I am asking this question on behalf of my father in law who owns a 1999 Camry 4 cylinder engine that the timing belt broke while driving about 25 mph. The timing belt was replaced about 40,000 miles ago. The car stopped and was towed to a local non dealer shop. The shop owner advised since the timing belt broke it did damage to the engine requiring extensive repairs estimating $1600 to $1800. I have conducted some research and found this particular engine 2.2L I4 5S-FE appears to be a non interference engine that should only require a timing belt replacement. On an interference engine with a timing belt breaking could require extensive repairs. From what I can determine all Toyota S Engines are non interference engines. Anyone have experience with this? Looks like the repair place may be attempting to enhance their repair build from just a simple timing belt replacement to extensive repairs? Same shop that replace the timing belt at 40,000 miles ago. My father in law meticulously maintains this car and holds sentimental value.

Interference Engines - The Complete List - Your Car Angel

Toyota
1.5L (1A-C, 3A-C & 3E) Interference
• 1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE & 4A-GZE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Interference
1.8L 7AFE, 4AFE, 4AF – Non Interference
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 2.2L Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.4L Diesel Interference
• 2.5L Non-Interference
• 2.8L Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 (Except 1998 2JZ-GE) Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
• 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 W/ V VTi – Interference
• 3.4L Non-Interference
* 3.5L V-6 Non-Interference
• 4.7L Interference


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry#XV20


Engine codes

XV20 (1996–2002)[edit]

XV20
Pre-facelift Toyota Camry sedan Overview Also called

• Daihatsu Altis (Japan)
• Toyota Vienta

Production

• 1996–2001
• 1997–2002 (Australia)

Model years 1997–2001 Body and chassis Body style

• 4-door sedan
• 5-door station wagon

Powertrain Engine

• 2.2 L I4 5S-FE
• 3.0 L V6 1MZ-FE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry#XV20

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Toyota_S_engine

 

The engine is non-interference!

The belt should have lasted longer then 40K! At least 60K and 90K on later model 5SFE (as belt design improved). Its a suggested change life by the belt maker as Toyota provides no mileage change recommendation.

Find out if something else went wrong to damage the belt. Check out the timing belt idler bearings and water pump. See link below for items typically changed along with the belt.

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/T...al-Replacement

Suggest a better quality belt as they are not all the same quality.

Can't judge the shop but they should know the engine is non-interference! Note the reason some of the engines you listed changed to interference is because of VVTi.

 

I definitely have to chime in here and hope this helps. I have a 1995 Camry V6 and it is the 1MZ-FE non interference. I have to replace it soon and understand there should be no or little damage if it breaks, plus he was at 25 mph and I think there is more of a chance at 60 mph. Get a second opinion.