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CarComplaints.com Notes: An increasing number of Toyotas are experiencing excessive oil consumption and the 2007 Camry seems to be leading the charge.

Owners are reporting that their engines are deprived of oil halfway through their maintenance schedules and in some cases the damage is so bad that entirely new engines need to be installed, paid out of pocket. The issue may be a result of defective piston rings.

Toyota has issued a TSB for this problem, but maintains their stance that vehicles equipped with a 2AZ-FE engine are burning through a “normal” amount of oil.

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,420
Average Mileage:
97,500 miles
Total Complaints:
285 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (173 reports)
  2. rebuild engine or check oil frequently (41 reports)
  3. replace engine (32 reports)
  4. toyota has admitted there's a problem (8 reports)
  5. Toyota Canada's head office told me that it is acceptable fo (7 reports)
  6. replace piston assembly (6 reports)
2007 Toyota Camry engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Toyota Camry Owner Comments (Page 12 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #65

Sep 282012

Camry LE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,274 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2007 Camry, that has a oil consumption problem. Back in Sept 2012, I was having my oil changed and the mechanic told me that I was almost 3 quarts low, and after inspection of the car, he did not find any leaks. My car at this point had 70, 274 miles on it. The mechanic suggested that I take it back to the dealership, to see what the problem was. I took the car back to Toyota and they told me in order to see what the problem was they had to fill the oil and to (lock it down) and to bring it back in 1200 miles. I brought the car back in late November, early December 2012 and the oil was down 1.8 quarts . There is a Technical Service Bulletin on this issue, T-SB-0094-11. 2AZ-FE Engine Oil Consumption issue. Tiyota told me this was an issue, but my engine was out of warranty.. They told me that they would split the total repair cost with me 50/50. That the most I would pay is $2000. This is for a known issue. I didn't know what to do, but they told me that this repair would be under warranty for 12 months and if I had any issues then they would fix it. They would stand by the repair and were certain this would fix the oil problem. So I had the car fixed and picked it up Dec. 21, 2012. It ended up costing me $1424.00, and I was told that I could go back to having my oil changed every 5000 miles. I was alittle nervous about that so after 1000 miles I took it back and was told that they have to top it off, I said how much was it topped off and she couldn't tell me, but said my car was fine. So after 4000 miles, I decided to look myself to make sure the oil was ok, when I checked it, the car was 2 quarts down. I was very upset so I went back to Toyota that day, and they filled up the car with oil and (locked it down) again. I told them I wanted the car fixed as it has a 12 month warranty. They told me it was out of their hands and I have to come back in 1200 miles again so they could check it. Now after 1200 miles it's already down .5 quart, so I can see now that after 4000 miles it would be back down 2 quarts again. They told me they would call Toyota and get back to me, that was yesterday, June 12, 2013. I was told by two people there including the supervisor, that Toyota will not be doing anything else to help me out. They told me it was normal now, with the new cars these days, they burn more oil then the old cars do, I have never heard of a car burning 2 quarts of oil in 4000 miles to be normal. They gave me the direct line for Toyota and i'm going to call them, but last time I tryed to talk to them, they didn't want anything to do with it. Now what can I do???

- Joanne B., Lynn, MA, US

problem #64

Mar 252011

Camry SE 4cly

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

i got the car used in 2011 my wife was going on a100 mile trip so i check the oil and nothing was on dip stick.added three qts of oil had check nothing was leaking.after reading all problems of 2007 oil burning i was really tic off.because i have had 4 camrys all with over 250.000 miles never this problem or any other problems with camrys.3 of my family members bought camrys because i had such good success with them.even though i was pissed with this 07 camry i was out to find a way to fix oil problem.after trying every oil i could think of.i went to lucas oil web site and seen the had oil for regular cars.lucas is known for race car product.so i thought about if its good for race cars,maybe it could help with the 2007 oil burning problems.and to this day its working i put on 1700 miles since i use lucas and only had to put less than half quart of oil.i also used lucas oil stabalizer in place of 1 qt of oil

- Rex R., Evanston, IL, US

problem #63

Mar 012007

Camry LE 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,971 miles

I bought my car brand new in December of 2006. By about March or April it became clear that it was using way too much oil. It wasn't leaking and I couldn't smell it being burned. I took it to the dealer where, in casual conversation with a mechanic, he stated he thought something was odd about the usage. Once they had looked at it and completed their testing, I was told it was a normal usage thing. I didn't really accept that statement, but put up with it anyway.

