01
Lexus IS350
Generation/Chassis
GSE21 / GSE20 (2nd Gen IS)
Badge(s)
350
Years
2005-2015
Lexus 2GR-FSE Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 3.5-litre D-4S direct-injection V6 that powered the IS350, GS350 and select JDM Toyota performance models - a smooth, high-revving V6 with a reputation for longevity, though carbon buildup and water pump leaks are well-documented service items. Reconditioned units from around £2,000-£3,800 supply-only .
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£1,200
Reconditioned from
£2,000
Rebuilt from
£3,000
GB
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Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Lexus 2GR-FSE - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
2GR-FSE
Fuel
Petrol (D-4S direct injection)
Configuration
3.5L (3,456 cc) 60° V6, DOHC 24-valve, dual VVT-i, chain-driven
Power Output(s)
306 hp (IS350, 2005-2015); 316 hp (GS350, 2012-2017); JDM variants vary
Years Produced
2005-2017
UK Models Fitted
Lexus IS350, Lexus GS350 - full list in Compatibility below
2025 UK Replacement Requests
Not tracked separately in EM proprietary data; reliable V6 with low failure-induced replacement volume
Replaced
3GR-FSE (2.5L V6) / 2JZ-GE (older straight-six)
Replaced By
2GR-FKS (dual-injection V6) / T24A-FTS (2.4L turbo) in newer Lexus models
Most Common Failure
Water pump leakage / carbon buildup on intake valves
Reconditioned Price Range
£2,000-£3,800 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for 2GR-FSE replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Lexus (and Toyota) Models Use the 2GR-FSE-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lexus IS350 | GSE21 / GSE20 (2nd Gen IS) | 350 | 2005-2015 | |
| Lexus GS350 | GRS191 (3rd Gen GS) | 350 | 2006-2011 | |
| Lexus GS350 | GRS196 (4th Gen GS) | 350 | 2012-2017 | |
| Lexus Toyota Crown | GRS200 / GRS210 (JDM) | Athlete / Royal | 2005-2017 | |
| Lexus Toyota Mark X | GRX130 / GRX120 (JDM) | 350S | 2005-2017 |
02
Lexus GS350
03
Lexus GS350
04
Lexus Toyota Crown
05
Lexus Toyota Mark X
CROSS-BRAND
2GR-FSE is documented across 5 BMW applications spanning Lexus IS350, Lexus GS350, Toyota Crown, Toyota Mark X. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Prices
Lexus 2GR-FSE Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £1,200-£2,000 | £1,800-£3,000 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £2,000-£3,800 | £2,700-£4,800 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £3,000-£5,000 | £3,700-£6,100 | 12-24 months |
What moves the price most for this engine is whether the replacement unit includes a new water pump (a known weak point) and whether the intake valves have been professionally decarbonised. A reconditioned 2GR-FSE with a documented timing-chain health check and fresh VVTi gear seals will command a premium - and is well worth it for peace of mind. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide for more detail.
Labour Guide
Fitting a 2GR-FSE typically takes 10-14 hours at £65-£85/hr (independent Lexus specialist) - the V6 is tightly packaged in the IS/GS engine bay .
Price Factors
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Common Problems
Lexus 2GR-FSE Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the 2GR-FSE, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Water pump leakage / carbon buildup on intake valves.
1. Water pump failure - seepage and bearing noise
1. Water pump failure - seepage and bearing noise
Typical onset:
60,000-90,000 miles
What happens:
The water pump on the 2GR-FSE is a known service item. The seals degrade over time, leading to a slow coolant seepage from the pump weep hole. If ignored, the pump bearing can fail catastrophically, causing a sudden loss of coolant and potential overheating. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, visible pink/red residue around the pump, and a whirring noise from the front of the engine at idle. This is the single most common reason for 2GR-FSE workshop visits.
Repair vs replace:
Water pump replacement is a straightforward standalone job (£400-£800 parts and labour at an indie). It does not write off the engine. However, if the engine has overheated due to pump failure, the aluminium heads can warp - at which point a reconditioned replacement engine becomes the sensible route.
Read more about this issue
2. Carbon buildup on intake valves - direct-injection side effect
2. Carbon buildup on intake valves - direct-injection side effect
Typical onset:
50,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
As a direct-injection (D-4S) engine, the 2GR-FSE does not have fuel washing over the intake valves. Over time, crankcase vapours and EGR soot bake onto the intake valves, reducing airflow and causing rough idle, hesitation under load, and reduced fuel economy. On the 2GR-FSE, the effect is more gradual than on some German direct-injection engines, but it is a real maintenance consideration.
Repair vs replace:
Walnut-shell blasting of the intake valves (£400-£800) restores performance. This is a service item, not a failure. A reconditioned engine should include a freshly cleaned intake system.
