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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 13 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #45

Mar 042013

Camry LE 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

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

After maintaining my Camry (I'm the first/only owner) with regular oil changes/maintenance (almost all done at the dealership), I was surprised when the low oil light went on for the first time about a month ago. There were no oil stains on my garage floor and no visible oil leakage when I checked the motor. The dealership had me run it for 1,200 miles to see how much oil it was losing. I checked the oil every few days. Around 1K miles, the oil level started dropping noticeably.

End result: dealership says I need a motor rebuild, and it will cost $2700-$3200, depending on how many pistons are replaced. I asked the service person if this was common, and I got a vague, "Well, I've heard of this issue ..." I called Toyota's customers-only service number and asked if this was an issue with the '07 Camrys. They basically told me the same thing they did when my Camry's sun visor broke 2 years ago (which I paid for, and they reimbursed this year after a recent pseudo-recall on those visors): "Keep your receipt."

Unless a bunch of customers call/complain, they're not going to start fixing the problem. Apparently, they will fix this issue if the car is still under some kind of warranty or whatever, but that's it. So, that means that my choices are (a) pay over $3K, wait about a week while the repairs are done, and hope that someday Toyota will reimburse me after giving me a properly built motor, (b) keep feeding my car quarts of oil for as long as I can until the problem gets bigger, or (c) what I'll probably do this week: trade in my Camry, and make this my first and last Toyota. Yes, I'm that mad. I didn't pay for years of proper maintenance just to have a manufacturer's error cost me thousands, through no fault of my own.

Update from Aug 11, 2015: Wow! It has been a few years since I discovered our Camry was losing oil. Here is what happened after my original complaint: - Out of spite, I stopped getting any of my cars fixed at a Toyota repair shop. We needed to buy a new car, and I wouldn't even look at the Toyotas. - We decided to keep the Camry and maintain it as best we could (regular oil changes, adding oil as necessary, other regular maintenance). We figured we'd drive it until the wheels fell off, and we'd see how far she could go (even if she was drinking like a sailor). The dealership basically made it sound like the car would die shortly. To date, the car has gone an additional 58K miles! That's right, 58,000. Even though we had to add a quart every 600 miles, financially, we had no choice. - We received a letter from Toyota headquarters months ago letting us know that they were in the process of creating parts and a fix for this issue. Finally, acknowledgement! Just having Toyota admit the issue made me have a whole lot less anger toward the company. - The local dealership, as expected, tried to find ways to get around having my car fixed even with the Toyota letter in hand. They claimed an "oil consumption test" had to be done (another way to kill 1,200 miles!). We had already done one when we first discovered the problem, but they would not honor it. Big surprise, they said the oil pan looked dirty as if it was leaking and the oil consumption issue was probably being caused by that. Yeah, right. We did the oil consumption test, cleaned up the oil pan (NOT at the dealership, that's for sure), switched service guys, and finally got results! Lesson for those in the same boat: do not let the dealership try to delay or railroad the process. The tech guys at our local dealership are good guys, but it's the guys sitting at the desks you have to beware of. We had an outside mechanic look at the car (to check the oil pan, like the dealership wanted), and he agreed the dealership was just looking for an out rather than honoring Toyota's letter. - Today our car went in for the fixes that Toyota said it would do. Should be 2 days before we hear anything. They'll replace the pistons and some other stuff. If there is more damage inside than they suspect, we'll hear from them if they need to order more parts. The car should not have engine issues after this, if Toyota's really fixed the issue with the right parts. I don't know how all this will pan out, but if we have our Toyota Camry back next week and she is as good as new? I will forgive Toyota their wrongs and likely buy another Camry. Maybe I'm a sucker for punishment, but I love my Camry. Strangely enough, besides the engine consumption issue, the car runs fine. Still rides well and all that. Will see what happens next week ...

