Toyota RAV4: Cold-start rattle from the intake camshaft timing (VVT) gear (2.5 2AR-FE petrol)

The 2.5 2AR-FE petrol can make a short rattle or grinding noise from the front of the engine for a second or two after a cold start that has sat for several hours. In the US, Toyota covered this noise on 1AR-FE and 2AR-FE engines (including 2010 to 2012 Camry) with bulletin T-SB-0041-13, which superseded T-SB-0146-10, and the repair replaces the intake camshaft timing gear assembly; the bulletin names US-built cars, so ask whether an Australian-built Camry has had the same part fitted. The noise itself is not an immediate danger, but a car that still rattles has not had the updated part fitted.

• Metallic rattling from the front of the engine for 2–10 seconds on cold start, clearing once oil pressure builds
• VVT-i related fault codes (P0011, P0012) stored in ECU indicating cam timing deviation
• Rough running or hesitation in the first minute of operation on cold mornings
• Rattling persisting longer than 10 seconds on cold start in high-mileage engines indicating chain stretch

1. 1

   Start the engine from cold and listen for a metallic rattling or clattering from the front of the engine within the first 2–5 seconds.

2. 2

   Note whether it clears quickly or persists beyond 10 seconds.

3. 3

   Scan the ECU for VVT-i fault codes (P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022) which indicate timing deviation due to chain stretch.

4. 4

   Check service history for oil change compliance — intervals beyond 10,000 km on budget oil accelerate tensioner wear.

$900 to $2,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Does it make any rattling noise on cold start, even if it goes away after a few seconds?”
• “Has it ever had any VVT or timing-related fault codes?”
• “Can you show me the full service history including oil change intervals and the grade of oil used?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.