The One MAJOR Problem with the Toyota/Lexus 3.5L V6 (2GR)

By Mark Webb - November 9, 2022

Lexus and Toyota’s 2GR family of 3.5L V6 engines are prone to oil leaks that aren’t fatal but can be a headache for this otherwise great engine.

I’m on record as saying the Lexus 2GR family of 3.5L V6 engines is one of the top five Lexus engines. Lexus and Toyota have used several different variants over the years (2GR-FE, 2GR-FSE, 2GR-FXS, 2GR-FKS), with the most powerful iterations making upwards of 320 horsepower. Used in the ES, RX, and IS, among other vehicles, it delivers buttery smooth power and plenty of torque. Lotus uses it for their Evora, Exige, and Emira sports cars. It’s also a good option for an engine swap. People have dropped it into everything from Toyota MR2s, Toyota 4Runners, early Toyota Celicas, and more.

Like many Lexus motors, 2GR 3.5L V6 engines are very reliable and long-lasting. They also typically require very little maintenance and are generally trouble-free, with one exception – front timing cover oil leak.

Fixing a 2GR-FE 3.6L V6 Engine Oil Leak

YouTube’s The Car Care Nut recently published the below video deep-diving into the 2GR family — common flaws, why they’re so great despite a few flaws, and even a tour of the dual overhead cam timing chains. Along the way, the video’s main focus concerns the massive amount of labor involved in repairing the front timing cover oil leak on a 2015 Lexus with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6.

Unfortunately, on the RX, the repair job requires removing the engine and transmission because there’s no room in the engine bay to pull the timing cover. It’s not a job you want to tackle unless you have experience rebuilding the 2GR engine. Toyota estimates around 24 hours of labor for the job, while The Car Care Nut charges for about 20 hours of labor. It’s all necessary to replace a $20 timing cover gasket and some sealer. But watching the job is oddly satisfying.

In the video, you can see where the oil leak occurs and why. The Car Care Nut breaks down the costs of parts and labor, as well as thoughts on who should do the work. He also explains the leak and provides options for fixing it and how to decide if the vehicle is worth fixing.