For fifteen years, if you bought a full-size Toyota with a V8, you got the same engine: the 5.7L 3UR-FE. It went into the redesigned 2007 Tundra, the 2008 Sequoia and Land Cruiser, and the Lexus LX 570, and it stayed in all of them until the twin-turbo V35A V6 replaced it. It is a big, simple, naturally aspirated V8 with port injection and a chain, and with ordinary care it is one of the most durable engines in the segment.
This guide covers the specs straight from Toyota's owner's manuals, every US application, the problems that are actually documented (with Toyota's program numbers where they exist), the maintenance schedule, towing, and how it stacks up against the V35A that took its place.
Where this comes from. Engine specs, capacities and plug data are from Toyota's 2013 Tundra Owner's Manual (OM34491U), cross-checked against the 2016 and 2020 Tundra and 2020 Sequoia manuals summarized in our fluid capacity guides. Maintenance intervals are from Toyota's 2021 Tundra, 2021 Land Cruiser and 2022 Sequoia Warranty and Maintenance Guides. Power figures are from Toyota and Lexus press releases. The air injection programs are from Toyota warranty and service bulletins filed with NHTSA. Owner-reported issues are marked as such. Where sources disagree or we could only find one, we say so.
3UR-FE Specs at a Glance
| SPEC | 3UR-FE / 3UR-FBE |
|---|---|
| Layout | V8, DOHC, 32 valves |
| Displacement | 5,663cc (345.6 cu in) |
| Bore x stroke | 94.0 x 102.0mm (3.70 x 4.02 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Block and heads | Aluminum, with cast-in iron cylinder liners |
| Valvetrain | Roller rocker arms with hydraulic lash adjusters; no valve clearance service ("automatic adjustment" in Toyota's manual) |
| Cam timing | Dual VVT-i (intake and exhaust) |
| Fuel injection | Port injection (no direct injection) |
| Timing drive | Roller chains: primary chains to the intake cams, secondary chains from each intake cam to its exhaust cam |
| Firing order | 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 (see note) |
| Spark plugs | DENSO SK20HR11 iridium, gap 0.043 in (1.1mm); do not regap |
| Engine oil | SAE 0W-20 (5W-20 allowed until the next change), ILSAC GF-5 in the 2013 manual |
| Oil capacity, with filter | 7.9 qt (2013 and 2016 Tundra manuals); 8.5 qt (2020 Tundra and Sequoia manuals) |
| Coolant | Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink, pre-mixed) |
| Recommended fuel | 87 octane in Tundra and Sequoia; E85 also allowed on 3UR-FBE flex-fuel engines. LX 570: premium 91 recommended (see below) |
About the firing order. 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 is listed by Australian Car Reviews' engine profile and by several parts references, but we could not find it in a Toyota document, and owners on IH8MUD have questioned it. Verify against the factory repair manual before you rely on it for diagnosis.
About oil capacity. Toyota changed the printed number, not the engine. The 2013 and 2016 Tundra manuals list 7.9 qt with filter; the 2020 Tundra and Sequoia manuals list 8.5 qt. Fill to the lower figure, run the engine, wait five minutes, and top up to the full mark on the dipstick.
About fuel. Toyota's Tundra manual calls for 87 octane (or E85 on flex-fuel trucks), and Consumer Guide reports Toyota recommending regular fuel for the 2008–2011 Land Cruiser. Lexus owners quoting the LX 570 manual cite "91 or higher" for best performance, with 87 allowed if 91 is not available. Check the fuel door label and your manual for your exact truck.
Which Vehicles Have the 3UR-FE
| VEHICLE | US MODEL YEARS | POWER | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra (2nd gen) | 2007–2021 | 381 hp @ 5,600 / 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 | Shared the lineup with the 4.7L 2UZ-FE, then the 4.6L 1UR-FE; 5.7L only for 2020–2021 |
| Toyota Sequoia (2nd gen) | 2008–2022 | 381 hp / 401 lb-ft | 4.6L 1UR-FE also offered in early years; 5.7L only later |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series | 2008–2021 | 381 hp / 401 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic through 2015, 8-speed from 2016 |
| Lexus LX 570 | 2008–2021 | 383 hp @ 5,600 / 403 lb-ft @ 3,600 | Lexus rating; same 5.7L V8 |
The flex-fuel 3UR-FBE. Toyota added E85 capability to the 5.7L for 2009, aimed at Midwestern markets where E85 is sold, and it appears in Tundra and Sequoia manuals as the 3UR-FBE. Mechanically it shares the bore, stroke and oil and coolant specs with the 3UR-FE. Toyota's manuals do not list separate horsepower figures for E85, and we did not find an official E85 rating; treat any "more power on E85" number you see as unverified.
Not a 3UR-FE: the 2022+ Tundra, 2023+ Sequoia, 2024+ Land Cruiser and 2022+ LX 600 all moved to other engines (the V35A twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid 4-cylinder in the new Land Cruiser).
Known Problems: What Is Documented and What Is Owner-Reported
Secondary air injection pump and valves (documented, Toyota programs)
This is the 3UR-FE's best-known weak point, and it is an emissions part, not an engine-internal one. Two electric air pumps push fresh air into the exhaust during cold starts to light off the catalytic converters faster. The pumps and switching valves sit where they can take in moisture, and when water gets in, they fail. You get a check engine light, codes such as P2440, P2442, P2443 or P2445, and on many trucks the ECM drops into fail-safe (limp) mode with reduced power.
Toyota addressed it in several stages. Each program covers specific VINs only, so have a dealer check yours.
| MODEL YEARS | VEHICLES | TOYOTA ACTION | COVERAGE OR FIX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2010 Tundra, 2008–2010 Sequoia | V8 trucks | Warranty extension (Warranty Policy Bulletin POL11-05), with diagnosis in T-SB-0160-11 | Air injection pumps and switching valves for moisture-related MIL; reported as 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles |
| 2011 Tundra, 2011 Sequoia | 4.6L and 5.7L V8 (and 2011 Tundra 4.0L V6) | Warranty Enhancement Program ZG6 (POL17-02, June 2017) | 10 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles; pumps, air switching valve and pump inlet replaced. About 108,000 vehicles |
| 2012–2013 Tundra, 2012–2013 Sequoia | 5.7L and 5.7L flex-fuel | Limited Service Campaign D0E (2013) | ECM recalibration so the pump is less likely to fail; failed pump replaced at no charge. Campaign ended May 31, 2016 |
| 2014–2015 Tundra, 2014–2015 Sequoia | 3UR engines | T-SB-0144-14 (November 2014) | ECM reprogram for P2440/P2442 caused by debris or ice in the switching valve; a normal warranty repair, not an extension |
All of the 10-year windows have now closed, even for the 2011 trucks, so expect to pay for this repair today. Tundra Headquarters reported dealer repair bills of more than $4,000 for both pumps and valves, which is why many owners install an aftermarket bypass module instead. Those modules disable an emissions system, which is not legal for road use in many states and can fail an emissions inspection. Know what you are buying.
We found no Toyota air injection program for the Land Cruiser 200 Series or LX 570 on the 3UR-FE. Owners do report the same failures on those trucks.
Cam tower oil seepage (owner-reported, common)
The 3UR-FE uses separate camshaft housings ("cam towers") bolted to each cylinder head and sealed with liquid gasket. Over time they weep oil down the back and sides of the heads, usually spotted from the passenger front wheel well. Reports range from trucks under warranty to well past 150,000 miles, and from 2019+ trucks too, so a late model is not immune.
Most leaks are seepage (dampness) rather than drips, and owners on Bob Is The Oil Guy and IH8MUD generally agree a damp tower can be watched as long as the oil level stays up. The repair is labor-heavy: independent Toyota shops quoted IH8MUD members about $1,650–1,850 for both towers plus valve covers. One TorqueNews reader reported debris in the oil after a poorly done warranty reseal. We did not find a Toyota TSB for this condition.