From that point in 2007 to the fall of 2012 I would be putting in a bottle of oil approximately every week. Seem like an excessive amount? I should say that this vehicle is a taxi cab and I put on far more kilometers than most people would. Since September of 2012 however, I am now putting in about 10 bottles per month. Its clear to me that the engine will go before the year 2013 is done.

The best answer to this problem lies in the comment below about the oil compression rings. Its what my mechanic has theorized is causing the issue. When the car finally goes, I will ask him to do a quick postmortem on engine to check. Not knowing a lot about cars, I can take an uneducated guess that Toyota is very much aware of the ring problem and knows it would be debilitating in terms of cost to replace all of those engines. Better to correct the problem in the future models and turn a blind eye to the mess than to address it head on.

The good news folks, is that nearly everything else on the car worked great. At this writing, (Feb 2013) I am over 470,000km. Most of you will not rack up those kinds of km in the lifespan of the car, so if you can stomach putting some oil in on a regular basis then the car will serve you well.

- Rob H., Kitchener, Ontario, canada

problem #62

Feb 022013

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Out of the blue the car started to consume oil like MAD (49,000 miles)! Brought it in for an oil consumption test and problem was confirmed. Told me repairs under TSB-0094-11, August 11, 2011 (they've known about this problem for a long time) were not under warranty and we would have to pay for the tear down parts & labor. After reviewing the "oil consumption problem" on THIS website

we went back to Toyota and made the case that they were engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices by withholding information about defective components. The dealership requested a NO COST repair from Toyota and it was granted. I estimate the cost to repair was around $7000. They also provided a loaner car for the three week period it took to make the repairs. In the end, no complaints and Toyota acted like a responsible company and I will clearly stay a customer. Good luck

- Robert S., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #61

Feb 222012

Camry CE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

This car has a little over 60K and uses 3-4 quarts of oil between oil changes!

Toyota of Santa Monica keeps saying oil consumption is normal

I have extended warranty but they refuse to do anything

what do I do

- Mike T., Santa Monica, CA, US

problem #60

Jan 232013

Camry LE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,778 miles

Had the first California smog test on my 07 Camry in January of this year. The results of the test really surprised me because it came close to failing. Maximum hydrocarbon allowance is 52 and it measured 43. Maximum nitrous oxide allowance is 425 and it measured 260. My 89 Toyota pickup with 356,000 miles has tested less than 10 consistently in both categories. The excellent performance of the truck was the main reason for buying the Camry but now I think I have bought my last Toyota. On the last oil change I used 10W30 oil instead of 5W20 that is recommended by the manufacturer. Oil consumption seems to be reduced but I have not put 5000 miles on the oil yet. With the 5W20 oil it was using about 2 quarts within 5000 miles. I don't know if the heavier oil will be a permanent fix but in two years when I am required to get another smog test I will find out. The oil consumption does not bother me too much because it doesn't leak or smoke but if I fail a smog test then I will be unable to renew the registration until the problem is fixed.

- tomcalifornia, Camarillo, CA, US

problem #59

Jun 012013

Camry LE

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

i start to hear noise for possible water pump ,and oil go low so quik ,i been told to check with toyota in a month to check my oil level and if it low than it cost a lot of many to fix ,that what i been told at dealler.

- gorshchal, Anoka, MN, US

problem #58

Dec 152012

Camry LE 4 cylider

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

I had my oil changed in my 2007 Toyota Camry LE and a couple thousand miles into the next oil change, my add oil light come on. My husband checked my oil level and I was 3 quarts low. I was astonished and naturally concerned, but thought perhaps when it had been changed all the oil may not have been added back to the engine. Recently it was time for my oil change at 5,000 miles and when the mechanic changed my oil, he informed me my engine was 2.5 quarts low for oil. My total mileage is at 110,000 for this 2007 model. I was doing research and found this complaint sight and was reading how many other Toyota owners were experiencing like issues. All we k now to do now is to keep a close eye on the oil level frequently and perhaps change the oil at 3,000 miles. It is not under any type of warranty, so this problem is "my baby." It has definitely lessened my faith in Toyota products.

- worried from ky, Loyall, KY, US

problem #57

Feb 102012

Camry XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I am adding to my last complaint that nobody is thinking of the potential for clogged catalytic converters as a result of the oil burning. This is also a major expense and could sideline a car if it can't pass emissions tests. The converters and there are 3 can only take care of only so much oil before they become clogged. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Again more expense... Toyota is covering this up for I'm not the only one with a 2007 Camry with this problem. (over 3 qts in 3k miles) BAD !!!!!!!!!!!!

