The 2024 Century is essentially a refreshed luxury flagship built on proven V8 hybrid tech from the LS 600h platform. Too new for widespread pattern failures, but the 2UR-FSE hybrid powertrain has a 15+ year track record we can draw from.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink/red fluid pooling under front of vehicle, Transmission temperature warning on cluster, Burnt smell from trans fluid hitting exhaust
Fix: Replace cooler lines and flush system. 3-4 hours labor. Lines corrode where they meet the cooler at the radiator—common Toyota hybrid trans weakness.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
VVT-i Cam Gear Rattle on Cold Start
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding/rattling from valve covers for 2-5 seconds after cold start, Noise disappears once oil pressure builds, Check engine light with P0016/P0018 cam correlation codes
Fix: Replace VVT-i cam gears and timing chain tensioners. 8-10 hours labor per bank if doing both sides. Oil starvation wears the gear actuators—seen this on every 2UR variant.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Hybrid system warning light with reduced power, Battery overheating warnings in hot weather, Fan no longer audible from rear seat area during hybrid operation
Fix: Replace hybrid battery cooling fan assembly under rear seat. 2-3 hours labor. Fan motor seizes, battery pack overheats, system derates to protect cells.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, especially when cold, Misfires under light acceleration (P0300-P0308 codes), Reduced fuel economy and hesitation
Fix: Walnut shell blast intake valves. 6-8 hours labor to remove intake manifold and clean all 8 cylinders. DI engines with no port injection get crusty—preventable with frequent Italian tuneups.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Inverter Coolant Pump Whine
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: High-pitched whine from engine bay during hybrid operation, Hybrid system warning with inverter overtemp codes, Loss of electric-only drive capability
Fix: Replace inverter coolant pump. 4-5 hours labor—pump is buried under intake components. Bearings fail, inverter can't cool, hybrid system shuts down to prevent damage.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200
Air Suspension Compressor Relay Failure
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Vehicle sits low on one or more corners after sitting overnight, Suspension warning light on dash, Compressor runs continuously or not at all
Fix: Replace air suspension compressor relay and inspect compressor. 1-2 hours diagnosis and repair. Relay sticks closed, compressor overheats or won't activate. Common Toyota air-ride issue across platforms.
Estimated cost: $300-700
Too early for real-world failure data, but if it follows the LS 600h pattern: reliable long-term if you stay ahead of hybrid cooling system maintenance and accept that the 2UR needs carbon cleanings.
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.