Water pump leaks (documented inspection guidance, wear item)
The 3UR-FE water pump weeps coolant through its weep hole as the shaft seal wears. Look for pink crust or wet coolant at the front of the engine, and listen for a growling bearing. Toyota issued T-SB-0103-20 (October 2020) with updated water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008–2021 Toyota vehicles, which matters if a dealer tells you a weep is normal. A small amount of old, dry residue at the weep hole is normal; a wet, active leak is not. IH8MUD owners report both early failures (under 100,000 miles on some early trucks) and original pumps past 200,000.
Radiator cracks (owner-reported, Land Cruiser)
Land Cruiser 200 owners report radiators cracking near the raised part-number stamp next to the cap, typically after about 8 years or 100,000–130,000 miles. See our Land Cruiser 100 and 200 Series buyer's guide for details. We did not find the same pattern documented for the Tundra or Sequoia.
Starter (occasional, expensive labor)
Starters wear out on any truck. On the 5.7L the starter sits low on the passenger side under the exhaust manifold with a heat shield, so labor is the cost. One IH8MUD owner was quoted about six hours and $1,500. We did not find evidence that 3UR-FE starters fail early or often.
2007 camshaft failures (early production, resolved)
In the first months of 2007 Tundra production, a small number of 5.7L engines failed because of faulty camshafts from an outside supplier. Reports at the time cited about 20 failures out of 37,000 trucks sold, and Toyota replaced the engines. It was limited to early 2007 trucks and is not a reason to avoid a 3UR-FE today.
What we could not confirm
Timing chain cover oil leaks come up in forum threads, but we found no Toyota bulletin and not enough consistent reports to call it a pattern on the 3UR-FE. Timing chain wear is rarely reported. If you hear a rattle at cold start, have it checked, but chain replacement is not a known 3UR-FE problem.
Maintenance Intervals That Matter
From Toyota's 2021 Tundra, 2021 Land Cruiser and 2022 Sequoia Warranty and Maintenance Guides. The three print the same engine schedule.
| ITEM | INTERVAL | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | 10,000 mi / 12 mo with 0W-20 | 5,000 mi / 6 mo if 5W-20 was used, or if you mostly tow, drive dusty roads, make short trips below 32°F or idle a lot |
| Tire rotation | Every 5,000 mi | |
| Engine air filter | Replace every 30,000 mi | Inspect more often on dirt roads |
| Cabin air filter | Replace every 30,000 mi | Inspected at 15k-type visits |
| Drive belts | Inspect at 60,000 mi, then every 15,000 | |
| Engine coolant (SLLC) | First at 100,000 mi / 120 mo, then every 50,000 mi / 60 mo | |
| Spark plugs | 120,000 mi | Toyota notes plug service is required under the emissions warranty |
| Valve clearance | Not scheduled | Hydraulic lash adjusters |
| Timing chain | Not scheduled | No replacement interval |
For a truck that tows: Toyota's special operating conditions add oil every 5,000 miles, and on the Tundra, front diff oil every 15,000, rear diff and transfer case every 30,000, and automatic transmission fluid at 60,000 and 120,000. Mileage-by-mileage checklists are in our Tundra and Sequoia maintenance guides.
Coolant capacity varies by vehicle and year. The 2013 Tundra manual lists 12.8 qt (13.7 qt with the towing package) for the 5.7L; the 2020 Tundra manual lists 11.4 qt (12.4 qt with towing package); the 2020 Sequoia lists 13.1 qt (14.1 qt with towing package). Check the manual for your truck.
