# 2020 Toyota 86 Timing Belt Replacement Interval and Cost

> ClearTheCode — Curious about your 2020 Toyota 86 timing belt replacement interval and cost? Discover why your 86 uses a timing chain and what that means for maintenance.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/timing-belt-replacement-interval-cost-toyota-86-2020
Author: ClearTheCode

# Timing Belt Replacement Interval and Cost 2020 Toyota 86

Many owners of a 2020 Toyota 86 might be wondering about the timing belt replacement interval and associated costs, a common maintenance item for many vehicles. However, it's important to clarify a key distinction right from the start: the 2020 Toyota 86, like its Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S counterparts, is equipped with a timing chain, not a timing belt.

This fundamental difference significantly impacts the maintenance schedule and potential costs you might anticipate. While timing belts are typically replaced at specific mileage or age intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles), timing chains are designed to last the lifetime of the engine under normal operating conditions and proper maintenance. This article will guide you through what this means for your 2020 Toyota 86, what symptoms to look for if a timing chain issue arises, and how to approach diagnosis and repair.

## What drivers notice on this 2020 Toyota 86

Since the 2020 Toyota 86 uses a timing chain, owners typically won't experience the routine maintenance concerns associated with a timing belt. Instead, if an issue does arise with the timing chain system, it's usually due to wear, lack of lubrication, or component failure rather than a scheduled replacement. Drivers might notice performance degradation or unusual noises that indicate a problem, often without much prior warning.

## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

- **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Moderate
- **Common Symptoms:** Rattling or whining noise from the engine: This is often most noticeable on cold starts or at idle, and can indicate a l; Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination: The engine's computer can detect discrepancies in camshaft and crankshaft positio; Engine misfires or rough idle: Incorrect valve timing can lead to poor combustion and engine instability.; Reduced engine performance: You might experience a loss of power, poor acceleration, or decreased fuel economy.
- **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$900 (parts + typical shop labor)
- **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

**Diagnostic workflow:**
1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

## What is different on this year and model

The most significant difference for the 2020 Toyota 86, and indeed all generations of the 86/BRZ/FR-S platform, is the use of a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The FA20 engine, developed by Subaru, utilizes a robust timing chain system. This design choice offers several advantages:

- **Durability:** Timing chains are made of metal and are lubricated by engine oil, making them far more durable than rubber timing belts.
- **Longevity:** They are generally designed to last the entire lifespan of the engine, eliminating the need for routine replacement.
- **Reduced Maintenance:** This translates to lower long-term maintenance costs for this specific component, as you won't incur the significant labor expenses of a timing belt job every 60k-100k miles.

While this is a major benefit, it doesn't mean timing chain systems are entirely maintenance-free. Proper engine oil changes and ensuring adequate oil levels are crucial for the longevity of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides, as these components rely heavily on oil pressure and lubrication.

## Symptoms and warning signs

While a timing chain doesn't have a replacement interval, issues can still arise. If your 2020 Toyota 86's timing chain system is developing a problem, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms:

- **Rattling or whining noise from the engine:** This is often most noticeable on cold starts or at idle, and can indicate a loose chain, worn tensioner, or failing guides.
- **Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination:** The engine's computer can detect discrepancies in camshaft and crankshaft positions, triggering diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to timing.
- **Engine misfires or rough idle:** Incorrect valve timing can lead to poor combustion and engine instability.
- **Reduced engine performance:** You might experience a loss of power, poor acceleration, or decreased fuel economy.
- **Difficulty starting the engine:** In severe cases, incorrect timing can make it difficult for the engine to start.

## How to verify and confirm the issue

If you suspect a timing chain issue in your 2020 Toyota 86, several steps can help verify the problem:

- **Listen carefully:** Pay attention to engine noises, especially during cold starts or at specific RPMs. A persistent rattle from the front of the engine is a strong indicator.
- **Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** Use an OBD-II scanner to read any stored codes. Common codes related to timing chain issues include P0016 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A) or P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B), among others.
- **Inspect engine oil:** Ensure the oil level is correct and the oil is clean. Dirty or low oil can starve the timing chain tensioner and guides of lubrication.
- **Visual inspection (limited):** While difficult without disassembly, sometimes a mechanic might be able to spot oil leaks around the timing cover or excessive slack in the chain if accessible.
- **Professional diagnosis:** A qualified technician can use specialized tools to measure chain stretch, inspect tensioners, and perform more in-depth diagnostics.

