This app is in testing and development. The information is indicative and may be inaccurate, so check it with a workshop.
VIN Service Planner
Faults and service for this model with this engine

Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR)

Petrol · 2012–2018

4
known faults
16.1 %
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Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.

All about the Toyota RAV4 (XA40)All about the 1.33 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine

The 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine was fitted to the Toyota RAV4 (XA40) (2012–2018). In the EU that is 16.1 % of all new cars of this generation.

Versions: 2.0 151 hp, 2.0 152 hp.

The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch at high mileage: it usually appears at 130,000–250,000 km and costs €500–1,100 to fix.

Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)

✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.

Water pump leak or whine

usually 50,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Coolant level drops, pink crust or wet spot under the pump, whine from the accessory side; ignored it can overheat the engine

Fix: Replace the water pump and refill with Toyota long-life coolant; check the coolant level at every oil change

€200–450

Timing chain stretch at high mileage

usually 130,000–250,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Rattle from the chain side, timing correlation fault codes

Fix: Replace chain, tensioner, guides and, if worn, the VVT gears together

€500–1,100

Valvematic controller / actuator faults (FAE engines)

usually 100,000–220,000 km · Wear part
engine codes: 1ZR-FAE, 2ZR-FAE, 3ZR-FAE

Signs: Engine light, Valvematic fault codes, rough idle or limp mode, rarely the engine stalls

Fix: Read the codes, check wiring and the Valvematic control unit; replace the actuator or control unit if faulty

€300–900

Unstable idle from dirty throttle body / intake carbon

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Hunting or uneven idle, occasional stalling, mostly on gently driven cars

Fix: Clean the throttle body and intake, then run the idle relearn

€50–200

Gearboxes

Manual

Clutch wear

usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Slipping, high bite point

Fix: Replace clutch kit

€500–900

Dual-mass flywheel

usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away

Fix: Replace with clutch

€700–1,400

Automatic (torque converter)

Torque converter / valve body

usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts

Fix: Fluid service, repair

€300–2,500

Service plan for this engine

Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.

Intervals and typical prices for the Toyota RAV4 (XA40) with the 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.

ItemIntervalTypical price
Engine oil + oil filterEngineevery 15,000 km or every 12 months€70–150
Cabin (pollen) filterClimateevery 15,000 km or every 12 months€15–40
Brake fluidBrakesevery 24 months€50–95
A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climateevery 24 months€70–150
Air filterEngineevery 30,000 km or every 24 months€15–45
Spark plugsIgnitionevery 60,000 km or every 48 months€50–160
Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngineevery 120,000 km€70–180
Coolant replacementCoolingevery 150,000 km or every 96 months€70–150
Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engineevery 150,000 km€0–120
Manual gearbox oilTransmissionevery 150,000 km€60–130
Front brake padsBrakesusually at 30,000–60,000 km€60–150
Front brake discs + padsBrakesusually at 60,000–120,000 km€150–320
Rear brake padsBrakesusually at 50,000–90,000 km€50–130
Tyres (set of 4)Wheelsusually at 40,000–60,000 km€320–700
Wiper bladesBodychecked at service€20–50
12V batteryElectricalchecked at service€100–220

Versions of this engine in the Toyota RAV4 (XA40)

VersionShareYearsCO₂Fuel use
2.0 Petrol1,987 cm³ · 111 kW (151 hp)8.6 %2013–2017163 g/km—
2.0 Petrol1,987 cm³ · 112 kW (152 hp)5.7 %2015–2017153 g/km—

Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.

Official recalls

Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (6). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.

  • Cooling There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak31/05/2021 · R/2021/104
  • Other The emergency calling system may not be enabled11/05/2019 · R/2019/122
  • Engine / loss of power Incorrect tightening torque was possibly applied during previous injector removal or replacement25/02/2019 · R/2018/378
  • Fuel system Possibility of a fuel leak01/02/2018 · R/2017/328
  • High voltage / charging Bolts on the exhaust side of the turbocharger assembly may be incorrectly tightened29/01/2018 · R/2017/329
  • Seat belt Seatbelt may not perform as designed11/04/2016 · R/2016/024

Common questions

What are the biggest risks of the Toyota RAV4 (XA40) with the 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine?

The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch at high mileage (130,000–250,000 km, €500–1,100); water pump leak or whine (50,000–160,000 km, €200–450).

Does the Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) have a timing belt or a chain?

Chain.

Which oil does the Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) need?

0W-20 / 5W-30 · API SN / ILSAC · ~4.2 L · every 15,000 km.

The same model with other engines

2.0 / 2.2 D-4D / D-CAT (Toyota 1AD / 2AD)2.5 Hybrid (M20A / A25A / 2AR)2.0d (BMW B47)

Other models with the 1.33 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 Dual VVT-i (Toyota NR / ZR) engine

Toyota Avensis (T27) 2009–2018Toyota Auris II 2012–2018Toyota Yaris II 2005–2011Toyota Auris I 2006–2012Toyota RAV4 (XA30) 2005–2012Toyota Verso 2009–2018Toyota Corolla (E170) 2013–2019

Sources and notes

Main sources for the faults of this engine:

Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →

Updated 29/10/2026