Read more about this issue
3. VVTi gear rattle on cold start - oil control valve/gear wear
3. VVTi gear rattle on cold start - oil control valve/gear wear
Typical onset:
80,000+ miles
What happens:
The camshaft timing gears (VVT-i actuators) can develop internal seal wear, allowing oil to drain back when the engine is off. On cold start, a brief (1-2 second) metallic rattle is heard until oil pressure builds. This is more of a nuisance than a catastrophic failure on the 2GR-FSE, but if left unaddressed it can place extra strain on the timing chain tensioner over a very long period.
Repair vs replace:
The VVTi gears can be replaced individually (labour-intensive, around £1,000-£1,800), but many owners choose to live with the rattle as long as oil pressure is maintained at idle.
Read more about this issue
There is no single "bad year" for the 2GR-FSE; reliability is consistent across the 2005-2017 run. The later 2GR-FKS (2018+) added both port and direct injection to eliminate carbon buildup entirely, but the FSE remains a highly durable powerplant when properly maintained with regular oil changes (every 10,000 km / 6,000 miles) and coolant flushes.
Compare rebuilt 2GR-FSE prices with the water pump already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the 2GR-FSE
The 2GR-FSE is Lexus's high-output D-4S V6 for longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platforms. If your IS350 or GS350 has a 3.5-litre V6, this is your engine. The code is physically stamped on the engine block - usually on the front side of the block, just below the cylinder head on the driver's side (UK passenger side), or on a machined pad near the bellhousing. Commonly confused with: - 2GR-FE - the 3.5-litre V6 used in transverse front-wheel-drive Toyotas (Sienna, Camry, Highlander, RX350) and the earlier Toyota Aurion. The FE has port injection, not D-4S, and is mounted transversely - it is not a straight swap for the FSE. - 2GR-FKS - the newer 3.5-litre V6 with both port and direct injection (D-4S), fitted to the 2018+ Lexus LS350, IS350 (updated), and Toyota Camry. It shares the same block architecture but has a different intake manifold, ECU, fuel system, and emissions calibration - not interchangeable without a full rewire and ECU swap.
*Not sure- Enter your registration above and we'll confirm your exact 2GR-FSE fitment.*
Easily Confused
2JZ-GE
the legendary 3.0-litre straight-six that powered the IS300 and GS300 before the 2GR-FSE arrived. The 2JZ is a completely different architecture - inline-six vs V6 - and while it shares Toyota’s legendary durability, the 2GR-FSE was a major step forward in power, refinement, and fuel efficiency.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
2GR-FKS
the dual-injection (port + direct) evolution of the 2GR family, introduced in 2018 for the Lexus LS350, IS350 (updated) and Toyota Camry. It eliminates the carbon-buildup issue of the FSE while keeping the same block architecture. If you’re considering a 2GR-FSE replacement, the FKS is not a direct swap - different ECU, fuel rail, and intake system.
Related JLR Variants
T24A-FTS
the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced the 3.5L V6 in many newer Lexus models (e.g. RX350, NX350). It delivers similar power with better economy, but a completely different driving character - and not a swap option.
Confirm the exact 2GR-FSE fitment
*Not sure- Enter your registration above and we'll confirm your exact 2GR-FSE fitment.*
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement 2GR-FSE - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used 2GR-FSE is a viable choice for older IS350/GS350 values, provided the donor has documented service history. The key checks are: (1) has the water pump been replaced recently- (2) does the engine sound quiet on cold start (no VVTi rattle)- A used unit with a fresh water pump and less than 80,000 miles offers excellent value. Link once: [used engines service]
Reconditioned:
A properly reconditioned 2GR-FSE should include a new water pump, new VVTi gear seals, a full top-end gasket set, and a professional decarbonisation of the intake valves (walnut blasting). The timing chain and guides are rarely an issue on this engine, but a thorough inspection is standard. This is the sweet spot for GS350 owners - you get a like-new V6 with the two main weak points addressed. Reconditioned units typically come with a 12-24 month warranty. Link once: [reconditioned engines service]
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is only justified for low-mileage, cherished vehicles (e.g. a clean-car IS350 or a low-mileage GS350) where the chassis is worth keeping. A quality rebuild will include bottom-end bearings, piston rings, valve guides, seals, and a full timing system refresh. This is the most expensive option but offers the closest thing to a new 2GR. Link once: [rebuilt engines service]
Supply & Fit Line:
All options above can be supplied and fitted through our network of vetted UK Lexus and Toyota specialists. Each quote includes warranty details and delivery options. Link once: [supply and fit service]
Vehicle Value Note:
The 2GR-FSE sits in vehicles worth £4,000-£15,000 depending on year and mileage (IS350, GS350). A reconditioned engine at £2,000-£3,800 represents roughly 25-50% of the car's value - which is a justifiable investment for a premium Lexus V6 that, once refreshed, will outlast the chassis. For a higher-mileage IS350 worth under £4,000, a used engine with a solid warranty is often the most sensible financial choice. Always factor in the condition of the rest of the car - gearbox, suspension, and hybrid systems (where applicable) - before committing to an expensive reconditioned engine.
