The 2023 Toyota Century is essentially a refreshed continuation of the GXXX platform that debuted in 2018, pairing a 5.0L 2UR-FSE V8 with Toyota's hybrid system. As a hand-built, ultra-luxury flagship sold primarily in Japan, it's rare in Western markets, but the drivetrain shares DNA with the LS 600h and previous-gen Century—known more for complexity than bulletproof reliability.
Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Wear
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-5 seconds from front of engine, Chain slap noise under acceleration, Check engine light with VVT-i codes (P0016, P0018)
Fix: Full timing chain service: both chains, tensioners, guides, VVT gears. Engine-out or very tight in-chassis work. 16-22 hours labor depending on shop access to Century-specific tooling.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Hydraulic Lifter Tick and Eventual Collapse
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Persistent ticking from valve covers, especially on cold start, Noise increases with extended oil change intervals, Rough idle or misfire if lifter fully collapses
Fix: Lifter replacement requires cam removal. If caught early, single-bank service runs 10-14 hours; if multiple lifters across both banks fail, figure 18-24 hours plus machine shop time if cam lobes show scoring. Use only OEM lifters.
Estimated cost: $3,200-6,000
Hybrid Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink ATF puddle under front-center of vehicle, Transmission temperature warning on dash, Loss of hybrid assist or limp mode if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Cooler lines corrode at crimped fittings or where they pass frame rails. Replacement involves dropping front subframe for access. 6-9 hours labor, plus full CVT fluid flush.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Harmonic Balancer Rubber Deterioration
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration at idle that smooths out above 1,500 RPM, Visible wobble or separation rings on balancer face, Serpentine belt misalignment or unusual wear pattern
Fix: Front-mounted balancer requires accessory belt removal and pulley puller. Straightforward 3-4 hour job. Critical: use OEM part—aftermarket balancers on this V8 hybrid cause pulley misalignment with the hybrid motor-generator.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Head Gasket Weepage (Multi-Layer Steel Design)
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: External oil seepage at head-to-block junction, rear bank especially, Slight coolant consumption without visible external leaks, No overheating or milky oil in early stages
Fix: 2UR-FSE uses multi-layer steel gaskets that can weep externally before catastrophic failure. Head removal requires timing chain service, so bundle the work. 24-32 hours for both banks, plus machine shop inspection. Rare but expensive when it happens.
Estimated cost: $7,000-11,000
Transmission Mount Hydraulic Fluid Loss
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on D-to-R or R-to-D shift engagement, Excessive drivetrain movement visible from engine bay during throttle blip, Vibration at idle in Drive with foot on brake
Fix: Hydraulic mounts lose damping fluid over time. Front and rear mounts both prone. Each mount takes 2-3 hours due to Century's air suspension and subframe complexity. Replace in pairs for best results.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
If you can find one and afford the specialty labor, it's a magnificent hand-built machine—but treat it like a high-maintenance exotic, not a Camry in a tuxedo.
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.