Toyota Previa (II) 2.4 VVT-i common problems.

Engine / equipment

2.4 VVT-i port-injected (2AZ-FE): Previa / Estima, RAV4 and Avensis Verso, among others

Period mentioned

Approx. 2000–2012

Symptoms

Oil must be topped up between changes (in the US the warranty-extension threshold was more than 1 quart, almost a litre, per 1,200 miles); it usually starts at around 60,000–75,000 miles; bluish smoke and fouled spark plugs.

Possible cause described

Piston ring design was identified as a likely cause. Toyota issued TSB 0094-11 (2011) and, after a lawsuit, extended the warranty in the US (about 1.7 million cars, until October 2016); a similar campaign ran in Japan in 2014. There was no campaign in Europe.

Check for the garage

Measure consumption between two changes with the level set correctly and check the spark plugs and catalytic converter. If consumption is high, the lasting fix is new pistons and rings.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database