Towing With the 3UR-FE
The 5.7L makes its peak torque at 3,600 rpm and, per Lexus, 90 percent of it from 2,200 rpm, which is why it feels strong with a trailer. Fuel economy suffers badly when it works, but it does the work. Ratings depend far more on the vehicle than the engine:
| VEHICLE | TOYOTA RATING |
|---|---|
| Tundra 2007–2013 | Up to 10,400 lb (2013 manual); Toyota advertised up to 10,800 lb at the 2007 launch, before SAE J2807 |
| Tundra 2014–2021 | 7,800–10,500 lb by cab, drive and tow package |
| Sequoia 2008 | 7,800–10,000 lb by tow package |
| Sequoia 2015–2022 | 7,000–7,400 lb (SAE J2807) |
| Land Cruiser 200 | 8,500 lb (2008–2015); 8,100 lb (2016–2021) |
| Lexus LX 570 | 8,500 lb (2009 Lexus release) |
Your door-jamb label and owner's manual set the real limit. The full tables are in our Tundra towing capacity guide, Sequoia towing capacity guide and the Toyota towing capacity chart.
3UR-FE vs V35A: The Engine That Replaced It
| SPEC | 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 | V35A 3.4L TWIN-TURBO V6 (TUNDRA) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,663cc | 3,445cc |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated, port injection | Twin turbo, intercooled |
| Power | 381 hp / 401 lb-ft | 389 hp / 479 lb-ft (348 hp / 405 lb-ft on SR); i-FORCE MAX hybrid 437 hp / 583 lb-ft |
| Transmission (Tundra) | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Max Tundra towing | 10,500 lb (2014–2021) | 12,000 lb |
| Oil capacity | 7.9–8.5 qt 0W-20 | 7.7 qt 0W-20 |
| Spark plugs | 120,000 mi | 40,000 mi |
| Extra cooling system | No | Separate intercooler coolant loop with its own service interval |
| Recalls on the engine itself | None found (NHTSA records for 2007–2021 Tundra, 2008–2022 Sequoia, 2008–2021 Land Cruiser) | Three campaigns (24V381, 25V767, 26V320) for machining debris damaging main bearings |
The V35A is the stronger engine on paper: more torque, much lower in the rev range, more towing and better fuel economy. The 3UR-FE is the simpler one: no turbos, no intercooler loop, three times the spark plug interval, and no engine recall that we could find in NHTSA's records for the Tundra, Sequoia or Land Cruiser. If you are shopping used and simplicity matters more than towing the last 1,500 lb, a well-kept 5.7L truck is a sound choice. Details on the newer engine's problems are in our V35A engine recall guide.
How Long Does a 3UR-FE Last?
There is no published Toyota life figure, but 5.7L Tundras, Sequoias and Land Cruisers well past 250,000 miles are common in owner forums, and the engine's known failures are bolt-on parts (air pumps, water pump, starter) and seal seepage rather than bottom-end or chain failures. The things that shorten its life are the same as any engine: missed oil changes, running low on oil from an ignored leak, and overheating from an old water pump or cracked radiator.
3UR-FE Buyer's Checklist
- Scan for codes: stored or pending P2440–P2445 air injection codes. Ask whether the system was repaired or bypassed.
- Program history: have a Toyota dealer run the VIN for completed campaigns (ZG6 on 2011 trucks, D0E on 2012–2013, T-SB-0144-14 on 2014–2015).
- Cam towers: look for oil down the back of the heads from the passenger wheel well. Dampness is common; drips are a negotiating point.
- Water pump: pink crust or wet coolant at the front of the engine; growling at idle.
- Radiator (Land Cruiser): cracks near the stamp beside the cap on older trucks.
- Records: oil changes at 10,000 miles or sooner, and plugs at 120,000 if the truck is past it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toyota 3UR-FE 5.7 a reliable engine?
Yes. We found no NHTSA recall on the engine itself for the 2007–2021 Tundra, 2008–2022 Sequoia or 2008–2021 Land Cruiser, and its documented problems are bolt-on parts: the secondary air injection pumps and valves, water pump weeps, and cam tower oil seepage. Owner-reported mileage past 250,000 is common with regular oil changes.
What vehicles have the 3UR-FE engine?
