Toyota 2.0 / 2.2 D-4D (1AD-FTV, 2AD-FTV, 2AD-FHV)Particulate filter (DPF/FAP)
D-CAT particulate filter clogging on the 2.0/2.2 D-4D
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Clogging of the D-CAT filter or of the DPF in later versions is documented repeatedly in the Auris, RAV4 and Corolla Verso, with mentions of repeated cleanings or regenerations; we have not found a count as high as for the EGR or the injectors, so we rate it as frequent rather than very frequent.[2][3][4]
Symptoms
- The particulate filter warning light comes on when the D-CAT is saturated with soot and cannot regenerate.[2]DPF warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The car loses power and limits revs when the filter is heavily clogged.[3]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- In the most severe cases, the ECU limits power until a regeneration is forced or the filter is replaced.[2]Limp mode: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The D-CAT filter needs to reach a high enough exhaust temperature to burn off the accumulated soot (regeneration); the short or urban journeys typical of everyday use do not always reach it and the filter gradually clogs.[2][3][4]
If it is not repaired: A heavily clogged filter that cannot regenerate can end up completely blocked, which means replacing it: a notably more expensive repair than a cleaning or a forced regeneration.[1]
Affected cars and years
Documented mainly in the 2.2 D-CAT (2AD-FHV), where the D-CAT system made its debut, although there is also one documented case of filter clogging in the 2.0 D-4D (1AD-FTV) of the fourth-generation RAV4.[2]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 D-4D (1AD-FTV, 116-126 hp, 2005-2018) | 2005–2018 | 1AD-FTV |
| 2.2 D-4D (2AD-FTV, 136-150 hp, 2005-2015) | 2005–2015 | 2AD-FTV |
| 2.2 D-4D D-CAT (2AD-FHV, 174-177 hp, 2005-2015) | 2005–2015 | 2AD-FHV |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Lexus
- Lexus IS II2005–2010
- Lexus IS II2005–2013
Toyota
- Toyota Avensis T252005–2008
- Toyota Avensis T272008–2018
- Toyota RAV4 III2007–2012
- Toyota RAV4 IV2013–2018
- Toyota Auris I2006–2012
- Toyota Auris II2012–2018
- Toyota Corolla Verso2004–2009
- Toyota Verso2009–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and forced regeneration of the filter at the workshop; it does not include complete replacement of the filter if it can no longer be regenerated.[1]
One Toyota RAV4 owner cites around €180 for a forced filter regeneration; there are no official rates published for complete replacement of the D-CAT filter, which is considerably more expensive.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask whether the DPF warning light has ever come on and whether forced regenerations have been carried out at the workshop; several failed regenerations point to a filter near the end of its life.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
D-CAT particulate filter
Traps soot from the exhaust; it is replaced when it cannot regenerate even with a forced regeneration at the workshop.
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How to prevent it
- Do not switch off the engine while the car is in the middle of a filter regeneration (warnings on the dashboard) and make a long motorway run from time to time.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the D-CAT and a normal DPF?
Toyota's D-CAT combines the particulate filter with a NOx trap in a single system; functionally, it becomes saturated with soot just like a conventional DPF if the car does not cover enough open-road miles.[5]
Can the filter be cleaned instead of replaced?
Yes, a forced regeneration at the workshop (or a long run at a steady speed) usually resolves moderate clogging; the filter only needs replacing if it no longer regenerates or is damaged.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.0/2.2 D-4D faults
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentCylinder head and blockWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4DYes: the 2.2-litre block (2AD-FTV and 2AD-FHV D-CAT) has numerous documented cases of warped cylinder head gaskets and oil consumption or dilution in the Avensis, RAV4, Auris, Corolla Verso and Verso, with repairs that sometimes require replacing the engine.Appears at around 40,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with sootYes: the EGR valve clogs with soot very frequently across the whole 1AD/2AD D-4D family, especially with urban use and short journeys, and it usually causes a loss of power or the engine warning light to come on.Appears at around 45,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjector wear and failureYes: the common-rail injectors fail frequently in this family, with cases documented from 30,000 km and repairs ranging from €800 (one injector) to €1,900 (several) according to the owners consulted.Appears at around 30,000 km
More faults with the particulate filter on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- High severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IISaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerationsIn urban use with short journeys, the particulate filter does not manage to complete its regeneration and becomes saturated; garages recommend a weekly motorway run to avoid it. The filter itself is among the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselFuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerationsYes: on short trips and in urban use, the Ingenium diesel's particulate filter does not always complete regeneration, and some of the diesel injected to burn off the soot ends up mixing with the engine oil, which reduces its ability to lubricate.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Auris (2007-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Corolla Verso : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota AD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026