🇩🇪 Deutsch
Toyota · Mid-Size · 2002–2006

Toyota Camry XV30

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Camry XV30 is available with 2 engine variants — from 163 to 220 hp.

2.4L · Benziner· 157 PS
2002 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.0L V6 · Benziner· 192 PS
2002 2006
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 2.4L (Benziner, 157 PS) has the 2AZ-FE (2.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 3.0L V6 (Benziner, 192 PS) has the 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Alu-Motorblock: Kopfschraubengewinde reißen aus → Kühlmittelverlust, Überhitzung. Helicoil-Reparatur nötig, kein einfacher Dichtungswechsel.

Aluminum block: head bolt threads strip out → coolant loss, overheating. Helicoil repair needed, not a simple gasket job.

Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, overheating
from 160,000 km
Ad helicoil head bolt Toyota 2AZ-FEhead bolt repair Camry XV30
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
3,803 complaints · 2002–2006
Cruise Control
1225 ⚠ 704
Brakes
527 ⚠ 147
Airbags
419 ⚠ 246
Hydraulic
407 ⚠ 98
Steering
312 ⚠ 33

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Cruise Control (1225 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (527 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (419 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A4 B7

Mittelklasse (2004–2008)

Same Segment

Audi A6 C6

Mittelklasse (2004–2011)

Same Segment

Audi S4 B7

Mittelklasse (2004–2008)

Same Segment

Hyundai Sonata NF

Mittelklasse (2004–2008)

Same Segment

Audi S4 B6

Mittelklasse (2003–2006)

Same Segment

Honda Accord CL

Mittelklasse (2002–2007)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Camry XV30 (2002–2006) — 9 engine-related and 1 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Cooling.

Camry (2AZ-FE, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design, Head gasket failure, Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out. Power: 157 PS.

Camry (1MZ-FE, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: PCV-Ventil-Design + enge Kühlkanäle führen zu Ölschlamm-Bildung bei vernachlässigten Ölwechseln. Toyota hat Reparaturprogramm gestartet. Besonders 1997-2002., Bei Laufleistungen über 200.000 km können Kopfdichtungen versagen. Eher seltenes Risiko bei gut gewartetem Motor., Hintere Ventildeckeldichtung schwer zugänglich. Öl tropft auf Abgasanlage — Geruch und Rauchentwicklung.. Power: 192 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Camry? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Camry XV30 have? +
The Toyota Camry XV30 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 1 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Camry XV30? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 2AZ-FE (2.4L), 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6).
Which Toyota Camry XV30 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Camry XV30 — rated: "Decent". {description} 192 hp V6 in the Camry: noticeably stronger than the four-cylinder. Watch for oil sludge on 2002-2003 — check oil change history. Rear valve cover gasket likes to leak.
Is the Toyota Camry XV30 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Camry XV30 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Camry XV30? +
The Toyota Camry XV30 is available with engine variants from 163 to 220 hp. Petrol: 2AZ-FE (2.4L), 1MZ-FE (3.0L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee