Which Toyota Models Have Timing Chains?

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Most Toyota models made after 2010 have a timing chain. The timing chain is made of metal links. The main duty of a timing chain is to synchronize the movement between the camshaft and the crankshaft.

List of Popular Toyota Models with Timing Chains

• Toyota Corolla (2009-2013): Timing Chain
• Toyota Camry (2007-2017): Timing Chain
• Toyota RAV4 (2006-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota 4Runner (2010-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota Highlander (2008-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota Matrix (2009-2014): Timing Chain
• Toyota Sienna (2011-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota Tundra (2007-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota Avalon (2005-2018): Timing Chain
• Toyota Solara (2004-2008): Timing Chain

A timing chain is more durable compared to a timing belt and can last the entire life of your car without needing to be replaced. A timing belt is cheaper than the chain initially, but it is more expensive in the long run because of the frequent repairs. If you need to know whether your car has a timing chain or belt, you can either check the user’s manual or ask your mechanic. You can also open the cover at the engine’s end using the right tools and check. The timing chain will be made of metal links, while the belt is made of rubber and is more flexible.

This article takes you through the difference between a timing chain and a timing belt, plus their advantages and disadvantages. It also looks at different Toyota models with timing chains and answers some FAQs. Please ride with us to the end.

Timing Chain Vs. Timing Belt: Differences

Whether your car has a timing chain or a timing belt, the functionality is the same, and both work similarly in all engines. However, many manufacturers are switching to timing chains because they have long-term benefits over timing belts. This section looks at the main differences between a timing chain and a timing belt that make timing chains superior. Let’s get into it.

1. Timing belts are made of rubber, while timing chains are made of metals

2. Timing chains are more durable and less prone to breaking down or slipping 

3. Timing belts need to be replaced occasionally (after every 100,000 miles) because they are prone to wear and tear, while timing chains can last the lifetime of the vehicle (over 200,000 miles)

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Timing Chain

Advantages

1. It is durable thanks to the metallic material. A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced during the vehicle’s entire lifetime. 

2. Timing chains don’t require maintenance except for a check after reaching 125,000 miles

3. The material of the timing chain is resistant to changes in temperature

Disadvantages 

1. A timing chain is heavier than a timing belt, thus impacting engine power and increasing fuel consumption

2. Its initial cost is higher than that of a timing belt

3. A timing chain is noisier than a timing belt

Toyota Models With Timing Chains

If you are curious to find out whether the Toyota you are looking to buy has a timing chain or timing belt, look no further. This section takes you through a list of all the Toyota models and what they use: those with a timing chain and those with a timing belt

Toyota model	Year	What they use
Toyota Avalon	1995-2004	Timing belt
Toyota Avalon	2005-2020 including the 4-cylinder hybris	Timing chain
Camry	199-2001 V6 model up until 2006	Timing belt
Camry	2002-2020 4-cylinder2007-2020 V6 models	Timing chain
Corolla	1990 -1997	Timing belt
Corolla	1998- 2021	Timing chains
Cressida	1990-1992	Timing belt
Echo	2000-2005 4-cylinder engine	Timing chain
Matrix	2003-2013	Timing chain
Paseo	1992-1997	Timing belt
Prius	All models	Timing chain
Tercel	1990-1998	Timing chain
Yaris	2007- 2020 including Yaris hatchback	Timing chain
C-HR	Compact crossover	Timing chain
Highlander	2001-2007 4-cylinder engine 2008- 2019 V6 models 2011 onwards	Timing chain
Highlander	2006-2010V6 hybrid	Timing belts
Supra	1990-1998	Timing belt
Supra	New GR	Timing chain
Solara	1991-2001 4-cylinder1999-2009 V6 model	Timing belt
Solara	2002-2008 4-cylinder	Timing chain
MR2	1990-1995	Timing belt
MR2	2000-2005 Spyder	Timing chains
GT86	2013-2020	Timing chain
Celica	1990-1999	Timing belt
Celica	2000-2005	Timing chain
RAV4	1996-2000 4-cylinder models	Timing belt
RAV4	2001 onwards 4-cylinder models2006-2012 V6 models2016-2020 hybrid	Timing chains
Sienna	From 1998-2006	Timing belt
Sienna	2007-2020 V6 Models2011-2012 4-cylinder version	Timing chain
Previa	1991-1997	Timing chain
Venza	2009-2015	Timing chain
FJ Cruiser	2007-2014	Timing chain
4Runner	1990-2000 2010 4-cylinder 2003-2010 V6 engine	Timing chain
4Runner	1990-20022003-2009 v8 model	Timing belt
Tacoma	1995-2020 4-cylinder 2005 onwards V6 models	Timing chain
Tacoma	1995-2004 v6	Timing belt
Sequoia	2001-2009 4.7 L V8	Timing belt
Sequoia	2010-2012 4.6L V82008-20205.7L V8	Timing chain
Land cruiser	1993-1997 straight-six2008-20112013-2020 V8	Timing chain
Landcruiser	1998-2007 V8	Timing belts
Tundra	200-2004 V6200-2009 4.7L V8	Timing belt
Tundra	2005-2014 V62007-2020 5.7L V82010-2019 4.6 L V8	Timing chains
T100	1995-1998 4-cylinder	Timing chain
T100	1993-1998 V6	Timing belt
Toyota truck	1990-1995 4-cylinder	Timing chain
Toyota truck	1990-1995 V6 engine

We hope that you can tell if your car has a timing belt or timing chain from this list. The only model we have excluded is the Landcruiser between 1990-1992 straight-six engines because the model uses a set of gears instead of chains or belts.

Frequently asked questions 

Q.  When Should I Replace The Timing Chain?

Timing chains are pretty durable, and most times, you won’t need to replace them since they last more than 200,000 miles. The timing chain needs to be replaced between 80,000 to 100,000 miles for higher mileage vehicles or when it shows signs of failing. You need to know the signs of a failing timing chain to have it replaced before it fails

Q. What Are The Signs Of A Failing Timing Chain?

If your timing belt or chain fails, you will notice the engine misfiring or rough idling, and it might also have strange noises coming from the engine or hard starts. Later models with VVT applications will generate engine codes and check engine lights before you hear the engine rattle.

Q. What Causes The Timing Belt Or Chain To Break Or Wear?

The timing belt stretches over time due to internal component wear, which causes the tensioner and guides to wear out. Wear and tear may cause the chain to fail, making the vehicle not run at all. Using the wrong engine oil also causes the timing belt or chain to wear faster. Always check the recommended API oil service rating and viscosity and use the correct oil to ensure it flows quickly and at the proper pressure; this ensures the chain is lubricated and the old doesn’t cause extra load.

Q. Can I Drive With A Damaged Timing Chain Or Belt?

No, it is not advisable to drive with a bad timing chain because this can cause damage to valves, camshaft, cylinder head, and other parts of the engine leading to a more intensive and expensive repair. Please do not drive with a bad timing chain for your safety and also for your wallet’s sake 

Conclusion 

A timing chain or timing belt synchronizes the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft to allow valves and pistons to move at the correct timing. They will enable the engine to operate smoothly while avoiding damage to components. Toyota uses both timing chains and timing belts in their models, but since 2005, timing chains have been more prevalent due to their durability. We hope that you can identify whether the Toyota you are eyeing has a timing belt or a timing chain from our list.