The Toyota 2GR-FKS Engine Manual. Toyota introduced the 2GR-FKS in 2015 as an evolution of the 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 engine. The 2GR-FKS started out as a replacement for the FSE in Lexus models, but it eventually made its way into the Camry, Tacoma, Highlander, and a few other vehicles. It has the same overall design as the original but adds a simulated Atkinson cycle for increased efficiency.
The FKS engine produces 278-318 horsepower while also being efficient, economical, and reliable. However, no engine is perfect, and this is also true here. This guide covers Toyota 2GR-FKS engine specs, reliability, problems, performance, and other topics.
What Vehicles Make Use of the 2GR FKS?
The following Lexus and Toyota models use FKS 3.5 V6 engines:
- Toyota Tacoma (2016+)
- Toyota Highlander (2017-2018)
- Toyota Camry (2017 and later)
- 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Avalon from 2018 to the present
- Lexus RX 350 (2016 and up)
- Lexus LS 350 (2017+)
- Lexus IS 350 (2018+)
- Lexus GS 350 from 2016 to 2020
- Lexus ES 350 (2018 to present)
- Lexus RC 350 (2018+)
- 2020-present Lexus LM 350
Lexus models equipped with the 2GR-FKS engine bear the 350 badge in recognition of the 3.5L displacement. The engine can be found in a variety of Lexus 350 models, as illustrated above. Toyota Tacoma, Highlander, Camry, and Avalon are also notable models.
Surprisingly, the Tacoma has the lowest output (278hp and 265 lb-ft torque). Most models have between 295 and 302 horsepower. The 2GR-FKS in the Lexus IS 350 and LS 350, on the other hand, produce 311hp and 318hp, respectively.
Toyota 2GR-FKS Specifications
The Toyota 2GR-FKS engine specifications are as follows:
- Engine : The Toyota 2GR-FKS
- Configuration : V6
- Displacement : 3,456 cc (3.5L) (3.5L)
- Aspiration : Natural
- Injection of Fuel : Port & Direct
- Head/Block : Aluminum
- Valvetrain : DOHC with 24 valves
- Stroke x Bore : 94mm x 83mm
- Ratio of Compression : 11.8 : 1
- Horsepower : 278-318 HP
- Torque (lb-ft) (lb-ft) : 265-280 TQ
The 2GR-FKS, once again, is a 3.5L V6 engine based on the design of the older 2GR-FSE. It is made of aluminum to reduce weight. The DOHC design and relatively high compression ratio of 11.8:1 contribute to good power and torque. As a naturally aspirated engine, it does not perform as well as comparable turbo or supercharged engines. However, 278-318 horsepower and 265-280 pound-feet of torque are still very respectable numbers.
The 2GR-FKS employs a combination of direct and port injection to achieve efficiency. Direct injection, as some may know, is an excellent technology for power, emissions, and fuel economy. The main disadvantage is the possibility of carbon buildup. The Toyota 2GR engine avoids this by also using port injection. For improved fuel economy and lower emissions, 2GR-FKS engines can also switch to a simulated Atkinson cycle.
Related : The 1.0 EcoBoost Engine from Ford
Performance of the 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6
There are far too many models powered by the 2GR-FKS engine to list every metric. Instead, we’ll start with a few examples and then expand with aftermarket potential. In any case, the Toyota Camry with the 3.5 V6 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That’s impressive for a car that most people don’t associate with power or performance. The Lexus IS 350, on the other hand, has a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. Not bad, but not particularly impressive by modern standards.
Figures for larger vehicles such as the Tacoma, Highlander, and others continue to slow. All of these cars, trucks, and SUVs are likely to provide plenty of power and performance for the majority of people. However, if performance is the ultimate goal, there are better engines available. Even Car & Driver concluded that the IS350 F Sport with the 2GR-FKS “deserves a better engine.”
Nonetheless, the 2GR engines have some decent aftermarket potential. A few simple modifications such as tuning, headers, intake, and exhaust can add 20-30% more horsepower. More serious mods such as turbocharging, cams, and so on have a lot more potential, but they can be expensive. Once again, we conclude that if power and performance are the end goals, there are better engines available.
Engine Issues with the Toyota 2GR-FKS
Engine problems are typically a large part of what we discuss in these types of articles. Because no engine is perfect, we’ll go over a few topics with the 2GR-FKS engine. However, there aren’t any truly common Toyota 2GR-FKS engine issues to be concerned about. The majority of these issues only affect a small number of engines. Nonetheless, some of the most common 2GR-FKS engine issues are as follows:
- Fuel pump problems
- Oil spills
- Failure of the engine
This article will go over these topics in greater detail. However, before we proceed, we must add a few notes. Again, these Toyota 2GR-FKS engine problems are not common. We consider these to be some of the most common or severe issues. None of them are in the true sense of the word common.
The Toyota GR engine family was introduced in 2002, and the 2GR-FKS in 2015. This gave Toyota plenty of time to work out some issues with earlier GR engines. We wrote an article about 2GR-FE engine problems and praised Toyota for recognizing and resolving engine issues. Anyway, let’s go over the above Toyota 2GR-FKS issues before returning to reliability at the end of the article.
1) 2GR 3.5 V6 Fuel Pump Problems
The 2GR-FKS fuel pump problems, like most of these, aren’t a major concern. Keep in mind that this engine employs both direct and port injection. DI operates at extremely high pressures, necessitating the use of a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). This pump has been a source of contention on a number of 2GR engines. Toyota did issue a TSB in response to the HPFP issues.
Finally, the TSB was reduced to a noisy, chirping fuel pump. It does not appear that the excessive noise was causing any fuel pump failures or other problems. The problems did not seem to return after the loud pumps were replaced. Those are encouraging signs that this should not be a problem in the future.
Because the 2GR-FKS is a new engine, it’s still worth discussing. In the grand scheme of things, a 6-7 year old engine is relatively new. It’s worth investigating whether the fuel pump chirping is a warning sign of impending trouble. So far, it appears that the HPFP will not be a long-term issue.
Symptoms and Replacement of the 2GR-FKS Fuel Pump
The main topic here is the HPFP chirping noises, and the symptom is simply the noise. Fuel pumps can and do fail on occasion, but this is not common on the 2GR engine. In any case, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Long-cranking
- While accelerating, there is hesitation/stuttering.
- Codes for faults (DTC)
- Idle time
When the HPFP fails, you will usually notice a number of symptoms. Toyota 2GR-FKS HPFP failure is characterized by long cranking and hesitation during acceleration. You might also notice a check engine light, fault codes, and a rough idle.
Toyota’s TSB regarding chirping noises is not a recall or an extended warranty. However, because they are aware of the issues, they may still assist with out-of-warranty repair bills. At the very least, it’s worth investigating. Otherwise, HPFP replacement can be a costly task.
2) Oil Leaks in Toyota 2GR-FKS
Toyota 2GR-FKS oil leaks are likely the most common issue on this list. They’re still uncommon, and many 3.5L V6 engines will go well beyond 100,000 miles without leaking oil. That brings us to an important point about oil leaks in general. Oil leaks are common on MANY engines after 100,000 miles and 8-10 years of age.
Oil leaks are frequently caused by a faulty gasket, O-ring, seal, or other component. These rubber or rubber-like parts deteriorate with age and heat cycles, eventually cracking. Most oil leaks on the Toyota 2GR-FKS engine are caused by natural wear and tear. There are, however, a few noteworthy leaks to discuss.
The first will be dealt with quickly. The cam sensor bolt hole is one possible source of oil leakage. Toyota, like the HPFP chirping, issued a TSB to address the cam sensor bolt oil leak. Because a TSB is not the same as a recall or extended warranty, you may have to pay for this repair yourself.
The Toyota 2GR-FKS timing chain cover leak comes next. This was a problem with the 1GR-FE, and the timing chain cover is a difficult part to access. Toyota may have gotten it right with the 2GR, but there have already been reports of the timing chain cover leaking. Hopefully, it will remain a minor issue, but there are concerns that it will become more common as the 2GR-FKS ages.
Symptoms of a Toyota 3.5 V6 Oil Leak
Oil leak symptoms are straightforward. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for the following indicators that the 2GR-FKS is leaking oil:
- Visible dripping
- The odor of burning oil
- Engine compartment smoke
A visible leak is an obvious red flag. If you notice oil spots on the ground after parking for a while, there may be an oil leak somewhere. Otherwise, you might notice oil leaks or stains in the engine compartment. If oil is dripping onto hot components and burning off, it may emit burning oil odors and/or light smoke.
The cam sensor bolt hole and timing chain cover were previously mentioned as two notable areas where 2GR-FKS oil leaks occur. Other common sources of oil leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and main seals. These leaks do not appear to be as common yet, but they are more likely to develop north of 150,000 miles.
Repair 2GR Timing Chain Cover Oil Leak
The Toyota Tacoma in the video above has a timing chain cover oil leak. There are also some useful details on why this is such a significant and concerning oil leak. Accessing the timing cover to repair the oil leak can take 8-10 hours. Depending on where you live, labor costs can easily exceed $800.
Fortunately, oil leak repair parts are frequently inexpensive gaskets and seals that cost between $10 and $30. However, labor costs for intensive jobs like the timing chain cover can quickly add up.
3) Failures of the 2GR-FKS Engine
To save time, we’ll move through this section quickly. For one thing, this affects so few Toyota 2GR-FKS problems that it may not be worth mentioning. Complete engine failure is also a significant issue. Those who face problems like this are likely to vent their frustrations in a variety of ways. This has the potential to exaggerate uncommon 2GR-FKS issues.
In any case, engine failures are most common in Toyota Tacomas. They appear to be caused by the connecting rods and bearings on cylinders 5 and 6. One major conclusion is that the 2GR-FKS does not perform well on steep slopes (think off-roading and not necessarily standard paved mountain roads).
This can cause concerns for those who want to use the 2GR-FKS engine’s performance. Oiling problems can also be caused by hard braking and acceleration around long, high-speed corners. The point is that it raises concerns about tracking the 2GR-FKS or driving in other extreme circumstances. It’s likely a moot point for most, but it’s worth considering. A new engine will be required if the engine completely fails. Depending on how the engine is obtained, this can result in repair bills ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. That’s not good.
Toyota 2GR-FKS Trustworthiness
Is the Toyota 2GR-FKS a dependable vehicle? Yes, we believe this engine is more reliable than average. Toyota is well-known for its dependability and longevity. Despite being more complex than many previous Toyota engines, the 2GR-FKS is extremely reliable. We’re talking about the GR engine family, which was introduced in 2002. Many previous issues were addressed with updated parts with the release of the 2GR-FKS.
Because of the high cost of repairs, oil leaks from the timing chain cover may be cause for concern. However, it is still a small number and not a widespread issue. The same can be said for the HPFP and engine failure issues. We don’t believe any of these issues are even remotely common enough to warrant concern.
Maintenance is essential for the 2GR-FKS, as it is for any other ICE. Use high-quality oils, change fluids on schedule, and address issues as they arise. If you do this, the 2GR-FKS will provide exceptional reliability for the vast majority of users. Despite their youth, a number of engines have already exceeded 250,000 miles with few or no problems.
Finally, the 2GR-FKS engine strikes an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and dependability. If you keep up with maintenance, you should have a long and dependable relationship with the 3.5L V6.
