CarComplaints.com Notes: The Camry Hybrid's first year is a mixed bag of brake actuators failing and power issues. The hybrid version even shares the same excessive oil consumption as its non-hybrid counterpart. And it hardly gets enough fuel efficiency gains to warrant the extra costs up-front or during repairs.

Toyota seemed to get their act together with later model years, so if you're looking for a used Camry Hybrid I suggest looking there.

7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
122,900 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (15 reports)
  2. replace piston rings/engine rebuild (2 reports)
  3. replace engine (1 reports)
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner Comments

problem #18

Mar 022015

Camry Hybrid 4 cyl Hybrid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

We noticed almost from the date of purchase that the 2007 Camry Hybrid, we bought it new from the Toyota dealer in Portland, OR, was using at least 1 qt of oil per 1000 miles. We believe in changing oil regularly. We strive to do this every 3000 miles but we do not always make it to the dealer or oil change business right at 3000. Many times, upon arrival to change the oil, the attendant informed us the oil was very low. At first we didn't think much about it. As the years went on and the amount of oil consumption increased between changes, we decided to ask the dealer about this problem, prompted by a letter from Toyota mentioning a "potential" issue in some models. The dealer did an inspection, marked the dipstick and sealed the oil cap and told us to drive the car for 1200 miles and return to check the amount of oil consumed. The dealer proclaimed, voila, no problem. It only used 1 quart and that is acceptable to Toyota. Advance forward to today, our regular mechanic informs us that the piston rings are shot and we should immediately get rid of this car because the repair is far too expensive. I have now called a different Toyota dealer to get a quote to fix this problem. I'm awaiting their response. I am NOT happy about a Toyota Camry having this problem almost from the beginning and at 130,000 miles I'm being told that, "the most reliable car brand and car, a Camry, is junk"!! So frustrating. Needless to say, if I'm stuck buying a new car, it will NOT be from Toyota. We had other issues with the hybrid batteries and the "extended warranty". Thinking about it, Toyota is a corporation like all the others these days. They don't care about customer service. They care about how much they can extort from hard working people.

- Randy B., Portland, US

problem #17

Jun 012008

Camry Hybrid LX 2.4L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 70,000 miles

After I bought the car I received a Warranty Service Notice from Toyota about potential of excessive oil consumption. I took my car to the dealer to have this checked. Without any testing, the dealer tells me it doesn't apply to me. After a while, I realize that I'm putting a quart in every 1000 miles. That's 5 quarts between oil changes, total capacity is only 4.6 quarts.

I contact Toyota Corp directly and explain. They have me go back to the dealer and have the test done. The dealer records that they put 1 quart in prior to the test, I had changed the oil about 900 miles before. After 1000 miles I take the car back, dealer tells me it burns nothing - zero quarts! I drive the car and continue to put a quart in every 1000 miles.

Next oil change I go to another dealer and request the oil consumption test. After the 1000 mile test, they tell me there is nothing wrong and it is in spec. But the note on the invoice said that they had to add 1 quart after the test - gotcha! They get the tech to talk to me, he tells me 1 quart per 1000 miles is within spec that comes from Toyota Corp. However, they continue to tell me that is normal and safe to drive and in need of no repair. I contact Toyota Corp again, sorry too bad, now you're past the mileage!

- Ronald H., Lakeside, US

problem #16

Jan 012011

Camry Hybrid 2.4L I4 Hybrid

  • CVT transmission
  • 140,000 miles

Wide spread problem. Never fully addressed by Toyota.

- Theodore S., Marion, US

problem #15

Jan 012018

Camry Hybrid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

excessive oil consumption

Recently bought a Toyota Camery, the car worked very well for a year, we would change the oil every 2-3 months, and the car wasnt used that much, my job is literally 4 miles away and college is 7 miles away. Grocery stores were mostly within 5 miles, and we never even took this car out of town. The other day , while driving , the engine made a clanking noise, I heard something fall, then the car stalled in a matter of seconds. We had it towed and turns out there was 0 oil in our car even though we had another month or so to go with a oil change. The only solution was for us to get a new engine. We also did a full inspection on out car a month ago and there was nothing wrong with it , the only issues we have had were alignment which we got fixed swiftly, and a blown headlight bulb, we took good care of the car and we didnt even use it that much so im appalled this has happened to us.