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Related Engines
Engines Related to the Lexus 2GR-FSE
Explore engines that are closely related to the Lexus 2GR-FSE, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
2JZ-GE
the legendary 3.0-litre straight-six that powered the IS300 and GS300 before the 2GR-FSE arrived. The 2JZ is a completely different architecture - inline-six vs V6 - and while it shares Toyota’s legendary durability, the 2GR-FSE was a major step forward in power, refinement, and fuel efficiency.
Successor
2GR-FKS
the dual-injection (port + direct) evolution of the 2GR family, introduced in 2018 for the Lexus LS350, IS350 (updated) and Toyota Camry. It eliminates the carbon-buildup issue of the FSE while keeping the same block architecture. If you’re considering a 2GR-FSE replacement, the FKS is not a direct swap - different ECU, fuel rail, and intake system.
Successor
T24A-FTS
the 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that replaced the 3.5L V6 in many newer Lexus models (e.g. RX350, NX350). It delivers similar power with better economy, but a completely different driving character - and not a swap option.
Sibling
2GR-FE
the transverse-mounted 3.5-litre V6 used in the Lexus RX350, Toyota Highlander, Sienna, and Camry. It has port injection rather than D-4S, and is mounted east-west. It is not a straight swap for the FSE - engine mounts, bellhousing, and intake manifold differ significantly.
FAQ
Lexus 2GR-FSEFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Lexus 2GR-FSE engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned 2GR-FSE typically costs £2,000-£3,800 supply-only, with fitted prices around £2,700-£4,800. Used units start from £1,200-£2,000, and full rebuilds from £3,000-£5,000. Get a 2GR-FSE quote now
- These are UK independent specialist estimates ; main dealers will be significantly higher.
- Prices vary based on whether the replacement includes a new water pump and decarbonised intake valves.
- Always get three quotes to compare.
Question 2What is the most common problem with the 2GR-FSE-
The most widely reported issue is water pump failure, typically appearing between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The pump seals degrade, causing coolant seepage; if ignored, the bearing can fail, leading to sudden coolant loss and potential overheating. Compare prices for a 2GR-FSE with water pump already addressed
- A water pump replacement is a standalone job (£400-£800).
- Carbon buildup on intake valves is another common maintenance item (walnut blasting, £400-£800).
- Neither is catastrophic if addressed promptly - the 2GR-FSE is generally very durable.
Question 3Which cars have the 2GR-FSE engine-
The 2GR-FSE was fitted to: It was also used in some Lotus models, but those are specialist applications. See the full compatibility list above
- Lexus IS350 (GSE20/GSE21, 2005-2015)
- Lexus GS350 (GRS191, 2006-2011; GRS196, 2012-2017)
- Toyota Crown Athlete/Royal (JDM, GRS200/GRS210)
- Toyota Mark X 350S (JDM, GRX120/GRX130)
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned 2GR-FSE-
For lower-value vehicles (e.g. an older IS350 under £4,000), a used engine with a solid warranty is often the most sensible choice, provided the donor has documented history and a recent water pump. For cars worth £5,000+, a reconditioned unit is the sweet spot - it comes with a new water pump, decarbonised valves, fresh VVTi seals, and a 12-24 month warranty. Rebuilt engines are only recommended for very low-mileage or cherished examples. Compare used vs reconditioned 2GR-FSE prices
- Always confirm the replacement unit has addressed the water pump and carbon buildup.
Question 5How do I know if my Lexus has the 2GR-FSE-
The engine code is stamped on the block (typically on the front side, just below the cylinder head on the driver's side) and is also on your V5C under “Engine number”. Alternatively, enter your registration above and we'll confirm your exact fitment. Check your engine via registration
- Don’t confuse it with the 2GR-FE (transverse, port-injected) - they are not interchangeable.
- If your IS350 or GS350 has a 3.5-litre V6, it’s almost certainly the 2GR-FSE.
Question 6How long does a 2GR-FSE engine typically last-
With proper maintenance, the 2GR-FSE can comfortably exceed 200,000 miles. The engine is chain-driven, so no timing belt replacement is needed. Regular oil changes (every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km) and coolant flushes (every 5 years) are critical to water pump longevity. Many US owners have clocked 250,000+ miles on original engines. The carbon-buildup issue is a maintenance item, not a terminal failure - a walnut-blast every 80,000 miles keeps it fresh. A reconditioned unit, when fitted properly, should provide another 150,000+ miles of reliable service.
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