The 4 Worst Engines Toyota Ever Put in Their Cars
Toyota has built a reputation for itself as a carmaker that makes some of the most reliable engines in the world. However, not every engine that gets dropped into a Toyota is great. Unfortunately, there have been several that have been downright awful. They might have been problematic, unreliable, or just expensive to maintain for one reason or another. Whatever the case may be, these are the four worst engines Toyota ever put in its vehicles.
1. 1ZZ-FE 1.8-Liter Inline-Four Engine
The first engine on the list is the 1ZZ-FE. It was widely used in cars like the Toyota Corolla and Celica, but it had serious flaws. One of the biggest issues was excessive oil consumption, which often led to engine failure. Toyota attempted to fix the problem with revised piston designs, but many owners still faced oil-related breakdowns. Another common issue was weak connecting rods, making the engine prone to failure under high stress. The 1ZZ-FE also suffered from premature piston ring wear, reducing compression and leading to loss of power.
2. 7M-GTE 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six Engine
Toyota’s Supra MK3 was a car many enthusiasts pined after, but the vehicle’s engine just wasn’t all that great. The 7M-GTE was powerful but plagued by one major flaw: head gasket failure. Toyota’s decision to use a low-torque spec for the head bolts led to widespread gasket blowouts. Owners frequently had to replace head gaskets and even resurface cylinder heads due to warping. Another issue was the engine’s tendency to overheat, especially in high-performance applications. Oil leaks were also common, particularly from the front main seal and valve covers.
3. 2AZ-FE 2.4-Liter Inline-Four Engine
When you Google some of the worst Toyota engines in existence, most people complain about the 2AZ-FE. It was used in models like the Toyota Camry and RAV4. Over time, it became infamous for excessive oil burning. Poor piston ring design caused the engine to consume oil at an alarming rate, leading to frequent top-offs or complete failure. Many owners reported running low on oil between changes, sometimes resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Another weak point was the head bolts, which had a tendency to strip out of the aluminum block, making repairs costly. The 2AZ-FE was also known for water pump failures and timing chain tensioner issues. There’s no wonder it’s gained such a bad reputation!
4. 3VZ-E 3.0-Liter V6 Engine
Last but not least, you have the 3VZ-E. This engine was found in Toyota trucks and SUVs and was notorious for its poor design and lackluster performance. One of its biggest issues was the head gasket, which was prone to failure due to poor cooling system design. Many owners faced expensive repairs, as head gasket replacements were labor-intensive. The engine also had a heavy iron block paired with an aluminum head, causing expansion rate differences that led to warping. Another flaw was its sluggish power delivery, making it underwhelming for a V6 engine.
Toyota’s Rare Missteps in Engineering
It’s easy to say that Toyota doesn’t fall short very often when it comes to the engineering of their cars, but nobody is perfect! While the automaker is known for making some of the most reliable engines in the world, these four missed the mark. If you were to buy a used Toyota, it’d be in your best interest to steer clear of any that might have these engines under the hood, especially the 2AZ-FE. Your choice in engine will come back to haunt you, so choose wisely!
Read More
Shaky Steering Wheel? It’s Probably One of These 3 Problems
5 Cheapest New Cars You Can Get in 2025
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.