Does the Lexus 350 have a timing belt or chain?
It uses a timing chain.
Most Lexus 350 variants—such as IS 350, ES 350, RX 350, and GS 350—employ a 3.5-liter V6 that is driven by a timing chain rather than a belt. This design typically lasts the life of the engine and does not require the periodic belt changes that many older engines do. The following explains what that means for drivers today, across common 350 models and model years.
How the timing system works in the 350 lineup
The 3.5L V6 engines used in many Lexus 350 models rely on a durable timing chain to synchronize the camshafts with the crankshaft. The chain is paired with hydraulic or mechanical tensioners and guides to reduce noise and wear. In recent generations, Lexus has continued to use chain-driven timing, which is designed for longevity and reduced maintenance compared with belts.
Models typically equipped with a chain-driven 3.5L V6
The following widely sold Lexus 350 variants commonly use the 3.5L V6 with a timing chain. Note that some model lines also carry 350 branding with different engines (like NX 350 with a 2.4L turbo), but chain timing remains the norm in modern Lexus powertrains.
- IS 350
- ES 350
- RX 350
- GS 350
In practice, these engines are known for a long chain life compared with belt-driven architectures, with maintenance focused on tensioners and guides as needed rather than regular replacement intervals.
Maintenance implications and signs of wear
Because the chain is designed to last, there is no routine replacement interval like a timing belt. Nevertheless, a chain can wear, stretch, or fail if components such as timing chain guides and tensioners wear out. Symptoms can include chain rattle at startup, rough idle, or codes related to cam timing. If your vehicle is high-mileage, a mechanic should inspect the timing chain system during major service alongside water pump and related seals, particularly if the water pump is driven by the chain on your engine.
What to check if you’re buying a used Lexus 350
When evaluating a used ES 350, RX 350, or IS 350, request service records for timing system components, listen for any chain rattle on cold starts, and have the chain tensioners and guides inspected as part of a pre-purchase inspection. A healthy chain can last well beyond 100k miles, but wear varies by maintenance history.
Bottom line for owners
The typical answer for most Lexus 350 models is straightforward: timing chain, not a timing belt. This matches the brand's approach to long-lived, low-maintenance powertrains in the 3.5L V6 lineup and the chain-driven modern engines across the range. Verify your exact model/year to be certain, since some late-generation 350-branded models may use different engines (e.g., 2.4L turbo in NX 350) that also rely on timing chains.
Summary
In short: Most Lexus 350s use a timing chain rather than a timing belt, offering durability and fewer maintenance requirements over the life of the engine. Always confirm the exact engine in your model/year with official documentation or a dealer, especially for NX 350 and other variants where branding can differ from the V6 3.5L archetype.
What year to avoid Lexus RX 350 used?
You should generally avoid the 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017 model years of the Lexus RX 350 due to common issues like oil leaks, engine problems, and transmission issues. The 2007 and 2008 models are flagged for oil leaks and cracking dashboards, while the 2010 has known engine and rattling door problems. The 2016 and 2017 models are associated with transmission and oil leak issues.
This video discusses Lexus RX models to avoid and their issues: 1mThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 18, 2024
Specific years to avoid
- 2007: Notorious for cracking dashboards and oil leaks.
- 2008: Did not see significant reliability improvements over 2007 and has reported issues with steering and oil leaks.
- 2010: Faced common engine and body integrity issues, including rattling doors.
- 2016: The first year of the fourth generation, it had issues with transmission problems and oil leaks.
- 2017: Another year to approach with caution due to transmission and oil leak problems.
Other considerations
- VVT-i oil line issue: A faulty VVT-i oil line can cause engine failure and is a problem seen in many models from 2007-2015, according to CarParts.com.
- First-year models: As a general rule, it's often best to avoid the first year of a new generation, which can have bugs that are worked out in later years.
- Reliable years: Some recommended, more reliable years include 2011–2015, 2018, and 2019.
Does the Lexus 3.5 v6 have a chain or belt?
The 3.5 uses a chain. The 3.3 in the rx330 uses a belt as does the rx400.
Does a Lexus ES 350 have a timing belt or chain?
That vehicle has a timing chain and not a belt. The chain is designed to last for the life of the engine.
Does a Lexus RX 350 have a timing belt or timing chain?
The Lexus RX 350 uses a timing chain, not a timing belt, for its engine. This means it does not have a scheduled replacement interval like a timing belt does and typically lasts for the life of the engine unless there is a problem. Some older models, like the Lexus RX 330, did use timing belts.
This video demonstrates how to identify if your car has a timing belt or a timing chain: 50sYourCarAngelYouTube · Jul 16, 2014
- No scheduled replacement: A timing chain does not require regular replacement at specific mileage intervals.
- Engine durability: The timing chain is designed to last the life of the engine, as long as the engine is properly maintained with regular oil changes.
- Symptoms of a failing chain: If the chain stretches or has an issue, you may notice a check engine light, excessive noise from the timing cover, or the engine may not start.
- Older models: It's important to note that some older models, such as the Lexus RX 330, did use timing belts. The RX 350 uses a timing chain.