- silverbala7, Mansfield, TX, US

problem #44

Feb 022012

Camry LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I noticed massive oil loss in my '07 Camry. The dealership said I needed to changed my oil pan and valve cover gasket. I told them I haven't seen a drop of oil on my driveway. They said that they were sure my problem would be fixed after we replaced the 2 gaskets.

After spending $695 on parts and labor the problem never went away. They did a compression test and everything was normal according to them. Finally they said I had to add a 1/4 of oil every 1000 miles and there is nothing wrong with my car.

I feel like talking to a lawyer and suing the dealership for misdiagnosing my problem and making them pay for it.

- Moe M., Chandler, AZ, US

problem #43

Feb 142013

Camry LE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

After owning numerous Toyota products all of which we kept well beyond 100K miles this is the first one to let us down. Even consumer reports shows the engine cooling for the 2007 4 cyl camry as "much worse than average". this would account for the engine seals being slowly destroyed and subsequent oil consumption.

Very disappointing as the dealership where we purchased it new (and have it serviced) is not willing to do anything about it other than monitor it.

- Mike K., Louisville, KY, US

problem #42

Nov 162012

Camry LE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

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

I need a fix and the cost should be covered by Toyota!

- Xiaoyu W., Miami, FL, US

problem #41

Feb 212013

Camry LE 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,788 miles

It's not about what kind of oil you got. It's the pistons and piston rings. Toyota knows about it. It's a silent recall.

But it's out of warrant....over 60,000 miles.. I noticed this a long time ago..It was not this bad,,now burn a quart per 1000 mile...the question is who pays the repair... i do not want to pay for the manufacture defective repair

I will fight for...thru anybody available including Toyota company..the.more fight the better.

- jeon, Montville, NJ, US

problem #40

Dec 122012

Camry XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I am 64 yrs old and do most of my own maintenance I have had many new Toyotas and some used. This was my work car and received regular 3k mile oil and filter changes (Pennzoil 5-20 and toyota filters.) I have NEVER had a Toyota use more then 1/4 of a qt between changes. now It's up to 3 qts in 3k miles. The car was brought to Elgin toyota for a oil test at 86k miles and the mgr said the consumption was normal for 1200 miles of driving. but by the time the odometer reached 3k I have added a full 2qts. I tried a different brand of oil and now it's using 3 qts per 3k miles. I called Toyota's office and opened a case. Upon calling the nearest dealer to my home Fox lake Toyota I was told there was not much they could do for me (platinum Toyota warranty expired) I might be better off going back to Elgin that they may need to tear down the engine at my expense. This SUCKS...I shouldn't have to spend ANY money to fix this problem.. P.S. The service Manager of Elgin did slip and say that there was a ring problem with the 2007 2.5 engines. Toyota denied that and Fox lake Toyota didn' acknowledge this either... Years ago I switched from G M because they hid engine defects 3.8 V6 . I hope I don't have to go to Honda

- Paul K., Mchenry, IL, US

problem #39

May 012012

Camry LE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

I bought a Camry year 2007 in August of 2006. I started to notice that it was using way too much oil. I then changed service companies thinking they were ripping me off. The next service company said it too. Then lately my husband has been changing my oil and when he checks it from week to week it is bone dry. I find it ironic I took it back today ( 2/5/2013) and informed Toyota company ( where I bought the car) t of the problem to only receive a phone call stating that my record on the car shows it has not had an oil change for the last 9,000 miles which is false. All they want to do is have Toyota change the oil and at 1200 miles I have to go back to see if what I am saying is accurate. Then and only then can they determine if there is something wrong or not. I like to remind everyone out there that my warranty is running out quickly as I travel for a living. So my thoughts at the end of the day is when it hits 99,999 miles is it going to blow only for me to have to fix it myself. Why buy extra warranties if at the end of the day you wasted you money. I have always been a toyota advocate as my last car ( corolla) had NO problems and is still running with over 300,000 miles on it. I find it too much that this sight I looked on showed 2007 Camry's using oil? Any help out there? Any advice on where to go from here? I am telling you my warranty is running out quick.

- Stacey B., Washington, IN, US

problem #38

Mar 072012

Camry XLE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,842 miles

I feel that the dealership has been deceptive in their handling of my Camry's oil consumption issue. For almost a year now, I have been dealing with the issue. The first time I saw the oil light, I took it straight in and there was no oil registering on the dip stick. They told me they were going to have to perform the multiple oil consumption tests. After numerous trips out there and a bunch of lip service. They told me just to watch my oil levels really closely. No solution offered at all. I have never owned a car that sucked oil like this Camry.

Yesterday, I took the car back in as the light came on again significantly before service was due again. They called me this morning to tell me that I would need to have my engine rebuilt and that it would not be covered as my warranty had expired last August. I told the service tech that this problem had been ongoing well before the warranty expiration and nothing had been done to fix it. He said he was sorry and that he did not think Toyota would do anything for my situation. I was pretty upset. He then said he would call me back after he spoke with the service manager. He calls back in less than an hour and tells me that the service technician made an error and that the master technician told him that it was not a big problem and that my engine would not have to be rebuilt. I only need to check my oil frequently and have it changed at least every 3,000 miles instead of the recommended 5,000 miles. I told him I am now lacking confidence in their ability to service my car adequately. He told me they were going to put a thicker oil in the car so that it would not lose oil as quickly. Told me my car would be ready to go in about one hour. Mind you that there is no evidence in my drive, garage or parking spot at work that indicates I am leaking oil.

So, I pick up the car and as I am reading my copy of the service ticket, there is no mention of the fact that I brought the car in due to low oil levels. It even went as far as stating that I had requested a change in the type of oil. (NOT!!!!) I had also asked them to look that the tread level on my tires as I have been noticing an increase in noise from the tires. The service rep. told me that my tires were still good and I still needed to wait for at least another 32nd of tread to be worn. As I read the service ticket, it stated that three of the four tires were recommended to be replaced immediately but the customer had declined to have that done. (Total BS!) I had specifically asked about the tires and was told they were still okay. Curiously, I had purchased the extended tire warranty.

So, I called back to speak with the service rep. and asked him why the ticket did not show the reason that I had brought in the car. He stated that it was left off by mistake. I said I wanted it corrected and he stated that it was too late as the cashier had closed the ticket. Then, I asked why I was told that my tires were fine when, in fact, the technician wrote up on the ticket that I had been made aware that they were in need of immediate replacement and that I had declined to have them replaced. I was told that the technician is human and he made a mistake. He then told me that he would check with the service rep. that specializes in tires and they would call me back. Then he calls back and states that they will call Toyota warranty on Monday regarding the tires. Gosh, I just do not know what to think of all of this mess.

I do not feel that I should bear any expense for repairs to my engine if it will not retain the oil for a normal recommended maintenance cycle.

I hope that someone had deep enough pockets to take Toyota to task on this issue. Help!!

- Mary K., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #37

Oct 072012

Camry XL 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

My wife's 2007 Camry has had a excessive oil consumption for about 2 years. Not only does the situation damage the motor but I am tired of them smelling the burning oil coming in through the heater in to the cab. After a long period of 1000 mile oil consumption checks at the dealer they finally replaced the lower block of the engine at their cost. I was hopeful that this would take care of the situation but about 2 weeks after the engine replacement we started smelling burning oil again. The car is back at the dealer and they are telling us we to start coming in every 1k miles again for oil consumption tests.

I am fed up with this B.S. with this car. It is a lemon and I am convinced now that I need to get rid of it.

