1991 LEXUS ES 250

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rapid oil consumption between changes, Ticking or knocking from the top end that progresses to rod knock, Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Metal shavings in oil filter during changes, Complete engine seizure in severe cases

Fix: The 2VZ-FE is notorious for sludge accumulation in the heads and oil passages even with regular maintenance. Once bearing damage occurs, you're looking at minimum 18-25 labor hours for a complete engine rebuild including new pistons, rings, bearings, and head gaskets. Many shops recommend sourcing a low-mileage JDM replacement engine instead (8-12 hours swap time).

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under the front of the car, Pink or red fluid mixing with coolant in overflow tank, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after cooling system contamination, Sweet smell from antifreeze mixed with ATF

Fix: The steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to the radiator. If ATF mixes with coolant, the transmission is often damaged beyond economical repair. Caught early, replace both cooler lines and flush the system (2.5-3.5 hours). If cross-contamination occurred, add transmission rebuild costs.

Estimated cost: $350-800

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from under the hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle that improves when in neutral, Transmission tunnel vibration under moderate acceleration

Fix: The rear transmission mount turns to mush and the hydraulic front mount leaks fluid. Both should be replaced together. Straightforward job once you support the powertrain properly (2.5-3 hours total for both mounts).

Estimated cost: $400-650

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no spark, Intermittent stalling while driving, especially when hot, Tachometer drops to zero while engine dies, No codes stored in early OBD-I system on many failures

Fix: Located behind the crank pulley, requires timing belt removal for access. Often fails intermittently before dying completely. Smart to replace during timing belt service as preventive maintenance (adds 0.5 hours to timing belt job, or 3-4 hours standalone).

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Groaning or whining noise during slow-speed turns, especially when cold, Power steering fluid leaking from pump shaft seal, Intermittent heavy steering effort, Fluid appears dark or smells burnt

Fix: The pump develops internal wear and the shaft seal fails. Rebuilds aren't reliable long-term on these units. Replace with a remanufactured pump and flush the system (2-2.5 hours). Check the rack for leaks while you're diagnosing—they often go together.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi

Symptoms: Rough idle that smooths out at higher RPM, Fuel smell in the engine bay, especially after sitting, Hard starting when hot, Check engine light with lean codes, Visible fuel weeping at injector bases

Fix: The rubber o-rings and grommets on the injectors crack and fail. Often accompanied by intake manifold gasket leaks. Remove upper intake plenum, replace all injector seals, and inspect manifold gaskets (4-5 hours). Good time to have injectors flow-tested or replaced if high mileage.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200