- The B., Richmond, TX, US

problem #14

Jul 272017

Camry Hybrid 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

My 2007 Camry Hybrid had a high level of oil consumption from the time I bought it....I always had to top off the vehicle before an oil change since I bought the car in August of 2016. When I would take it to get oil changes there would be no advising of a leak, so while I thought it to be very ODD and INCONVENIENT I continued to top off my vehicle frequently, as frequently as my check engine oil light came on. Fast forward to July 26,2017. My "car maintenance required" light came on which I thought was odd because it had not been 3,000 miles since my last oil change. I told myself I'd go to the mechanic on that weekend which was only a couple days away. Only July 27,2017 on my way to work I started to hear a VERY LOUD knocking noise. I had no clue what the noise was but I pulled into an auto zone and popped the hood. It was the engine that was knocking very loudly. I turned the car off and I checked the oil. The dipstick was BONE DRY. Where did 5 quarts of oil go in less then 3,000 miles of driving? Why was there no engine oil low warning on my car? I took the car to a shop where my engine was pronounced dead, which Toyota charged me $115.00 to diagnose. There was an extended warranty on this vehicle because these models were notorious for drinking up oil and I had no idea about it. The Toyota rep said there was letters sent out before the extended warranty expired to the previous owner. How was this going to help me? I had no idea this was a known issue! There were no letters mailed to me and I purchased the vehicle right around the EXACT same time the extended warranty expired. The Toyota mechanic said I have to find a way to pay for the repair and a rebuild engine is $5,000 or I can buy a brand new engine for 12,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still owe &7,000 on this vehicle and the ONLY reason I decided to purchase a Toyota was because of how they're well known for lasting FOREVER. How was I supposed to know about this situation? Toyota set me up for failure and I am very disappointed. If they don't rectify the situation I will never invest in another Toyota again and will tell everyone I know to do the same. This is ridiculous and I hope they plant to rectify the situation. Toyota is on the verge of a class action lawsuit.

- Marjorie S., Manassas, US

problem #13

Nov 152016

Camry Hybrid Sedan 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Car driven into dealer for maintenance in Nov 2016. Dealer informed us car has a TSB about oil consumption. Dealer setup a test but did not give details about expiration. In Jan 2017 the fix expired due to 10 year mark. We brought the car back but they said they would not cover repair.

- Michael A., Westminster, CA, US

problem #12

Jun 222016

Camry Hybrid XE V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

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

TOYOTA ACCEPTS THAT IT HAS PROBLEMS WITH EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THIS MODEL, BUT FIXED A TIME PERIOD TO FIX IT FOR FREE. I TOOK MY CAR WITHIN THE ALLOTTED TIME PERIOD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. NOW THE PROBLEM RECURRED AND THEY SAY I AM OUT OF THE TIME PERIOD AND IT WILL NOT BE FIXED.

- Sangarappillai A., Burr Ridge, US

problem #11

Mar 232015

Camry Hybrid CHY 04

  • CVT transmission
  • 96,934 miles

Toyota perform OIL LEAK test on 07/27/2015. report was submitted to Toyota Canada .... I'm still waiting for an answer as car engine burn as much as 1 quart of oil in 200 kilometrros.

- Ruben L., Markham, ON, Canada

problem #10

Dec 312011

Camry Hybrid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 179,000 miles

I have a 2007 Camry Hybrid. I noticed that I was always low on oil every time it was time for an oil change so I started to monitor it. The technical service bulletin came out shortly after I started monitoring. I finally took it in for the test. I drove just over 1100 miles and was told that according to the dipstick, I only burned 5 mm of oil. I found that really hard to believe. They didn't let me see the oil level when they first marked it and they didn't let me see the oil level when I brought it back in. I found that highly suspicious. I decided to drive another 1100 miles and see where the oil level was. Based on their test I should have only burned another 5 mm of oil, leaving me at around 1/2 quart down. The oil level was below the low mark. Even if it only burned half a quart in 2200 miles, how is that normal?

- Lorinda F., Glendale, CA, US

problem #9

Mar 012016

Camry Hybrid @Az-Fe

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

I just think it's unconscionable that Toyota knows about the issue and refuses to do anything about it.

- Kurt C., Vail, AZ, US

problem #8

Aug 222016

Camry Hybrid Hybrid 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 250,000 miles

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

I have 2 months that I bought 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid and very okay.  I checked the oil changed and everything alright. Only two months after in the engine I hear a noise. I checked for oil and there was no oil in the car. I'm very upset and do not know what I can do about it.

- kollcaku, Worcester, MA, US

problem #7

Jan 012015

Camry Hybrid

  • CVT transmission
  • 120,000 miles

The car dealer is denying the fix because of a difference of one or two ounces on the consumption test. They are saying 32 ounces every 1,100 miles is ok, but at 40 the engine need fixing. BS anyone know anything about cars knows 32 oz is way to much oil for an engine to use.

