Toyota Camry XV70
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Camry XV70 (2018–2024) is the "keep it 15 years and 300,000 miles" default sedan. Nobody buys one for excitement — you buy one because you don't want to think about your car for a decade. The smart move on this generation, though, is counterintuitive: skip the gas 2.5 and buy the hybrid. Same parent engine, but the hybrid sidesteps the two biggest XV70 headaches — the 8-speed automatic's harsh shifting and the recalled vacuum brake booster. The eCVT in the hybrid is essentially unbreakable.
Two critical VIN checks before buying any 2018: First, the Kentucky-built oversized piston recall (NHTSA 18V-200). Roughly 1,700 units with pistons from Aisin's Tennessee foundry got oversized — Toyota's remedy was full engine replacement. Japanese-built 2018 A25A engines were never affected. Check the VIN plant code at the 5th digit. Second, brake vacuum pump recall (NHTSA 21V-890, gas models only, 227,490 vehicles) — the vane cap inside the pump breaks, sudden loss of brake assist, multiple near-miss reports. Hybrid exempt because no vacuum pump. Free dealer fix, but unremediated cars sell at a discount.
Engine-wise: the 2.5L A25A-FKS Dynamic Force (LE, SE, most trims) is fundamentally sound with D4-S dual injection and 40% thermal efficiency. Electronic water pump replaces the belt-driven unit — cheaper failures, higher parts cost. Well-maintained units hit 250,000 miles. The 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (XLE V6, XSE V6, discontinued after 2024) is the swan-song naturally-aspirated Toyota sedan V6 — 301 hp, the last of its kind. Reliability is solid but not bulletproof: ignition coil failures between 30k-100k, front timing cover oil seep is a known aging issue ($2,000–$3,500 repair because it's engine-out). The A25A-FXS hybrid pairs with the eCVT (P710) and has the cleanest repair record of any XV70 powertrain. System output 208 hp, real-world 44–52 MPG.
The 8-speed automatic (UB80E/UA80E, all gas models) has harsh low-speed shifts and "dead pedal" hesitation off rolling stops. Multiple Toyota TSBs (T-SB-0330-17, T-SB-0152-19) address it via ECM/TCM reflash. A fully updated 2020+ car shifts noticeably better than an un-updated 2018 — ask the selling dealer whether TCM calibration is current. Cold-start test drive the car and feel the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts under 20 mph; if it clunks, reflash is needed.
Other watch-outs: Entune 3.0 infotainment freezes and reboots on 2018–2019 (improved 2020+), Denso fuel pump recalls hit the XV70 multiple times (20V-012, 20V-682, 25V-028 — always VIN-check), front strut premature wear at 100k-120k flagged by Consumer Reports. Road noise on 2018-2019 was a known complaint — Toyota added insulation in the 2020 mid-cycle refresh.
2026 market: 2018 LE 2.5 with 70k miles trades around $17,000. 2019 Hybrid LE averages $25,800 — hybrids hold value $2,000–$4,000 over gas equivalent. 2023-2024 XSE V6 runs $28,000–$36,000 with mild enthusiast premium as the last V6 Camry. The insider tip: the hybrid pays for itself within 3 years on any commute over 12,000 miles/year — plus you skip the 8-speed entirely.
178 PS
Camry · Benzin
Business saloon on mute
Not Really279–305 PS
3.5L V6 D-4ST Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good Choice205 PS
2.5L Dynamic Force Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Toyota Camry XV70 is available with 3 engine variants — from 155 to 305 hp.
Toyota's 2.5L Dynamic Force four-cylinder delivers strong mid-range torque with solid fuel economy. Timing chain driven, no belt service required. The 2019 model year was affected by the Denso fuel pump recall (NHTSA 20V-012) — verify recall completion before purchase. Reliably trouble-free after 2020.
- !! Coolant bypass valve failure from 70,000 km
Electronic coolant bypass valve fails from corrosion or seal degradation. Stuck open disrupts thermal management — overheating, coolant leaks, potential head gasket failure. Toyota CSP 24TE04 covers free replacement for 2019-2021.
