2018 TOYOTA CENTURY

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi or 8-12 years regardless of miles

Symptoms: reduced fuel economy, warning lights on dash, sluggish acceleration, refusal to enter EV mode, battery cooling fan running excessively

Fix: HV battery replacement requires dealer involvement due to specialized diagnostic equipment and calibration. Many owners experience degradation from low usage patterns (short trips, long storage). 6-8 labor hours for R&R plus mandatory system recalibration.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid spots under vehicle, low fluid level warnings, slight transmission slip or delayed engagement, visible fluid weeping at cooler connections

Fix: The cooler lines and fittings develop seepage at the crimped connections. Not a catastrophic failure but needs attention before fluid loss causes transmission damage. Requires lifting vehicle and sometimes removing undertrays. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: cold-start ticking or rattling from valve covers, noise subsides after warmup, occasionally triggers check engine light for cam timing, noise increases with extended oil change intervals

Fix: The 2UR-FSE is generally solid, but lifters can develop noise from oil quality issues or infrequent oil changes (common on chauffeur-driven cars with low annual miles). Single lifter replacement is 8-10 hours due to tight engine bay. Full set runs 18-22 hours. Many techs recommend running high-quality 0W-20 and shorter intervals (5k mi) to prevent.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000 single side, $6,500-9,000 complete

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: vehicle sits low at one corner or all corners after sitting, compressor runs constantly, suspension warning light, rough ride quality, compressor noise audible from rear

Fix: The air suspension system uses components shared with Lexus LS but with Century-specific calibration. Compressor rebuilds aren't available—replacement only. Struts leak from age and seal degradation. Compressor replacement is 3-4 hours; single strut is 2-3 hours.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500 compressor, $1,800-2,800 per strut

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: vibration at idle that worsens with RPM, visible wobble of balancer/pulley, serpentine belt wear or tracking issues, rubber separation visible on balancer

Fix: The 2UR-FSE balancer uses a rubber isolation ring that can separate or deteriorate, especially in hot climates. If it fails completely, can damage front main seal, timing cover, or accessories. Replacement requires serpentine belt removal and special puller/installer tools. 3-4 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: rough idle, hesitation on light throttle, reduced fuel economy, occasional misfire codes, sluggish response from stop

Fix: Direct injection engines accumulate intake valve carbon since fuel doesn't wash valves. Centuries often see short-trip duty cycles which accelerates buildup. Walnut blasting service required—intake manifold removal, 4-6 hours labor. Preventive maintenance every 60k recommended.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000