As per your post, you seem to be aware that Lexus RX 350 V6 engine year 2010 and later have a Timing Chain not timing belt that never needs replacing.
Some people suggest that if there's noise coming from this particular item at a higher mileage, chain should be inspected for worn parts. But it's not a serviceable item and it's highly unlikely that you would experience failure.

On the other hand, this engine is a non-interference engine meaning that there should be no harm to the engine should the timing chain breaks off.

Cheers

 

Timing chains in many other vehicle models DO actually recommend a change after certain mileage, so I assume that OP was wondering if these engines were similar.

 

Many manufacturers engineer timing chains to break as a way of planned obsolescence, but not as a recommended service item.
It is usually accomplished by the way of tensioners reverting back to their released position when there is no engine oil pressure, causing the chain to slap itself on engine restart.
I don't believe Toyota suffers from such engineering feats.

 

Yep. BMW's come to mind.

 

Ford too. Some engines it might as well have a maintenance interval for timing hardware. Sometimes it takes the engine with it.

 

 

Not necessarily a "No"

Each vehicle and situation is different; however, many members believe this item could last quite some time before needing replacement or servicing.

I have personally seen 1 timing chain in my lifetime needing replacement due to wear (although some call it stretching) due to a faulty guide that increased timing chain wear.

When in doubt, have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle you're interested in.

Best of luck with your search!

 

Nothing except death and taxes is certain. But Toyota/Lexus seems to have a very low incidence of chain guide failure. The best defense (even for problematic Fords) is to use the best synthetic oils and max 5K oci. So check the maintenance history.Even with those bad Fords, some people go over 200k with no issue and some fail at 70K. Cold startups, more highway driving, climate, oil change interval, etc, could be a major determining factor.

 

In nearly 50 years of owning and driving many different makes and models of vehicles, I have never had to replace a timing chain. As previously pointed out, keeping your oil relatively clean with proper oil and filter changes probably helps. So does not abusing the vehicle's performance capabilities on a regular basis.

 

Typically no one replaces a timing chain, if anything the supporting mechanisms per engine are simply inspected like its hydraulic tensioner and guides. The failure rate of these Toyota/Lexus timing chains are very low especially if oil is serviced regularly per the recommended change intervals.

 

Look at your service manual, there is the answer.

 

 

Direct "evidence" would be a stretch but folks with a 4.2L V8 Audi could attest to some pretty serious issues and massive maintenance costs.

 

Turn CC on. Very informative.