Update from Apr 24, 2013: It's a shame, but I traded the car in. I had planed on keeping for 300k miles as I have done in the past. Be warned this is not the only problem the excessive oil has to go somewhere. The cat converters will clog up and it won't pass emissions tests. If I remember correctly that Camry has a 3 stage converter set up and I'll bet oem parts are about $1800.00. and if it fails the air test the won't renew your plates. If there are any class action suits going on I'd like to know. I lost money on the trade, and spent money before a planned time to replace this with a reliable car.

P.S we love our Honda Accord 2013 and consumer's reports rates it #1 in it's class.

- Paul K., Mchenry, IL, US

problem #56

Apr 232013

Camry LE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

So I bought a certified pre-owned Toyota from a local dealer. Two days later had to have the water pump replaced (covered and a few months later had to have the window motors replaced (also covered). Then 9 months and 11,000 miles into the warranty, the car burned 3.5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I took it in and they had to do a road oild consumption test. I was also given a vague response that they have seen issues with this in the past. After the 1000 miles, I brought it back, was given a rental and promised it was covered. Two days later I was told it was not covered and told I need to have the car back by 7 PM (called at 3:45) or I would be charged for that day. I am currently in the process of fighting this. I have the dealers name and Lemon painted on my windows, will be contact the media and plan to picket this weekend.

- notoftheworld, Apopka, FL, US

problem #55

Apr 042013

Camry SE

  • 56,253 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

What a piece of junk. Purchased brand new late fall of 06. This car has a little over 50K and uses 2.5-3 quarts of oil between oil changes! They are done around every 3000, but with todays oil it should last much longer... well actually fresh oil is added about every fill up! There are no leaks, and amazing enough it doesn't smoke or even smell of oil? Where the hell is all that super expensive synthetic oil going? This is my wife's car and she's a middle aged Grandmother that drives it to work every day and a couple runs to the lakes in summer. That's pretty much it. Only putting on 10k a year at most. Of course the oil problem didn't show up until it was out of warranty! But it has gotten terrible fuel economy from the start and THAT never improved, when talking with the dealer was told "oh the car isn't drivin' much, it'll come around when broken in". Well it's broken "something" and the fuel millage still sucks! I always heard "Toyota is the way to go". And now I agree! GO, AWAY as fast as you can, do not buy one of these! But hey if you don't believe me, I've got a like brand new, granny drivin', low millage Toyota Camry for sale! I'll even throw in a case of oil to get you home!

- Brad C., Fargo, ND, US

problem #54

May 112013

Camry LE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

My car has 115k miles on it & my low oil light has started coming on about 500 miles before it's due for oil change (happened twice). And when my husband checked the oil it was significantly low, by 3 quarts both times. I had the oil changed @ Toyota dealership today & asked the service manager how many quarts they put in it & she said 5. I told her my car has been losing oil & she asked what year my car was & I told her 2007. She said that it is a commom problem, specific to 2007 models & they have found that if they put a heavier grade oil it seems to fix the problem. She said Toyota is aware of the problem but they haven't heard anything from corporate office on recall. They don't know what is causing the oil loss & evidently don't feel the need to inform consumers until they mention it. I am trying to decide if I should keep the car & hope they recall it or give me a rebate of some kind to offset the loss I will likely take when I sell it. I feel like I need to sell the car asap & cut my losses. Other than the oil problem, no issues.

- Stacey H., Dallas, TX, US

problem #53

Sep 012009

Camry LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

My 2007 Camry started consuming about 1 quart of oil every 1,500 miles at about the 30,000 mile mark. The folks at Toyota City were surprised and told me that this should not be happening. I performed an oil consumption test with them and to my surprise, their tune totally changed from this being a surprise to this is normal and as long as it doesn't burn more that a quart of oil every 600 miles, it's normal.

At 60,000 miles, I called Toyota personally b/c the problem got worse...I burned a quart of oil every 900-1,000 miles. I got the same answer...this is normal. Fast forward to today: I have 87,000 miles on the car and it burns a quart of oil every 500 miles (confirmed with yet another oil consumption test at dealer). The Toyota dealer's service center knows about the problem (bad piston rings) and told me it's 'cheaper' to replace the motor. The cost for this is approximately $5,000 and there is no guarantee of the problem happening again (again, according to the dealer). I called Toyota myself and was told that the car is out of warranty. How convenient for Toyota...the car is barely out of warranty (I bought the extended warranty) and the problem started over 50,000 miles ago. The fact are the facts...do you want to spend over $20,000 with a company that 1) doesn't stand by their product, and 2) lies to their customers?

