The 2018 Toyota Crown is generally reliable with Toyota's proven hybrid and turbo powertrains, but the 2.0L turbo 8AR-FTS engine has documented issues with carbon buildup and timing components, while transmission oil coolers can fail across all variants.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant creating milky appearance, Transmission slipping or rough shifts, Overheating transmission, Pink or red coolant in expansion tank
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both transmission and cooling system. Requires removal of front components for access. 4-6 hours labor depending on accessibility and extent of contamination damage.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
8AR-FTS Turbo Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and misfires, Loss of power especially on acceleration, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Increased fuel consumption
Fix: Direct injection engines without port injection suffer carbon buildup. Requires walnut blasting intake valves with manifold removal. 5-7 hours labor for proper cleaning.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
8AR-FTS Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that goes away when warm, Check engine light with timing correlation codes, Rough running, Metallic ticking from front of engine
Fix: Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, and both VVT gears. Also replace cam phasers if codes present. Front engine work requiring significant disassembly. 10-14 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Hybrid System Inverter Cooling Pump Failure (2.5L and 3.5L Hybrid)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Hybrid system warning light, Reduced power mode, Overheating warnings with no engine temperature issue, Complete shutdown in severe cases
Fix: Replace hybrid inverter coolant pump and flush system. Pump is electric and separate from engine cooling. 3-4 hours labor with proper hybrid system precautions.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 65,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle especially with AC on, Excessive engine movement visible from engine bay
Fix: Replace worn transmission mount. Common wear item on this platform due to weight distribution. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
8AR-FTS High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Hard starting or no start, Loss of power under load, Fuel pressure codes, Rough running especially when cold
Fix: Replace high pressure fuel pump mounted on engine. Turbo direct injection requires very high fuel pressure. 3-4 hours labor including fuel system depressurization.
Estimated cost: $1,100-1,800
Buy the hybrid variants with confidence for 200k+ miles; approach the 2.0L turbo cautiously and budget for carbon cleaning and potential timing chain work.
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.