Overview
The story
Toyota built the AZ fours from 2000 to 2019. They replaced the S engines and were followed by the AR. A published reference lists the 2.4L 2AZ-FE in the Highlander from 2000 to 2007 and the RAV4 from 2004 to 2012, and the 2.0L 1AZ-FE in the RAV4 from 2000 to 2003. A published reference
Toyota extended the warranty on 2AZ-FE engines that burned too much oil, a program that covered about 1.7 million US vehicles and ended on October 31, 2016. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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2.0L 1AZ-FE A published reference
1,998 cc, 86 × 86 mm
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2.4L 2AZ-FE A published reference
2,362 cc, 88.5 × 96 mm. 158 to 177 hp, by model
In 5th gen Toyota Camry, 2002–2006; 6th gen Toyota Camry, 2007–2009; 10th gen Toyota Corolla, 2009–2010; 1st gen Toyota Highlander, 2001–2007; 2nd gen Toyota RAV4, 2001–2005
Figures
- Block: Aluminum with cast-in iron liners A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams driven by a chain, four valves per cylinder A published reference
- Balance shafts: Two, driven by a gear on the crankshaft A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Burning oil 2AZ-FE
Check: Check the dipstick, look for blue or white smoke, and ask whether the pistons were replaced under Toyota's warranty program.
Complaints began with 2006 models, mostly after 60,000 to 75,000 miles, and a published reference points to the piston rings. 80/20 Automotive says 2006 to 2009 RAV4s were hit hardest and some burn a quart every 600 miles. Toyota's extended warranty for it has ended. A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Stripped head bolt threads in the block 2AZ-FE
One source so far
Check: Look for coolant at the back of the engine and signs of overheating, and run the VIN through a parts site to see which block it has.
80/20 Automotive says the head bolts in 2002 to 2006 engines can pull their threads out of the aluminum block, with coolant leaks at the back of the engine, low compression and overheating, and that Toyota later revised the block. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Early water pump failure 2AZ-FE
One source so far
Check: Look for coolant at the pump and watch the temperature gauge.
80/20 Automotive says some water pumps fail as early as 24,000 miles, and that most last to about 100,000, when they should be replaced anyway. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
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Watch for
Not a bad engine, but serious issues 2AZ-FE
Less sought after One source so far
80/20 Automotive says the 2AZ-FE isn't a bad engine but is plagued with some serious issues, and that kept from overheating and running out of oil, one can last hundreds of thousands of miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)