The 2020 Century is Toyota's ultra-luxury flagship with the 5.0L 2UR-FSE hybrid V8—rare in North America but known for robust engineering. Most issues stem from the complex hybrid system, aging V8 internals on higher-mileage examples, and specialized parts availability rather than fundamental design flaws.
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid pooling under front of vehicle, Transmission temperature warning on dash, Slipping or delayed shifts when fluid level drops
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and lines, flush system. 4-6 hours labor due to tight packaging around hybrid components and need to access from underneath. Genuine Toyota parts strongly recommended.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Wear
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 2-3 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0018), Rough idle or misfire at startup, Metal shavings in oil at changes
Fix: Replace timing chains, guides, tensioners on both banks. Often reveals worn cam phasers requiring replacement. 18-24 hours labor—engine doesn't need to come out but requires removing front accessories, radiator, and valve covers. Critical to prevent catastrophic failure.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Hydraulic Valve Lifter Noise and Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping from valve covers that increases with RPM, Noise present hot or cold, doesn't go away after warmup, Occasional misfire codes if lifter collapses completely, Loss of power under acceleration
Fix: Replace affected lifters—may be single cylinder or entire bank depending on extent. Requires valve cover removal and camshaft R&R for access. 8-14 hours labor. Smart to inspect cam lobes and replace if scored. Oil change history matters here—neglected oil causes premature wear.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,800
Hybrid Battery Cooling System Issues
Rare · high severitySymptoms: Hybrid system warning light with reduced power mode, Error codes related to battery temperature (P0A93, P3009), Reduced fuel economy and sluggish hybrid assist, Battery fans running constantly or not at all
Fix: Inspect and clean hybrid battery cooling fan filters (often clogged), test cooling fans, check refrigerant in battery cooling loop. If battery overheats repeatedly, individual cell modules may need replacement. Diagnosis 2-3 hours, repair varies widely—filter cleaning is $200, battery module replacement requires dealer involvement and can exceed $8,000.
Estimated cost: $200-9,500
Harmonic Balancer Deterioration
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Visible wobble on front crank pulley at idle, Rumbling vibration at specific RPM ranges (1,500-2,000), Serpentine belt wear or tracking issues, Rubber separating from outer ring—look for black dust around pulley
Fix: Replace harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley assembly. Requires special puller tool and careful installation to avoid damaging crankshaft seal. 3-4 hours labor. Use OEM part—aftermarket failures common on this engine.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Degradation
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through cabin at idle in Drive, Excessive drivetrain movement visible when revving in Park, Lurching sensation during acceleration
Fix: Replace transmission mounts—usually front and rear. Hybrid transaxle is heavy, mounts wear faster than conventional transmissions. Requires supporting drivetrain during removal. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Buy only with complete service history showing hybrid system maintenance and evidence of frequent oil changes—mechanically solid but parts scarcity and hybrid complexity make neglected examples expensive gambles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.