2019 TOYOTA CENTURY

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from valve train on cold start that may persist after warm-up, Check engine light with misfire codes (P030x series), Rough idle and loss of power in advanced cases

Fix: The 2UR-FSE is known for lifter wear, particularly on engines with extended oil change intervals or city driving. Single lifter replacement requires 8-10 hours due to cam removal; many techs recommend doing all lifters if multiple are noisy (18-22 hours). Includes timing chain inspection and valve adjustment. High parts cost due to Toyota OEM requirement for this engine.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 single lifter; $5,500-8,000 all lifters

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink or red fluid visible under vehicle after parking, Transmission temperature warning on dash during heavy use, Slightly delayed or harsh shifts when fluid is low

Fix: The hybrid CVT transmission uses an external cooler with rubber hose connections that deteriorate over time. Lines crack at crimp points or cooler itself develops pinhole leaks. Replacement requires dropping splash shields and sometimes front subframe for access. 4-6 hours labor plus fluid refill and system flush. Critical to address quickly as low ATF will damage expensive CVT.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Hybrid system warning light with reduced power mode, Loud grinding or rattling from rear seat area, Poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration, Battery temperature codes (P0A9C, P3008)

Fix: The traction battery cooling fan (located behind rear seat) accumulates dust and eventually seizes or motor fails. Without cooling, battery overheats and ECU limits hybrid assist. Replacement requires rear seat removal, interior trim disassembly, and recalibration. Toyota part only, no aftermarket. 5-7 hours labor. Preventive cleaning every 30k miles helps but fan failure is eventual.

Estimated cost: $2,000-3,200

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start for first 3-5 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Poor performance and fuel economy

Fix: 2UR-FSE timing chains can stretch with age, particularly with infrequent oil changes. Guides wear and tensioners lose effectiveness. Full timing chain job requires front engine disassembly, all three chains, guides, tensioners, and oil pump chain. 20-24 hours labor. While rare, this is catastrophic if chain jumps or breaks. Inspect during any head work.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Small oil seepage visible at head/block interface, Slight coolant smell or residue on driver's side head, No overheating or mixing of fluids in early stages

Fix: External head gasket weeping is not uncommon on high-mileage 2UR engines. Often discovered during other service. If not leaking into cylinders or losing coolant rapidly, can be monitored. Full head gasket job is 16-20 hours per side due to tight engine bay in Century and hybrid component removal. Many owners defer until gasket failure is confirmed internally. Single side can be done if leak is isolated.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,000 per side

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley at idle, Squealing or chirping from accessory belt area, Vibration felt through steering wheel and chassis at idle, Separation of rubber damper ring from outer pulley

Fix: The rubber damper in the harmonic balancer degrades over time and heat cycles. Outer ring separates or wobbles, causing belt misalignment and engine vibration. Can lead to accessory damage or belt failure. Replacement requires serpentine belt removal and specialty puller/installer. 3-4 hours labor. Critical to address before complete failure which can damage crank snout.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400