- David W., Seattle, WA, US

problem #36

Sep 012012

Camry XLE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

I never was checking the oil IN MY TOYOTA I'm always doing oil changes on Toyota service, i use synthetic oil and replace it every 5000 mile No one informed me about excessive oil consumption in my car until as my friend asked me to check oil level in my car ( he also has the same problem ) my car oil was low after 2000 mile of oil change. after next visit in service to oil change i check oil level and was full after 3000 mile oil was very very low

the service should inform me about excessive oil consumption problem when replacing oil,

NHTSA should make the Toyota corporation doing a recall and fix this problem

- Adam R., Norridge, IL, US

problem #35

Jun 022008

Camry LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

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

I BOUGHT MY 2007 CAMRY NEW. 9 MONTHS LATER I NOTICED IT WAS USING OIL. FIRST 1 QUART BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. AS I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS TO CHANGE MY OIL I ASKED THEM THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I SAID THAT DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT. '

THE NEXT YEAR IT WENT TO 2 QUARTS BETWEEN CHANGES. AGAIN THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL. THE NEXT YEAR IT WAS UP TO 3 QUARTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I LOOKED FOR LEAKS AND TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS SMOKING BUT IT WAS NOT. FINALLY IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR IT WAS BURNING 4 QTS A WEEK AND THE MOTHER BLEW. SO I HAD THE MOTOR REBUILT, AND THE ROOT CAUSE MY THE SHOP SAID WAS CRACKED OIL COMPRESSION RINGS. ALL OF THEM HAD THREE OR MORE CRACKS IN THEM LETTING THE OIL LEAK BY AND BURN UP IN THE COMPRESSION CHAMBER. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL AND PAY FOR.

- hoseguy1972, Florissant, MO, US

problem #34

Jul 012012

Camry LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I HAVE BROUGHT A CAMRY BEFORE, NEVER HAD A PROBLEM OF ADDING 2 QUARTS OF OIL BEFORE 3000 MILES IS UP. IT IS VERY DISGUSTING!!!! I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAMRY AS THIS 2007 CAMRY. ( A VERY UNPLEASANT/IRRITATING EXPERIENCE)!!!!

- melissia, St. James, LA, US

problem #33

Nov 012011

Camry LE V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

I bough brand new 2007 CAMRY 4 Door LE directly from my nearest dealer in September 2006. I always got all dealer recommended services at Sam Edealr and did not get any non-dealer gas stations touch my car. I have very low driving mileage of about 12 -15 miles/day, or approx 5000/yr, and the present mileage after six years is about 29,000, considered as low. In my last two service (within Toyota's 5 yr engine warranty) the service man verbally told me they filled the oil a bit more, and I should keep an eye engine light. he said, manufacturer says it is normal but personally he feels, lt is high, and he cannot write that in records. Same thing in the next service around November, 2011, about a month after 5 year warranty just expired a month back, even though car had very low miles around 26,000.

A month back, for first time engine oil light came on and I check oil level it was shocking low of about 1/4 inch below low level only after use of about 3000 miles after last service when it was about 26000 miles. Went to dealer he said saw no leeks anywhere, for last six years til today, I saw no leaks on garage floor and no smoke or deposits ent tail pipe end anytime. Reported Toyota Manufacturer Customer support told them, it was a "latent-defect" which a customer like me or others, cannot find and it's the manufacturers defective design, defective material and/or defective manufacturing defect that must be covered, and they must help me to fix it at no cost. And over 25+ years, I and my family bought and used number of Camrys and Corollas, and they never used more than a quart or two even after 30K to 50K miles.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIGHEST RATINGS OF TOYOTA CARS "QUALITY" "RELIABILITY" AND SPECIALLY SUPPOSED TO BE EXCELLENT "CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SATISFACTION"....ITS ALL DOWN THE DRAIN....IS TOYOTA TRYING BECOME "YUGO" CARS OF THE FUTURE...ITS SIMPLY SHOCKING...

Anywhere there to help frustrated custmers like me who put in their very hard and sweat earned $20,000 into Toyota and its dealers pockets fo getting JUNK...

Anyone one started or starting a CLASS ACTION on this specific ENGINE problem of EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION in 2007 CAMRY, please contact me I will joint this action.

I think some one in Florida started a Class Action, I don't know how to contact or his attorney.

