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Toyota Voxy: 3ZR-FAE Valvematic Actuator Motor Failure

3ZR-FAE Valvematic Actuator Motor Failure is a common engine fault on the Toyota Voxy on the 2007–2014 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $900 to $2,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 32 documented faults on the Toyota Voxy.

Vehicle
Toyota Voxy
Engine
3ZR-FAE
Years
2007–2014
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
cvt
System
Engine

This page covers the Toyota Voxy as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Toyota Voxy faults32 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The 3ZR-FAE engine fitted to ZRR70 Voxy models uses Toyota's Valvematic system, which employs an electric actuator motor to continuously vary valve lift across the full range. The actuator motor and its worm-gear mechanism are prone to wear and internal failure, typically after 100,000 km, resulting in the ECU losing control of valve lift, triggering P0076, P0077, or Valvematic-specific DTCs alongside a rough idle and pronounced power loss under load.

What you would notice

  • Rough, hunting idle particularly when cold, smoothing only partially once at operating temperature
  • Check engine light illuminated with Valvematic or VVT-related fault codes stored
  • Noticeable hesitation and power loss during light to moderate throttle application
  • Increased fuel consumption compared to expected figures for the 2.0 L engine

How to check it

Where to look. Top of the 3ZR-FAE cylinder head, intake side — the Valvematic actuator assembly sits above the intake camshaft

With the engine idling, listen for a rough or hunting idle that worsens when the engine is cold. Request service history showing Valvematic actuator inspection or replacement. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for Valvematic or VVT-related fault codes (P0076, P0077, P1349). Remove the engine cover and inspect the Valvematic actuator housing on the intake camshaft for oil contamination or play in the motor shaft.

What it costs to put right

$900 to $2,000 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.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the Valvematic actuator motor ever been inspected or replaced, and is there a workshop invoice?”
  • “Has the car ever had a check engine light related to the variable valve system?”
  • “When was the engine oil last changed, and what viscosity was used — oil condition directly affects Valvematic longevity?”

Now check the Toyota Voxy you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

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.

Toyota Voxy buyer questions

Is 3zr-fae valvematic actuator motor failure serious on a Toyota Voxy?

We rate it major and common on the Toyota Voxy. The 3ZR-FAE engine fitted to ZRR70 Voxy models uses Toyota's Valvematic system, which employs an electric actuator motor to continuously vary valve lift across the full range. The actuator motor and its worm-gear mechanism are prone to wear and internal failure, typically after 100,000 km, resulting in the ECU losing control of valve lift, triggering P0076, P0077, or Valvematic-specific DTCs alongside a rough idle and pronounced power loss under load.

How much does it cost to fix on a Toyota Voxy?

$900 to $2,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Toyota Voxy years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2007–2014 Toyota Voxy. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

With the engine idling, listen for a rough or hunting idle that worsens when the engine is cold. Request service history showing Valvematic actuator inspection or replacement. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for Valvematic or VVT-related fault codes (P0076, P0077, P1349). Remove the engine cover and inspect the Valvematic actuator housing on the intake camshaft for oil contamination or play in the motor shaft. Look here: Top of the 3ZR-FAE cylinder head, intake side — the Valvematic actuator assembly sits above the intake camshaft