- Larry P., San Jose, CA, US

problem #6

Jul 212014

Camry Hybrid 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,845 miles

Oil consumption since a oil change two weeks prior is 2 quarts. I replaced the oil and double checked the oil pan plug and started up again. In the next three weeks no sign of oil leak in the garage but used 1-1/2 quarts. There is no apparent oil smoke behind the car when accelerating or cruising. I am not young enough to keep troubleshooting and the Dealer says its normal consumption. Toyota needs to fix this problem. And they should stand up and admit a crappy design or piss pore piston ring wear.

- Richard V., Mooresville, NC, US

problem #5

Jul 172014

Camry Hybrid 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Burning oil on a car with 200,000 miles is not shocking. For me the big decision is to whether to spend $1,500 - $3,000 to fix it or just put a quart in every month. I bought this car new in Aug, 2006 and it has been the best car I ever had. The hybrid batteries went out last spring, at a very inopportune moment, and I decided to spend $3,800 to have the dealer replace it (the hybrid system paid for itself in gas savings years ago and I have easily saved an additional $4,000 in savings since, so I've got no complaints there). But now here's another expense staring at me that I'll have to pay eventually.

I want to keep this car for another 3-5 years; so if I replace the engine now, I'll get the benefit of it for that period of time. If I just put oil in every month, I'll spend $60-75 / year. So it's a tough decision

- Paul L., Lake Villa, IL, US

problem #4

Jun 102014

Camry Hybrid 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,419 miles

I bought a Toyota because of its reputation. I expected a higher standard of product especially when I was faithful to the service schedule.

- Jean S., West Kelowna, BC, canada

problem #3

May 012012

Camry Hybrid LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

My husband and I have a fleet of Toyota Tundras for his business. We also own a Toyota Prius (2nd one) and a Toyota Camry Hybrid (2007). Both the Prius and the Toyota has the serious gas sticking problem. Took all of the car mats out early on but continued with the problem. Had to literally put my foot under the gas pedal to relieve pressure from gas to get the car to stop before the recall was sent out and replaced by Toyota. We almost got in several accidents before this was replaced. This could have been deadly. Since then, my Toyota Camry (within the past year) started guzzling oil down. I've always been vigilant with using Mobile 1 synthetic oil and normally get the oil changed several weeks to a month before it's due. In the past year, however, when the car gets to 3000 miles (5000 miles for synthetic oil), the camry begins to eat the oil. The check oil light actually came on today so I know it's getting worse. My friend at work has the same car and after months of this same problem, she took all of her receipts into Toyota and insisted on them to repair her car due to a defect on these 2007 Toyota Camrys, with no fault of her own. After lots of protesting, they finally covered this expense. Today, there was no oil on my stick, as I entered in to get my oil changed, so that worried me quite a bit. I collected the past year of receipts for my oil changes and the remarks placed on the bill all referring to low oil or no oil before service is due. I plan to take this to the dealer, but I'm certain I will get the run around. I certainly do not want to pay over $3000 out of pocket for yet another defect from Toyota. More to come after my visit with the Toyota dealer located in Clarksville, Maryland off route 108. The outcome will help us decide if we want to trade in the fleet of vehicles for another name brand vehicle, one that stands behind their product that they have built for safety. The more people who know about this issue, the more likely that Toyota will cover the defect.

- Theresa B., Ellicott City, MD, US

problem #2

Oct 242012

Camry Hybrid Hybrid

  • CVT transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Inexplicable drop in oil level between scheduled changes. Reading the other complaints is a concern. What is toyota corp's official position? Please sign me up for the class action.

- kailua camry, Kailua, HI, US

problem #1

Oct 142009

Camry Hybrid 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

We noticed the excessive oil consumption problem in our 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, when my wife tried to start the vehicle in the morning and it wouldn't start and began to shake/make weird noises. I checked the oil gauge and the oil was super low, almost beneath the first oil gauge mark. Then I took it to the dealer and they added 3 quarts and told me to keep on eye on it.. After the fact my car needs oil added at least twice before the next oil change and the dealer kept this documented and they came back with an answer that this is NORMAL for a HYBRID. WHICH IS TOTAL Bullshit.. It's REALLY sad when you have purchased a new vehicle and paid $30,000 for it and it's giving you more grief then my old Toyota's... If the dealer or the factory doesn't do anything about it, I will surely start a lawsuit against them for selling me a piece of crap lemon.

- greg1, Auburn, WA, US

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