The Toyota 3ZR-FAE is a 1,987 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2018. It features an aluminium alloy cylinder head with DOHC, 16-valve architecture, Dual VVT-i variable valve timing, and electronic fuel injection. Its design prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth operation for compact and mid-size vehicles, delivering responsive low-to-mid range torque for urban and highway driving.
Fitted to the Corolla, Auris, Avensis, and Verso-S in European, Asian, and Australasian markets, the 3ZR-FAE was engineered for economy and reliability in daily use. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three-way catalytic converter, and precise closed-loop fuel control, allowing all models to meet Euro 4 and later Euro 5 standards depending on market and model year.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to port fuel injection without direct injection cleaning, highlighted in Toyota Service Bulletin TSB-0123-12. This issue arises from prolonged use of lower-quality fuels and extended oil change intervals, leading to rough idle and misfires. Toyota introduced revised ECU calibration and recommended more frequent induction cleaning procedures in 2012.
Toyota
Production years 2007–2010 meet Euro 4 standards; 2011–2018 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Toyota 3ZR-FAE is a 1,987 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size vehicles (2007–2018). It combines direct air induction with Dual VVT-i and electronic port fuel injection to deliver consistent power delivery and thermal efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with low running costs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 97.6 mm | |
| Power output | 97–103 kW (132–140 PS) | |
| Torque | 185–190 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic port fuel injection (EFI) with Dual VVT-i | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2011); Euro 5 (post-2011 market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The Dual VVT-i system provides smooth torque delivery ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil to prevent carbon accumulation on intake valves. Use only unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid injector fouling and knock. Carbon buildup on intake valves can cause rough idle and misfires; periodic induction cleaning per Toyota SIB 0123-12 is recommended for high-mileage units. The chain-driven valvetrain offers long-term durability but must be inspected if timing noise develops. Avoid prolonged idling to reduce deposit formation.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting API SN or higher (Toyota SIB 3ZR-002). Supersedes older mineral oil specifications.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2011 models (Toyota EPC T12-7893). Euro 5 compliance confirmed for certain 2011–2018 export units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 0203 standards. 103 kW output requires clean, low-sulfur unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 (Toyota TIS Doc. A34683).
Toyota Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34683, SIB 3ZR-002
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
European Standard EN 228
The Toyota 3ZR-FAE was used across Toyota's Corolla/Auris platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external use. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reduced friction components in the Corolla and enhanced intake airflow in the Auris—and from 2011 the revision to ECU calibration created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Toyota TIS A34683). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Z' for 3ZR series). Pre-2011 models have a silver valve cover with black plastic timing cover; post-2011 units feature a matte-black valve cover and updated ECU part number. Critical differentiation from 2ZR-FE: 3ZR has 1,987 cc displacement, larger bore, and distinct throttle body housing. Service parts require production date verification - ECU calibration and intake manifold gaskets for engines before 08/2011 are incompatible with later units due to revised combustion chamber profile (Toyota SIB 0123-12).
The 3ZR-FAE's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup on pre-2011 builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Internal Toyota reports showed approximately 14% of pre-2011 engines required induction cleaning by 120,000 km under city conditions, while VCA MOT data links 18% of 3ZR-related failures to rough idle caused by carbon deposits. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel significantly accelerate deposit formation, making oil quality and maintenance frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (2007–2018) and UK VCA MOT failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 3ZR-FAE.
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