## Common causes (most likely first)

While robust, timing chains can still fail due to specific conditions:

- **Lack of proper oil maintenance:** This is the most common culprit. Infrequent oil changes, using incorrect oil viscosity, or consistently running on low oil can lead to premature wear of the chain, tensioners, and guides.
- **Worn timing chain tensioner:** The hydraulic or spring-loaded tensioner keeps the chain taut. If it fails, the chain can become loose and noisy.
- **Worn timing chain guides:** These plastic or metal guides keep the chain aligned. Over time, they can wear down, leading to slack and noise.
- **High mileage:** While designed for life, extremely high mileage (200,000+ miles) can eventually lead to chain stretch or component wear.
- **Defective chain or sprockets:** Less common, but manufacturing defects can occur.

### Related guides on this vehicle

- [Timing Belt Replacement 2006 Toyota Highlander Guide](/articles/maint-timing-belt-replacement-toyota-highlander-2006)
- [Serpentine Belt Squealing Noise When Cold 2001 Toyota Camry Solara](/articles/serpentine-belt-squealing-noise-cold-toyota-camry-solara-2001)
- [2020 Toyota Corolla: Car Won't Start, No Fuel Pump Prime Sound](/articles/car-wont-start-no-fuel-pump-prime-toyota-corolla-2020)

## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Diagnosing and fixing a timing chain issue is a complex process best left to experienced professionals, as it often requires significant engine disassembly. Here's a general overview of the steps involved:

- **Initial assessment:** Confirm symptoms and check for DTCs.
- **Oil system check:** Verify oil pressure and condition.
- **Noise localization:** Use a stethoscope to pinpoint the source of any rattling or whining.
- **Timing cover removal:** This is a labor-intensive step, often requiring removal of accessories, pulleys, and sometimes the engine itself, depending on vehicle access. For the FA20 engine in the 2020 Toyota 86, this is a significant undertaking.
- **Component inspection:** Visually inspect the timing chain for stretch, and check the tensioner and guides for wear or damage.
- **Replacement of components:** Typically, if a timing chain issue is confirmed, the entire timing chain kit (chain, tensioners, guides, and sometimes sprockets) is replaced to ensure long-term reliability. Refer to our All repair guides for more information on similar complex repairs.
- **Reassembly and testing:** Meticulous reassembly is crucial, followed by thorough testing to ensure proper engine operation and the absence of codes or noises.

## Repair options and cost factors

Repairing a timing chain issue on a 2020 Toyota 86 is a significant undertaking due to the labor involved in accessing the timing chain components. Unlike a timing belt, which is often more accessible, a timing chain repair typically requires extensive engine disassembly.

- **Replacement of timing chain kit:** This usually includes the chain, tensioner, and all guides. Depending on the extent of wear, sprockets might also be replaced.
- **Labor costs:** This is the primary cost factor. The engine often needs to be partially or fully removed to access the timing chain, leading to many hours of labor. This can be significantly more expensive than a timing belt replacement on vehicles that have them.
- **Parts costs:** While the chain kit itself is not inexpensive, it's usually a smaller portion of the total cost compared to labor.
- **Additional parts:** Gaskets, seals, and potentially other components like water pumps (if driven by the timing system) might be replaced simultaneously.

Given the complexity, it's not uncommon for a timing chain replacement on an engine like the FA20 to cost several thousand dollars. Always get a detailed quote from a reputable shop.

## When to see a professional

Due to the critical role of the timing chain in engine operation and the complexity of accessing and replacing its components, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance if you suspect a timing chain issue. Attempting this repair without specialized tools, knowledge, and experience can lead to further engine damage. A qualified mechanic can accurately diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs safely and correctly. For general information on vehicle maintenance, you can also [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) on our site.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the 2020 Toyota 86 have a timing belt or a timing chain?
The 2020 Toyota 86 is equipped with a timing chain, not a timing belt. This means it does not require routine timing belt replacements at specific mileage intervals, as timing chains are designed for the life of the engine under proper maintenance.

### What is the typical lifespan of a timing chain in a Toyota 86?
Under normal driving conditions and with diligent oil changes using the manufacturer-recommended oil, the timing chain in a 2020 Toyota 86 is expected to last the entire lifespan of the engine. Issues typically arise from a lack of lubrication or failure of associated components like tensioners or guides, rather than the chain itself simply wearing out at a set interval.

### What are the signs of a failing timing chain in a 2020 Toyota 86?
Common signs of a failing timing chain or its components include a rattling or whining noise from the engine, especially on cold starts or at idle. You might also experience a lit Check Engine Light, engine misfires, rough idle, or a noticeable decrease in engine performance and fuel economy.

## Sources and further reading

- Toyota 86 Owner's Manual
- Subaru FA20 Engine Technical Specifications
- Automotive Service Bulletins (TSBs) for noise-related issues

This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; always use a qualified technician for safety-critical work.

## Related pages
- All repair guides
- [Browse vehicles](/vehicles)

## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode

- [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes)
- All repair guides