2022-2024 Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0L Engine (M20A-FKS): Problems, Longevity, and Specs

If you are a fan of Toyota, you should know that they now use one type of engine for several models. For example, light cars are equipped with the 2.0L M20A-FKS engine. This is the standard Toyota engine for several models in almost all significant markets around the world. The engine is pretty new but has a good reputation for fuel saving and smooth work.

In this article, I will tell you more about the 2.0L M20A-FKS engine in the Toyota Corolla Cross. I will cover its problems and durability while outlining its advantages. You should know that the hybrid Corolla Cross also has this engine (codenamed M20A-FXS) but it's worth reviewing in a separate article, so I will only cover the pure gas version of the vehicle.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of M20A-FKS:160,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (direct + port)
• Power range:170-178 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:quite noisy work, EGR cooler leaks, EGR valve may get stuck.

What should you know about this engine?

If you want a gas-powered Corolla Cross, you have zero choice among engines - there is only the 2.0L M20A-FKS engine. It belongs to the new Dynamic Force series and was first presented in 2018. The engine is pretty modern and a lot of attention is paid to fuel consumption and emission reduction, so you may expect that the longevity is affected in a bad way.

But still, the 2-liter engine seems to be just fine for the majority of vehicles that it's installed into. And this is the large line of Toyota models like the C-HR, Corolla, RAV4, Avalon, Camry, several domestic Japanese models, and, of course, the Corolla Cross. Also, it's used in Lexus ES and UX.

Here are some things you should know about this engine:

• this is the relatively simple 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with an aluminum block and head offering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque;
• the engine has the combined D-4S injection system - pretty good for economy but a little too demanding in terms of fuel quality;
• the engine is equipped with balance shafts to avoid vibrations and its timing system is driven by a chain;
• it has a dual variable valve timing system VVT-iE plus VVT-i making its efficiency even better;
• there is no turbocharger, the engine is naturally aspirated;
• the only available transmission is the CVT, the front-wheel drive is standard, the all-wheel drive is available for extra money;
• the engine offers 31 MPG in the city and about 33 MPG on highways according to EPA, but I got even better mileage on a highway.

This is one of the basic engines in all popular Toyota vehicles now, and so expectations are high. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of high-mileage engines to assess their actual durability and toughness but I believe this unit is going to be pretty good. I will outline its problems in one of the sections below, but it won't affect the overall positive emotions from the engine.

I like the dynamics - you don't feel that 2 liters and just 169 horsepower aren't enough for good active driving. Well, sometimes, it lacks power on highways when you need to overtake but in the majority of cases, this engine is more than enough for the Toyota Corolla Cross. The CVT works just fine though it's a matter of concern in terms of durability.

How many miles will the M20A-FKS last?

When it comes to durability, Toyota has always been one of the leaders in this sphere. We still remember its legendary engines that were able to cover half a million miles with no major breakdowns. Now, things are different and you shouldn't even hope for such results.

The Corolla Cross engine may go about 170,000 miles and then it will most likely require expensive overhauling. To tell you the truth, it will require replacement because the new engine will most likely cost less than the repair of the old one.

Also, along the way, this engine is going to need some pretty expensive repairs. This depends directly on the quality of maintenance, but there are still some things that will not allow you to drive your Corolla Cross without any problems.

Another important concern is the CVT. It's a well-known K120 CVT unit that's manufactured for Toyota by Aisin Company. It's pretty reliable as for the CVT, but still, it can last about 120-140 thousand miles. After that, it will need proper repair or even replacement. Replacing your transmission when the engine is left with just 30,000 miles of potential life is not lucrative, so this leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

What are the common problems with the Corolla Cross M20A-FKS engine?

Unfortunately, this wonderful engine still has some common issues that you will need to remember about. Some of them you can prevent by maintaining your vehicle with proper materials and products. But some are inevitable and will still torture you once the engine reaches a certain mileage.

Here are some of the most important concerns:

1. The EGR cooling system

Whenever you see EGR, you may be sure that its cooler will cause a lot of problems. The issue is that the EGR system works under extremely high temperatures, so over time, it will be destroyed. The cooler is the first thing that starts leaking and malfunctioning.

The biggest problem is that the EGR cooler leaks directly into the cylinders and it will lead to coolant combustion, white smoke, and also rapid coolant level drop without any visible leaks. So, it may eventually lead to engine overheating if not noticed on time.

The EGR cooler should be replaced once the problem shows up.

2. The EGR valve

Another problem is with the EGR valve itself. The valve will go bad because of the heat and it may get stuck and stop functioning. This will lead to all kinds of different warning lights on the dash and also to poor fuel consumption and emission spikes.

Of course, when this happens, you should get ready to pay some money out of your pocket. Usually, the warranty period is already gone at this point, so all the repairs will be carried out for your money. Unfortunately, replacing the EGR valve is pretty expensive.

3. High-mileage problems

When your 2.0L Corolla Cross engine hits about 150,000 miles, it starts freaking out. The timing chain may stretch and rattle like crazy demanding the entire kit replacement. The VVT system may need some service. The high-pressure fuel pump may be faulty at this moment and it's one of the most expensive units in the engine.

This engine is pretty technological. But when it gets at least some soot buildup or carbon on its valves or pistons, it will turn your life into a disaster. So, my fair recommendation is to never own this engine for more than 150,000 miles. Although it physically can go a little more than that, it won't be able to cover the remaining distance with ease and pleasure.

4. Quite loud work

One more feature or problem, as many people say in forums and blogs, is the loud work of the engine. I've spoken to an RAV4 owner with exactly the same engine and he told me that once in winter he was scraping the ice off the windshield and was surprised by the loud work of the engine. He had to stop the engine and call the dealer, pay for the tow truck because the car was only 7 months old at that time.

All he got in the dealership was the answer that the engine actually works that way. Especially, when the engine is cold, it may surprise you with the noise it creates.

What should you do to prolong the life of the engine?

So, after reading the section describing the problems of the M20A-FKS, you may want to know how you can avoid these issues and prolong the life of your car. Well, some issues are unavoidable. But some can be prevented.

Here are some tips you should follow:

• keep buying OEM oil and filters for regular maintenance even after the warranty period is over;
• regular maintenance interval should be reduced after about 50,000 miles - change oil a little more often;
• don't ignore unusual sounds - they may mean that the timing chain requires replacement;
• check the coolant level and inspect the EGR system if it starts going lower with no leaks;
• don't overheat and overload this engine - the Corolla Cross can only tow 1500 lbs and I don't recommend towing at all with this car;
• don't forget that the vehicle has the CVT that requires service and oil change, too.

Final thoughts

I personally love the M20A-FKS in the new Toyota Corolla Cross. First of all, the engine is relatively simple and repairable. Also, it's good to drive even though it doesn't have a lot of power and is a naturally aspirated unit. Also, it only consumes a little fuel and this saves you money every single day.

But you shouldn't expect that this engine is going to last as long as one of the legendary Toyota engines. No, it's only going to last about 170,000 miles and it's going to get on your nerves after it hits 150K miles. So, it's important to get rid of the car before it spoils your mood. Unfortunately, this is true for almost all modern engines.