- leonidas4u, Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #52

Nov 012009

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

I have a 2007 Toyota with 160000 mile and I have to put 2 to 3 quarts of oil in it every oil change. It started using oil around 75000 miles but now it's using it like crazy. If the dealer doesn't fix it I will never buy another Toyota.

- roll tide, Wetumpka, AL, US

problem #51

Jul 082012

Camry LE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,293 miles

bought this 2007 toyota camry le as a used car at a toyota dealer here in Toronto. had a 96 camry that i enjoyed very well so i figure i'd buy another one for the family, what can i say very mad decision. about a week after i bought it realize its smoking after start up. I report it to the dealer so they said i have to leave it over night for them to check so i did that. they check and told me that yes it smoke but it was normal. i said "really u got to be kidding me my 96 camry never smoke", so they told me there nothing they can do about that and i should bring it back. let they do oil consumption did that for about 2 months oil consumption is terrible but they said they cant do any for me because i dont have extended warrenty. so i call toyota canada and to my surprise they telling me they don't know about this problem with the 2007 toyota camry which i know is a bold face lie.

so im stuck wondering what best to do. help

- odon, York, ON, Canada

problem #50

Jan 122013

Camry LE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Had a 98 Camry with 288,000 miles & loved it so much that I traded it in on a 2007. BAD mistake. Car has a series of problems. First noticeable problem is that it has a hesitation coming out of a dead stop. Ever so slight pause, then it shoots out. Annoying, but not a deal breaker. NEXT thing, slightly more annoying but still not a deal breaker, is the constant shimmying at a dead stop (red light). This was problem before I had 12,000. miles on it. Dealer said it was a "throttle body" & changed it. Let me preface this final complaint by stating that I've changed the oil every 3,000 miles since I purchased it (remember my 98 with nearly 300,000 miles)? THIRD, and THIS IS A DEAL BREAKER, at 118,000 miles (usually just breaking in for a Camry), the engine started losing oil. Black smoke started coming out of the exhaust. Brought it to the dealership. Had a $2,200. valve job. No more smoke or oil in the driveway, but car still loses a quart every 500 miles. Only God knows where the oil is going, but needless to say, I don't feel safe taking the car on trips, or even at night. I have to check the oil after every fill up. I'm in the process of trading it in on an Accord.

- 2007 C., Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #49

Oct 012012

Camry LX 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Burn between 1 to 1.5 qt of oil every 1000 miles. Dealership checked and found no leaks, however, in order to claim it under warranty, the burn down must exceed 1.5qt per 1200 miles. Waiting for the next consumption test result.

I'll never ever buy any Toyota again if this gross problem is considered "normal" or me being "out of luck" with this car.

On craigslist, you'll notice there are 3 times more 2007 camrys for sale than 06 or 08.

- camy07sux, Plano, TX, US

problem #48

Feb 062013

Camry SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

So, if anybody has any suggestions on how to fix this or what the problem is or anyone has a law suit against Toyota, let me know jmjay1972@yahoo.com

My car only has 89,000 miles on it and my warranty is going to expire at 100,000 miles or 12/21/2013

- Jay H., Racine, WI, US

problem #47

Feb 062013

Camry SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

Well, let's just say don't ever buy one of these cars.

My car uses 3 to 4 quarts of oil per oil change so, I took it to the dealer and had a oil change on March 22, 2013. I told them of the problem before they did the oil change. They said after they did oil change that I would have to bring it back in 1000 miles to see how much oil it is using.

After they changed it, the service manager called me out and told me that the tech that was working on it said he agrees with me that it does have an oil problem so, the service manager said he called the extended warranty company and said they will not cover the cost unless the rings are cracked or broken but, they can't find that out unless they take the motor apart. However, if they find out that it's not one of those things, I would have to pay the cost of tearing it down-about $3700.

- Jay H., Racine, WI, US

problem #46

Mar 242013

Camry 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

My mother purchased the 2007 Camry new in the fall of '06. We are putting 2-quarts of oil in every 3,000 miles. The car has 49,000 miles on it. Of course the warranty is 5 years or 60k, which ever comes first.

My mother is 86 years old. She just drives around town. This is the first new car she has ever purchased. This car has been nothing short of a major headache. We replaced all 4 tires at 20k.

Then there was the gas pedal problem. While repairing that they said that one of the rear brakes was hanging up--of course, no warranty on that- "cha-ching."

This oil issue has been going on for the last 15k, but of course Toyota dealer says it's normal. I keep a pretty good eye on oil so the oil light hasn't come on. I own a 2002 GMC Envoy with a150,000 miles. It doesn't burn a drop of oil and that includes towing a boat all summer. No more Toyotas

- jsmith029ny, Corning, NY, US

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