Symptoms: Engine Maintenance Required warning, DTC P268111/P268115, overheating, heater blows cold, coolant dropping - !! Recall: Denso fuel pump failure
Denso fuel pump impeller made from inadequate resin swells and deforms. Engine stalls while driving — crash risk. 1.5M+ US vehicles recalled (20V682000). Free replacement.
Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running, power loss, engine stalling while driving, unable to restart - !! Electric water pump failure from 140,000 km
Electric water pump fails from motor burnout or bearing seizure. Engine overheats rapidly without coolant circulation. Early 2019-2021 production most affected.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rising rapidly, coolant warning, steam from engine bay, sudden power loss
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Flagship fourth-generation hybrid with Dynamic Force technology. Extremely economical for a vehicle of this size (under 5 l/100 km in the Camry). Timing chain, no known weaknesses so far. The gold standard for hybrid reliability.
- !! Hybrid Battery: Moisture and Heat Protection from 150,000 km
The hybrid battery in the RAV4 XA50 with A25A-FXS sits under the rear seat and can be damaged by moisture. Blocked ventilation slots lead to battery overheating.
Symptoms: Hybrid warning light, reduced battery output, 'Check Hybrid System' message, in severe cases complete battery failure - !! EGR System Clogged and EGR Cooler Leaking from 130,000 km
The EGR system on the A25A-FXS tends to clog with deposits from approximately 130,000 km. The EGR cooler develops cracks and allows coolant to enter the EGR circuit.
Symptoms: Power loss; foul smell while driving; low coolant level; fault messages on the instrument cluster - !! Timing Chain Wear as Known Weak Point from 160,000 km
The timing chain is considered a weak point on the A25A-FXS and should be inspected preventively at approximately 150,000 km. The frequent engine start/stop cycles in hybrid operation increase the load.
Symptoms: Rattle on start-up; metallic noise from the timing chain area; slightly rough idle
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.5L V6 with D-4ST dual injection (direct + port). 278 hp in the 3rd Gen Tacoma. Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection — budget for walnut blasting every 60k miles. Oil consumption elevated on a few examples.
- !! Intake valve carbon buildup — walnut blasting every 60k miles recommended from 100,000 km
D-4ST system: despite port injection, carbon accumulates on intake valves. Walnut blasting every 60k miles recommended.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, misfires, blue smoke on cold start - !! High oil consumption — up to 1 qt per 1,000 miles in some cases from 80,000 km
Up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles documented in some cases. Engine replacement under warranty in rare instances.
Symptoms: Oil level drop between changes, blue smoke - !! Electric Water Pump Failure from 130,000 km
Electric water pump can fail, causing overheating. Less common than carbon buildup but documented.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Brake booster can fail Some Camry XV70 vehicles from 2019 have a risk of brake booster failure. Symptoms: Brake pedal noticeably harder than normal, increased effort required to brake. | Low | |
| Recall: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump 2018–2019 Camry affected by NHTSA campaign 20V-012. Denso fuel pump impeller can crack, causing engine stall while driving. | Low | |
| Recall: Brake vacuum pump vane cap degradation 2018–2019 Camry: Vacuum pump vane cap can deteriorate and cause loss of brake power assist. NHTSA campaign 21V-890. | Low | |
| Recall: eCall system not activated Around 5,000 Toyota Camry from model years 2018–2019 were recalled due to faulty eCall activation. Symptoms: eCall system non-functional, no automatic emergency call in the event of an accident. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Camry XV70 (2019–2025) — 13 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: A25A-FKS (2.5L Dynamic Force). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST).
Camry (A25A-FKS, 2018–2024) — Stay Away!: Coolant bypass valve failure, Recall: Denso fuel pump failure, Electric water pump failure. Power: 203 PS.
Camry (A25A-FXS, 2019–2025) — Be Careful: Hybrid Battery: Moisture and Heat Protection, EGR System Clogged and EGR Cooler Leaking, Timing Chain Wear as Known Weak Point. Power: 178 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee