Engine Code

LEXUS 5UR-FE engine (2007–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Lexus 5UR-FE is a 4,969 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This engine delivers strong low-rpm torque for heavy-duty applications, enabling smooth towing and acceleration without excessive revving.

Fitted to the LX 570 and Land Cruiser 200 series, the 5UR-FE was engineered for durability and refined power delivery in demanding off-road and luxury touring conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, direct ignition, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing all units to meet Euro 4 standards, with later models achieving Euro 5 in certain markets.

One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in vehicles operated primarily under light load or short-trip conditions. This issue, highlighted in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin ECT-0017-08, results from port fuel injection and low engine temperatures preventing fuel washdown. Toyota introduced revised intake port geometry and updated ECU calibration in 2012 to mitigate deposit accumulation.

Lexus Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2007–2011 meet Euro 4 standards; 2012–2016 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

5UR-FE Technical Specifications

The Lexus 5UR-FE is a 4,969 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size SUVs (2007–2016). It combines dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing (VVT-i) to deliver linear power and high torque at low rpm. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances heavy-load performance with acceptable fuel economy for its class.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement4,969 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV8, DOHC, 32-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke94.0 mm × 89.5 mm
Power output180–200 kW (245–272 PS)
Torque380–400 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Fuel systemMulti-point fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 4 (pre-2012); Euro 5 depending on market
Compression ratio10.8:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
Timing systemChain-driven
Oil type5W-30 (API SN or equivalent)
Dry weight205 kg
Practical Implications

The 5UR-FE delivers robust low-end torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using 5W-30 synthetic oil to prevent carbon buildup and maintain valve train longevity. Fuel quality must meet premium unleaded (RON 95+) specifications to avoid knock and ensure optimal combustion efficiency. Carbon deposits on intake valves are prevalent in urban driving with frequent short trips; periodic induction cleaning per Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08 is recommended. The chain-driven timing system exhibits no known failure modes under normal maintenance but should be inspected during major services.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (Lexus Maintenance Guide M-001). Supersedes older API SL requirements.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2012 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance varies by market and model year.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 200 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Lexus TIS Doc. A24701).

Primary Sources

Lexus Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24701, A24702

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

Lexus ETK Documentation L12-8890

Lexus Group Parts Catalogue PT-2021

Lexus Maintenance Guide M-001

Toyota Technical Service Bulletin ECT-0017-08

5UR-FE Compatible Models

The Lexus 5UR-FE was used across Lexus's LX 570 and Land Cruiser 200 platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed to Toyota for identical application in the Land Cruiser 200. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced exhaust manifolds in the LX 570 and upgraded cooling circuitry in the Land Cruiser 200-and from 2012 the facelifted models adopted revised ECU calibration and intake port geometry to reduce carbon buildup, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Lexus
Years:
2007–2016
Models:
LX 570
Variants:
LX 570
View Source
Lexus ETK Doc. L12-8890
Make:
Toyota
Years:
2007–2016
Models:
Land Cruiser 200
Variants:
200 Series
View Source
Toyota EPC #TJ-5UR-001
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the right cylinder bank near the front of the block (Lexus TIS A24701). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('U' for 5UR-FE). Pre-2012 models feature a cast aluminum intake manifold with visible port dividers; post-2012 models have revised internal port geometry with smoother transitions. Critical differentiation from 1UR-FE: 5UR-FE has a smaller displacement (5.0L vs 4.6L), different firing order, and unique ECU part number (89670-50010). Service parts require production date verification - intake gaskets and ECU calibrations differ between pre- and post-2012 builds (Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Lexus TIS Doc. A24701

Location:

Stamped vertically on the right cylinder bank near the front of the engine block (Lexus TIS A24701).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2012: Cast aluminum intake manifold with distinct port dividers
  • Post-2012: Revised intake manifold with smoother internal passages
Compatibility Notes

E C U:

ECU part number 89670-50010 identifies 5UR-FE; not interchangeable with 1UR-FE or 3UR-FE ECUs.

Evidence:

Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08

Intake Manifold:

Intake manifold assemblies are not interchangeable between pre-2012 and post-2012 models due to revised port geometry.

Common Reliability Issues - LEXUS 5UR-FE

The 5UR-FE's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use and short-trip driving. Lexus technical reports indicate significant deposit accumulation in vehicles operating below 80°C coolant temperature regularly, while VCA MOT data shows increased emissions non-compliance in models over 100,000 km. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel exacerbate the issue, making regular induction cleaning critical.

Carbon buildup on intake valves
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, misfire codes, increased fuel consumption, failed emissions test.
Cause: Port fuel injection and low engine temperatures prevent fuel washdown, allowing oil vapors and combustion residues to accumulate on intake valve surfaces.
Fix: Perform professional induction cleaning using approved solvent and equipment per Lexus SIB ECT-0017-08; replace air filter and inspect PCV system.
Exhaust manifold cracking
Symptoms: Loud ticking noise from engine bay, exhaust leak smell, check engine light with lean codes.
Cause: Thermal stress cycling in early cast iron exhaust manifolds under sustained high-load operation.
Fix: Replace cracked manifold with revised reinforced unit per Lexus TIS update; verify gasket integrity during installation.
Engine mount deterioration
Symptoms: Excessive engine movement, clunking noise under acceleration/deceleration, vibration felt in cabin.
Cause: Hydraulic engine mount fluid degradation due to prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures.
Fix: Replace all engine mounts with latest OEM-specification units; inspect transmission mounts concurrently.
Coolant leakage from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant odor, visible residue around thermostat housing, low coolant level, overheating.
Cause: Aging rubber O-ring seal at thermostat housing interface degrades under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace thermostat and housing O-ring with genuine Lexus parts; verify coolant mixture and pressure cap function.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Lexus technical bulletins (2007-2016) and UK DVSA MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about LEXUS 5UR-FE

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LEXUS 5UR-FE.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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LEXUS Official Site

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EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialLEXUS documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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