Jump LinksToyota's V8 Reigns SupremeThe Recipe For LongevityCracked Exhaust ManifoldsOil LeaksSensitive To OverheatingOther Minor Or Common ComplaintsThe Toyota V8 Is Still RelevantToyota is known to build some of the longest-lasting and most reliable engines in the business. Introduced in the 1990s, the 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE V8 was engineered to be an engine that would outlast all others while delivering smooth and reliable power. The 2UZ is not the turbocharged iForce V6 that came in later-model Toyota SUVs like the Sequoia, but it is certainly a legend in its own right. Toyota's philosophy of overbuilt strength and reliable simplicity created an engine that would go the distance. Read on to discover why the 2UZ-FE is considered by many to be Toyota's most reliable engine of all time.Not all 2UZ-FE powered Toyota's will achieve the high miles discussed in this article. High miles require a strict and regular preventative maintenance routine. If your Toyota is experiencing any of the common issues listed below, it is advisable to have a qualified technician inspect and diagnose your vehicle for an accurate repair. The Most Reliable Toyota Engine Is The 2UZ-FE Toyota's V8 Reigns Supreme Toyota The 2UZ-FE, 4.7-liter dual overhead cam Toyota V8 handily won the title for the most reliable Toyota engine of all time. The decision wasn't made without the careful consideration of some of the other longest-lasting Toyota engines available, like the mega-popular 2JZ in-line six-cylinder, or the stalwart 2GR-FE V6 engines. In the mid 1990s, Toyota needed a robust V8 engine that could power its expanding line of full-size trucks and SUVs and be competitive amongst all major players in the American half-ton pickup truck segment, like the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado. This engine was the second addition to the UZ family of engines, and it was built for high torque and longevity, and it excelled at both.Toyota The 2UZ-FE earns its legendary status for good reasons. Its simple construction, conservative tuning, and use of high-quality materials lend to exceptional longevity with far fewer failures, especially catastrophic ones. The 2UZ has a proven track record with many examples achieving 300,000 plus miles. Some owners have even documented over 1,000,000 miles on their 2UZ-powered vehicles. Victor Sheppard is one such owner who famously achieved one million miles with this 2UZ-FE powered 2007 Toyota Tundra. Further, I See Cars conducted a study in 2013 of the longest lasting vehicles. It analyzed almost 400 million vehicles to determine which ones were most likely to continue operating to at least 250,000 miles. The Toyota Sequoia came out on top with a 39.1% chance of lasting to 250,000 miles. The website continues to say that the average car has only a 4.8% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. Overbuilt For Work The Recipe For Longevity ToyotaThe 2UZ-FE is comprised of a 90-degree cast iron block for increased strength and durability to achieve the stratospherically high miles that this bullet-proof V8 is known for. Oversquare, it has a cylinder bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 84 mm (3.70 in x 3.31 in). The 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE was designed exclusively for use in trucks and SUVs as it emphasized low rpm torque and durability. Robust construction didn't stop at the block - the crankshaft is forged steel, with sintered connected rods. The sintering process is known to make some of the most indestructible components that can handle high amounts of heat, and have a controlled amount of porosity for their given application.The 4.7-liter is topped off with a pair of aluminum cylinder heads to help keep the weight down and dissipate heat. It also used a dual overhead camshaft design with four valves per cylinder and multi-port fuel injection. Earlier versions lacked any kind of variable valve timing, but in 2005, the 4.7-liter was upgraded with cam phasing, known as Toyota's VVT-i or Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent. These variants with VVT-i are rated for more horsepower and torque, as the variable valve timing optimizes cylinder volumetric efficiency across a broader rpm range by adjusting valve overlap and valve timing. Common Issues For The 2UZ-FE Cracked Exhaust Manifolds Cracked exhaust (Source: CantLetHerDieDIY/YouTube) Some owners have experienced cracked exhaust manifolds. This is common on many vehicles as the exhaust manifolds are exposed to intense heat, cold temperatures, and the outside elements. After countless heat cycles, the manifolds can develop hairline cracks. Generally, ticking, or exhaust leak noises can be heard from under the hood. In some cases, the smell of exhaust can even enter the cabin of the truck or SUV. The ticking is worse when the manifolds are cold, and will often quiet down some after the manifold has warmed and expanded, shrinking the crack(s). Oil Leaks Bring a Trailer Some of these engines have been known to leak oil. The most notorious leaks are found around the valve covers and the camshaft seals. Over time and high miles, engine seals and gaskets can dry out, or get brittle from heat cycles and deterioration due to oil and age. It is fairly common on most high-mileage engines. You may see oil dripping on the ground, and you may also smell burning oil if it's leaking onto the exhaust in any way. In some cases, you may have fouled spark plugs or even a misfire. To help combat oil leaking all over the engine, or your garage floor, it's wise to keep the engine's PCV system in good working order and to replace leaking gaskets at the first sign of oil leakage. Sensitive To Overheating Traffic Cameras YouTube Channel For as rugged and durable as the 2UZ-FE V8 is, it does not like overheating, and it's sensitive about the type of coolant that it uses. It's important to keep an eye out on the higher mileage vehicles for things like bad coolant hoses, any kind of valve, or 'T' coolant connection for cranks, and to use the proper coolant (Toyota Red Coolant). Issues like these and the wrong type of coolant may cause larger problems. Other Minor Or Common Complaints According to the NHTSA website, Toyota has no recalls that are directly related to the 2UZ-FE engine itself. However, some recalls were made for the models that the engine is used in. Otherwise, some owners have complained about the location of the starter, which is found in the valley of the engine. This location makes replacing the starter either difficult for the DIYer or expensive to replace at a shop due to the labor-intensive nature of its replacement. Owners have also mentioned the need to periodically check the valve lash, as they are known to get out specification. A Lasting Legacy The Toyota V8 Is Still Relevant 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra Front EndModern full-size truck and SUV engines have gotten smaller. But thanks to the mass adoption of turbocharging, these engines are able to put down some pretty impressive performance figures considering their size. However, these small powerhouses are highly complex and generate a ton of heat, again thanks to their turbocharged characteristics. The 2UZ-FE is quite the opposite. It's big, simple, and naturally aspirated. It lives a low-stress life, because it doesn't have to work too hard to motivate a full-size truck or heavy SUV around. The 2UZ-FE was designed and built before the auto industry prioritized turbochargers over cubic inches in the name of weight savings and fuel economy. Its simplicity, conservative tuning, and stout construction allow it to faithfully serve for literally hundreds of thousands of miles without too much trouble.As late model engines chase the paradox of both high performance and fuel efficiency from one engine, the end result is often a shortened lifespan and/or a busy maintenance and repair schedule. Although not as efficient or technologically advanced as late model engines, the 2UZ-FE is one of the best Toyota engines, embodying thoughtful design, deliberate material selection, and a quality engineering processes. For these reasons, the 2UZ still holds its own against newer engines. It's no secret why these older Toyota trucks and SUVs hold their value so well - even appreciating in some cases. Engines like the legendary 2UZ-FE were built to outlast the competition, turbochargers or not."Our goal was to make the best quality we could. I don't think a million miles ever crossed our minds, at least not mine"- Shane Perry, Production Group Leader, Toyota