- Ray S., Washington, DC, US

problem #32

Feb 272009

Camry CE 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,000 miles

Toyota Camry engine gone bad due to excessive oil consumption. 1 quart per 1000 miles. Toyota will not assist in repair of bad engine because I did not bring vehicle to them before 100,000 mile extended warranty expired. Now I need a new engine. However, since I did not know the engine was being damaged I could not possibly have asked them to "fix" a problem that was invisible to me. The mechanics who routinely changed my motor oil stated in affidavit that oil readings were low during oil changes at 67000 miles and 85000 miles. I was meticulous with maintenance. I have attorney willing to begin class action in Florida. If we pool funds we can make this happen. I have about a thousand names and addresses without even trying to collect names. This will be a 3-5 year process unless Toyota wants to step up and assume responsibility. Please contact me. AndreT aj.thibodeau@gmail.com

- andret, Cape Coral, FL, US

problem #31

Jul 012012

Camry XLS 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION IS EXCESSIVE AND SINCE, CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED AT THIS TIME, I HAVE A REMINDER SET UP, TO CHECK IT EVERY WEEK, TO MAKE SURE I HAVE SUFFICIENT OIL . I will have the car checked as soon soon as possible and will report the findings, for others to be aware.

- cruzab, Mira Loma, CA, US

problem #30

Jun 012011

Camry LE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,599 miles

IT BOTHERS ME THAT AT LESS THAN 7,000 MILES I AM ADDING MORE THAN A QUART OF OIL TO THE CAMRY ENGINE. (MY '86 TOYO LC NEVER NEEDS OIL ADDED BETWEEN CHANGES-OTHER VEHICLES NEITHER).

Update from Nov 15, 2012: I meant to say that it was more than 2 quarts

- Gale H., Neotsu, OR, US

problem #29

Jul 242012

Camry LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

Very disappointed in my Camry. I love Toyotas and have always driven them. Never have I had one to use oil like this. My parents have owned 5-6 Toyotas and they have never had this issue with any of theirs.

- Jenny B., Louisville, MS, US

problem #28

Jul 102012

Camry SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

I've got a 2007 camry se which developed high oil consumption at some point around 68000 miles. At least that's when I noticed the problem. The oil light came on. I checked the oil and found nothing on the stick. This was at 3000 miles since my last oil change using 5/20 oil. After taking the car to the toyota garage I had to return it for an oil consumption check every 600 miles. (according to these complaints here, it used to be 1200 miles) Just came back from the 3rd check where I was told that my car did indeed have a problem most likely with the piston rings, duh. Anyway the mechanic told me that since I was over the warranty the district service manager would have to make the call on whether toyota would stand behind its product. This would most likely take a few weeks. He told me that they may pay anywhere from half to 70% or NOTHING at all. Not feeling too good about this. Wish I would have bought the HONDA

- Stanley Z., Belle Vernon, PA, US

problem #27

Apr 012011

Camry LE 4-2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Had car in Toyota dealership 3 times for oil consumption test. According to TOYOTA dealer oil consumption was within specs.My daughter called me and reported the oil warning light was on. I told her to go to the closest gas station and add oil and get a receipt and bring the car into the Toyota dealer.She present the receipt to the dealer showing she had added two quarts of oil. The dealer added another half quart to bring the oil level to full and told her to return when she had driven 1000 miles for another consumption test .Once again the car was returned and once again we were told the car passed the oil consumption test.I am not a PHD but when an engine uses over 2 quarts of in less than 3000miles of driving something is wrong.

Update from Oct 2, 2012: My car just completed the third Toyota oil consumption test. Can anyone provide Toyota spec on allowable ozs. of oil that can be consumed.

- big dog 1, Naperville, IL, US

problem #26

Jun 012012

Camry LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

2007 Camry needs oil added between oil changes and has a huge cloud of smoke during start up. We have had more problems with this Toyota then any other Toyota that we have owned.

- smfl, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, US

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