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Toyota 4Runner: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1984 - 2023)

Researched By The AutoPadre Research Team


From 2010 to 2023 all Toyota 4Runner models have a timing chain and an interference engine. From 2003 to 2009 the 4.0L 4Runner models have timing chains and interference engines while the 4.7L has a timing belt and interference engine.

From 1984 to 2002 all 4 cylinder 4Runners have timing chains and interference engines while the V6 models have timing belts and non-interference engines.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Toyota 4Runner.

Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2010 - 2023AllTiming ChainInterference
2003 - 20094.0LTiming ChainInterference
2003 - 20094.7LTiming BeltInterference
1989 - 2002V6Timing BeltNon-Interference
1984 - 20004 cylinderTiming ChainInterference

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

2023 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2023 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2022 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2021 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2021 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2020 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

2019 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2019 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2018 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2018 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2017 Toyota 4Runner

2017 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2017 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2016 Toyota 4Runner
2016 Toyota 4Runner

2016 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2016 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2015 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2015 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2014 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2013 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2013 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2012 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2012 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2011 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2011 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2010 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2010 Toyota 4Runners have timing chains and are interference engines.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2009 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2009 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference100k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2008 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2008 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference100k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2007 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2007 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference100k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2006 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference100k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2005 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2005 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference100k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2004 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2004 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference90k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2003 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4.0L model of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner has a timing chain and an interference engine while the 4.7L model has a timing belt and has an interference engine.

2003 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
4.7L V6 268 hp (2UZ-FE)Timing BeltInterference90k
4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2002 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2002 Toyota 4Runner has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

2002 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k

2001 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2001 Toyota 4Runner has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

2001 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k

2000 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 2000 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

2000 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl. 150 hp (3RZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1999 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1999 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1999 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl. 150 hp (3RZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1998 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1998 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1998 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl. 150 hp (3RZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1997 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1997 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1997 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl. 150 hp (3RZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1996 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1996 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1996 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.4L V6 183 hp (5VZ-FE)Timing BeltNon-Interference90k
2.7L 4 Cyl. 150 hp (3RZ-FE)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1995 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1995 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1995 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1994 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1994 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1994 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1993 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1993 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1993 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1992 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1992 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1992 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1991 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1991 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1991 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1990 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1990 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1990 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1989 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 4 cylinder 1989 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine while the V6 model has a timing belt and a non-interference engine.

1989 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
3.0L V6 150 hp (3VZ-E)Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1988 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1988 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine.

1988 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L 4 Cyl. Turbo 135 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1987 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1987 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine.

1987 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L 4 Cyl. Turbo 135 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1986 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1986 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine.

1986 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L 4 Cyl. Turbo 135 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1985 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1985 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine.

1985 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

1984 Toyota 4Runner - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1984 Toyota 4Runner model has a timing chain and interference engine.

1984 Toyota 4Runner Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L 4 Cyl. 116 hp (22R-E)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
Toyota 4Runner TRD
Toyota 4Runner TRD

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Toyota 4Runner Belt Or Chain Comparisons By Year