, vibrations when cold, potential issues with chain.

Lexus A25A-FXS/A25B-FXS engine

So, the Lexus RX hybrid comes in two versions - the 350h and 450h+. They both utilize the same A25A engine but in the hybrid version. The difference is that the one is called A25A-FXS while the other has the name A25B-FXS. They are completely the same.

So, this is the Miller cycle engine that provides you with proper fuel economy and still develops great power for almost any kind of use. The engine offers wonderful fuel efficiency utilizing hybrid technologies of different kinds.

This engine model is used in several Lexus and Toyota vehicles. It's efficient, more or less reliable, and well-known in terms of engineering. Since the engine is derived from the A25A-FKS, it has no unexpected problems or things to worry about.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-2024
• Average lifespan of A25A-FXS/A25B-FXS:170,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-S)
• Power range:174-189 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:mysterious noise from time to time, EGR leaks, other EGR problems, prospective timing chain issues.

Lexus V35A-FTS engine

The engine codenamed V35A-FTS is pretty modern and has been used in the LS and LX models as well as in some Toyota vehicles. This is a V6 turbocharged engine with 3.4 liters of displacement.

This engine has a very efficient turbocharger which makes it quite powerful compared to any competition. Also, it has modern phasers on camshafts that adjust the timing of the valves according to the conditions.

And still, the fuel efficiency is not perfect. It's good as for the powerful V6 but it's bad compared to an average modern gas-powered engine.

The engine has good feedback from professionals and also it hasn't had any serious problems or recalls yet.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-2024
• Average lifespan of V35A-FTS:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-ST)
• Power range:350-420 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:phasers will obviously cause problems, the timing chain won't live long, you need only premium quality fuel.

Lexus 1MZ-FE engine

This is a very old Toyota engine first shown in 1993. It underwent several serious modifications but overall, it was the same block and head for all the years of production.

The 1MZ-FE engine is very well known for powering the Lexus RX. This is the legendary 3.0L non-turbocharged V6 engine with basically nothing modern in it. It's very classic and hence very reliable and long-lasting.

Obviously, this is one of the most interesting engines when it comes to Toyota V6 powerplants. It's durable, it doesn't have any serious common issues. But the lack of technologies leads to pretty unpleasant gas mileage. The version with the VVTi phaser is a little more economical.

The 1MZ-FE powered the RX and ES. But it was also used in a bunch of Toyota vehicles.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1993-2008
• Average lifespan of 1MZ-FE:270,000-300,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:168-220 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, throttle contamination, VVTi problems, cold start problems.