In the US: the 2007–2021 Toyota Tundra, 2008–2022 Sequoia, 2008–2021 Land Cruiser 200 Series and 2008–2021 Lexus LX 570. A flex-fuel 3UR-FBE version was offered in the Tundra and Sequoia from 2009.
Does the 5.7 Tundra have a timing belt or chain?
A timing chain. The 3UR-FE uses primary chains to the intake cams and secondary chains to the exhaust cams, and Toyota's maintenance guides list no replacement interval.
How much oil does a 3UR-FE take?
About 7.9 to 8.5 quarts of 0W-20 with the filter. Toyota's 2013 and 2016 Tundra manuals list 7.9 qt, and the 2020 Tundra and Sequoia manuals list 8.5 qt. Fill to the lower figure and top up to the full mark on the dipstick.
What is the air injection pump problem on the 5.7 Tundra?
Moisture gets into the secondary air injection pumps and switching valves, causing a check engine light, codes like P2440 or P2445, and often limp mode. Toyota extended coverage on 2007–2011 Tundras and 2008–2011 Sequoias (including program ZG6 for 2011) to 10 years or 150,000 miles and released ECM updates for 2012–2015 trucks. The 10-year coverage periods have now ended.
What spark plugs does the 3UR-FE use and when are they changed?
DENSO SK20HR11 iridium plugs gapped at 0.043 in (1.1mm), per Toyota's owner's manual. Do not regap them. Toyota's maintenance guides replace them at 120,000 miles.
Related Toyota Engine Guides
- Toyota 2UZ-FE 4.7 V8: Specs, Reliability & High Mileage Guide
- Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Guide
- 2GR-FKS Possible Engine Problems
- Toyota Tundra V35A Engine Recall Explained
- Toyota Tundra Fluid Capacities & Types (2014–2025)
- Toyota Sequoia Fluid Capacities & Types (2008–2022)
- Land Cruiser 100 and 200 Series Buyer's Guide
- Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV
Sources: Toyota 2013 Tundra Owner's Manual (OM34491U), Specifications; Toyota Warranty and Maintenance Guides for the 2021 Tundra, 2021 Land Cruiser and 2022 Sequoia; Toyota bulletins on NHTSA: ZG6 dealer letter and POL17-02, LSC D0E, T-SB-0144-14; POL11-05 summary via CarComplaints and Tundra Headquarters; T-SB-0103-20 summary via CarComplaints; Toyota pressroom for the 2011 Sequoia and 2022 Tundra; Toyota Canada 2008 Sequoia release; Lexus 2009 LX 570 release; Work Truck 2007 Tundra launch; Autoblog on the 2009 flex-fuel 5.7; Australian Car Reviews 3UR-FE profile; Wikipedia UR engine; Consumer Guide 2008–2011 Land Cruiser; Cars.com on 2007 camshaft failures; forum threads on IH8MUD cylinder numbering, IH8MUD 5.7 starter, Bob Is The Oil Guy cam tower leak, ClubLexus LX 570 fuel; TorqueNews cam tower reseal; Tundra Headquarters air injection repair costs; NHTSA recalls API, retrieved October 27, 2026.
Keep reading
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Toyota Tundra V35A Engine Recall Explained (2022–2024 Tundra, LX, GX)
Toyota has recalled about 272,000 gas-engine trucks across three NHTSA campaigns for the same problem: machining debris left in the 3.4L twin-turbo V35A engine can damage the main bearings, which can lead to engine knock, a stall and loss of power. 24V381 (2022–2023 Tundra and LX600, 102,092 vehicles) replaces the engine. 25V767 (2022–2024 Tundra, LX, and the 2024 GX550, 126,691 vehicles) and 26V320 (2024 Tundra, 43,566 vehicles) inspect the #1 main bearing with software and drive data, and replace the engine if needed. Toyota's codes: 24TA07/24TB07 and 25TA14/25TB14 (Toyota), 24LA04/24LB04 and 25LA07/25LB07 (Lexus). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. All figures from NHTSA recall reports.