Does Lexus have a timing chain or belt?

If you drive a Lexus, chances are it uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Only older models of Lexus used timing belts, but that was usually before 2005 or 2006. Since then, almost every vehicle Lexus makes is equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Depending on the model, it may be a slightly later year when the switch was made, but for the most part, you can expect that every modern Lexus currently uses a timing chain.

Replace Lexus timing chain?

This is a tricky question to answer, a timing chain is meant to last the lifetime of your engine, but what exactly does that mean? The lifespan of an engine on paper is not necessarily the lifespan in practice. What that means is that a timing chain is designed to last up to around 300,000 km without any problems. But it is possible for the chain to fail at an earlier point due to circumstances.

The problem with faulty timing chains is that they usually don't have as many signs and symptoms as a timing belt when it breaks down. A timing belt can stretch and lose teeth, but you are less likely to see that with a timing chain. The chain can become too stressed over time and not fit properly, but otherwise it usually gives very few visual signs before it breaks completely. If you have already driven more than 300,000 km with the timing chain, it won't hurt to have a mechanic look at it in case something is wrong with the chain. Want to read more about the pros and cons of a timing chain? Then read on in our blog.

Which Lexus models have a timing belt?

As mentioned, mainly the older Lexus models have a belt. In the overview below, we have listed some models equipped with a belt:

LEXUS IS (XE10) 1st generation (1998 - 2005)

• Lexus IS 200 114 kW / 153 hp / 155 PS | 1988 cc | 6 | 1G-FE
• Lexus IS 300 157 kW / 211 hp / 214 PS | 2997 cc | 6 | 2JZ-GE

LEXUS RX 

• LEXUS RX (MCU15) 300 AWD 148 kW, 2995 ccm, 01/1998 - 05/2003 (for VVT-i engine)
• LEXUS RX (_U3_) 300 (MCU35_) 150 kW, 2995 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008
• LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h AWD 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km
• LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h (MHU38_) 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km

LEXUS SC

• Lexus SC 430 210 kW / 282 hp / 286 PS | 4293 cc | 8 | 3UZ-FE V8

Lexus GS

• LEXUS GS (_S19_) 430 (UZS190_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 04/2005 - 11/2011 = every 150,000 km
• LEXUS GS (_S16_) 430 (UZS161_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
• LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 163 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
• LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 161 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)

Lexus LS

• LEXUS LS (_F3_) 430 (UCF30) 207 kW, 4293 ccm, 10/2000 - 08/2006