Toyota Camry XV40
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Camry XV40 (2007–2011) carries the most dramatic recall in automotive history — the unintended-acceleration crisis. Toyota paid a $1.2 billion penalty. Always verify recall completion. The V6 has a VVT-i oil-line fire risk. The 2AZ-FE burns oil.
Market 2026: $6,500–$13,000. Recommendation: 2010–2011 2.5L LE with all recalls done.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Camry XV40 is available with 2 engine variants — from 152 to 295 hp.
2.4-litre four-cylinder with VVT-i and an aluminium block, willing to rev and strong in the mid-range. Early build years share the porous cylinder head issue with the 1AZ-FE, which can cause markedly elevated oil consumption — an extended warranty was granted in some cases. Later versions are clearly better in this respect. When buying, monitor oil consumption over several thousand kilometres and watch for blue smoke on load changes. Check the oil level closely, as a low level worsens the problem. Otherwise a robust, long-lived engine.
- !! Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design from 100,000 km
Toyota issued an official TSB and a Limited Service Campaign: the 2AZ-FE consumes excessive oil due to factory-underspec oil control rings.
Symptoms: Oil consumption over 1 L/1,000 km; bluish exhaust smoke; engine warning light; seized piston rings - !! Head gasket failure from 130,000 km
As with the related 1AZ-FE, the head gasket on the 2AZ-FE can fail, aggravated by thread failures in the engine block. Typical AZ weakness.
Symptoms: Coolant loss; white exhaust smoke; foaming in the oil; engine overheating - !! Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out from 180,000 km
The plastic balance shaft gear on the 2AZ-FE can disintegrate and distribute debris through the oil circuit. The problem mainly affects older high-mileage vehicles and leads to elevated repair costs from consequential damage.
Symptoms: Metallic grinding noises, metal swarf in the oil, oil pressure drop
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.5-litre V6 — Toyota's universal six-cylinder from midsize cars up to SUVs, balanced between smoothness and durability. Timing chain, maintenance-free. The cam tower oil leak occurs as on the big V8 but less often; on early build years also watch for leaking intake-manifold hoses. Budget for a water pump from around 130,000 km — it often signals itself with a light coolant weep. Oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km. Overall one of the most reliable V6s on the market, with documented lifespans past 400,000 km.
- !! VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!) from 60,000 km
Rubber VVT-i oil supply hose on pre-April 2008 engines can suddenly rupture and dump all engine oil in 30 seconds. Toyota LSC 90K: replacement with metal line.
Symptoms: Sudden large oil puddle under engine, oil pressure warning, engine noise - !! Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011) from 60,000 km
Defekte Kolbenringe verursachen bis 1 Liter Ölverlust pro 1.000 km. Toyota gab nur TSB statt Rückruf aus. 285+ Beschwerden beim Camry V6 allein.
Symptoms: Blauer Rauch beim Beschleunigen, Motor braucht 1L Öl/1.500–3.000 km - !! Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine from 150,000 km
RTV sealant at cam tower ages. Same issue as Toyota V8 engines, less common on V6.
Symptoms: Oil smell, oil trail at front of engine
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| TSB-0061-08: vibration at 25–45 mph during light acceleration. Revised torque converter with new damper plate and TCC lining. TSB-0061-08: Vibration at 25-45 mph during light acceleration. New damper plate + TCC lining in revised converter. Symptoms: Vibration at steady speed, especially 25-45 mph from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Harsh shifts and shift flare (automatic) 5-speed shows harsh 2-3/3-4 cold and harsh 5-4 downshift warm. TSB: revised line pressure solenoid. Symptoms: Jerking during shifts, delayed response, harsh downshift around 28 mph from 90,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 25 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Camry XV40 (2007–2011) — 11 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Interior, Brakes.
Camry (2AZ-FE, 2007–2011) — Be Careful: Systematic oil consumption due to faulty piston design, Head gasket failure, Balance shaft plastic gear wearing out. Power: 158 PS.
Camry (2GR-FE, 2007–2011) — Be Careful: VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!), Kolbenring-Defekt — exzessiver Ölverbrauch (2007–2011), Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine. Power: 268 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 XV40 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Camry XV40? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Toyota Camry XV40 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Toyota Camry XV40 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Camry XV40? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee