What year did Toyota stop using timing belts?
There isn’t a single calendar year when Toyota stopped using timing belts across its lineup. The transition happened gradually as engineers replaced belt-driven designs with timing chains, and by the late 2000s to early 2010s most mainstream Toyota engines used timing chains. In short, the shift occurred over a period rather than in one year.
Timeline of the transition
The following timeline outlines how the switch unfolded across Toyota's engine families as new designs arrived.
- Late 1990s: Toyota began widely adopting timing chains in new engines, moving away from belts in many designs.
- Early to mid-2000s: New engine families and platforms increasingly used timing chains, reducing the number of belt-driven models.
- Mid- to late-2000s: Timing chains became standard in most new Toyota gasoline engines sold globally.
- 2010s to present: Virtually all mainstream Toyota engines use timing chains; timing belts remain only in a small minority of niche or older designs.
In summary, there is no single year that marks the end of timing belts in Toyota vehicles; the change occurred gradually across model generations and regions.
Why timing chains are favored over belts
The switch from timing belts to timing chains was driven by durability, maintenance considerations, and engine design constraints.
- Durability and longer service life: Chains generally last longer than belts and typically do not require regular replacement as part of routine maintenance.
- Lower maintenance burden: With chains, there is no periodic belt change interval; owners face fewer scheduled maintenance items related to timing.
- Engine packaging and performance: Chains enable different engine designs and layouts that suit compact, high-output engines without belt routing limitations.
- Repair considerations: When wear occurs, service often targets tensioners, guides, or the chain rather than replacing an entire belt, which can affect service costs.
For most drivers, these factors mean fewer belt-change events and a greater likelihood of trouble-free operation over the life of the vehicle, assuming routine maintenance is kept.
What this means for buyers and owners
Whether you're shopping for a used Toyota or maintaining a newer model, understanding whether your engine uses a timing chain or belt is important for maintenance planning and potential repair costs.
- Check the model-year and engine designation to determine if the engine uses a timing chain or belt; most recent Toyotas use chains.
- Refer to the owner's manual or dealership service department for the recommended maintenance and replacement intervals.
- Be aware that even timing chains can require service if tensioners or guides wear out; this is less common than belt failures but still important.
Ultimately, this shift toward timing chains reduces the likelihood of belt-related failures and is a key reason why modern Toyotas tend to require less frequent timing-related maintenance.
Summary
Toyota did not declare a single year to stop using timing belts. The move away from belts happened gradually, beginning in the late 1990s and becoming standard across most models by the 2010s. Today, timing chains are the norm in almost all new Toyota gasoline engines, with belts limited to a few older or niche configurations.
