Which cars dont have timing belts?

In short, most modern cars do not use timing belts; they rely on timing chains instead. Chains generally last the life of the engine, while belts require periodic replacement. There are exceptions, especially on some smaller or budget engines, but the trend is clear: chain-driven timing is now the norm in new cars. This article explains which cars typically use timing chains and how to verify the setup for a specific vehicle.

Which cars typically avoid timing belts

Here are brands and engine families that are widely known for using timing chains in their current mainstream models. This reflects manufacturing trends in recent years, but always verify for your exact vehicle and engine code.

• Toyota and Lexus: Most modern gasoline engines in these brands use timing chains, including many 2.5L and 3.5L family engines across sedans, crossovers, and hybrids.


• Honda and Acura: Many newer engines rely on timing chains (especially four-cylinders); some smaller or older designs may still use belts depending on market and model.


• Nissan and Infiniti: A large portion of current gasoline engines use timing chains, with belts being rare in the latest lineups.


• Mazda: A right-sized portion of Skyactiv engines employ timing chains, aligning with the shift away from belts in mainstream products.


• Ford: Numerous newer engines, including several EcoBoost variants, rely on timing chains, though a few very small or older designs may still use belts.


• General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac): Most recent small- to mid-size engines use timing chains; belts are uncommon in current lineups.


• Hyundai and Kia: The majority of modern gasoline engines use timing chains, reducing maintenance needs compared with belts.


• Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat): Many contemporary engines are chain-driven, though some smaller-displacement designs in certain markets may still use belts.


• Volvo and other European brands: Several current engines use timing chains, supporting longer service intervals.

Keep in mind that engine design varies by model and market. Always check the exact engine code in your vehicle’s documentation or with a dealer to confirm whether you have a belt or a chain.

How to verify for your specific vehicle

To determine whether your engine uses a timing belt or timing chain, follow these steps:

1. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or maintenance schedule. Look for explicit references to “timing belt” or “timing chain” and the replacement interval if a belt is used.


2. Identify your engine code. The label on the engine or the vehicle’s information sticker (in the door jamb or engine bay) often lists the engine family. Look up that code in the manufacturer’s repair database or trusted service guides.


3. Check the VIN and use a reliable online VIN decoder or the manufacturer’s portal. This can reveal the exact engine and timing mechanism for your precise car variant.


4. Ask a dealer or trusted mechanic. If the documentation isn’t clear, a service advisor can confirm whether your engine has a belt or chain and whether any replacement is recommended.


5. Look for the presence or absence of a replacement interval in the manual. If there is a scheduled replacement, you’re likely dealing with a belt; if the schedule focuses on tensioner/guide checks, it’s more likely a chain.


6. Review service history when buying used. Belts are a one-time maintenance item with a defined window; chains generally don’t have a routine replacement unless an ancillary component fails.

Following these steps will help you confirm the timing method for your vehicle and plan maintenance accordingly.

What to consider for buyers and owners

For buyers, a chain-driven engine reduces the risk of catastrophic timing-belt failure, which can cause significant engine damage if a belt breaks. However, chain wear can still occur (such as stretched chains or worn tensioners), leading to noise or timing issues that may require service. When shopping, prioritize models with timing chains in order to avoid unexpected belt replacement costs and downtime.

Summary

The shift toward timing chains dominates modern engines. Belts remain in a small number of basic or specialized engines or markets, but the rule of thumb is: if your car’s engine uses a timing belt, you’ll typically face replacement around 60,000–100,000 miles; if it uses a chain, service is less frequent and often only required for tensioners or guides. Always verify the exact engine code in your vehicle’s documentation or with a dealer.

What cars do not have timing belts?

Note that many American-made engines, like small block V8 8 Chevrolet engines such as the LS -series of engines, do not have timing belts or timing chains. These engines have gears that drive the single camshaft that serves all the valves.

Do all cars have timing belts?

No, not all cars have timing belts; some use a timing chain instead, and some have timing gears or other systems, like electric vehicles. The use of a belt or chain depends on the vehicle's specific make, model, and year. 

• Timing belts: These are made of rubber and are found in many, but not all, vehicles. 
• Timing chains: These are metal chains and are increasingly common in modern engines. They generally last longer than belts but can be more expensive to replace. 
• Other systems: Older and some specific types of engines have used timing gears to connect the crankshaft and camshaft. Electric vehicles do not have timing belts or chains at all. 

To know for sure which system your car has, you should consult your owner's manual or have a professional mechanic check it.

What cars have timing belt issues?

FAQs About Wet Timing Belts
Models from Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall, Honda, and Toyota, particularly those produced between 2012 and 2021, are at risk. Key affected models include the Ford Transit, Peugeot 208, Citroën Berlingo, and certain Vauxhall PureTech engines.

What year did Toyota stop using timing belts?

Toyota did not stop using timing belts in a single year, but transitioned to timing chains for most models around 2009. Some models transitioned earlier, while others continued to use timing belts on certain engines even after this date. For example, the Toyota Camry switched to timing chains around 2007 for most engines, while the 4Runner continued to have some belt-driven engines until 2009. 

• Around 2009: This is when most Toyota models completed the transition to timing chains. 
• Individual model variations: The exact year depends on the specific model and engine. 
  • Toyota Corolla: Switched from belts to chains in 1998. 
  • Toyota Camry: Transitioned to chains for most engines around 2007. 
  • Toyota Tacoma: The 4-cylinder engine had a timing chain from 1995, while the V6 engine used a belt until 2005. 
  • Toyota RAV4: Used belts from 1996-2000 and chains from 2001 onwards.