2010 Toyota Camry: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine, Steering · SC

I am reporting a serious safety hazard involving a 2010 Toyota Camry purchased from GA Carz 4 Less, LLC through the GovDeals.com platform. The seller provided no disclosures of mechanical issues. Immediately upon receiving the vehicle, it exhibited violent engine knocking, shaking, heavy oil leakage, and repeated engine shutdowns. Two certified mechanics inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the engine has catastrophic internal damage involving camshaft timing system failure and severe internal wear. Both mechanics stated that attempting to operate the vehicle at highway speeds could have caused the engine to explode due to internal failure and pressure spikes. This was an alarming and dangerous finding, especially since the vehicle was advertised without any safety warnings or disclosures. Additionally, the Carfax mileage in March 2025 was 193,653 miles, but the vehicle delivered to me showed over 208,000 miles—an undisclosed increase of more than 18,000 miles. This raises potential concerns regarding sustained driving after the auction despite severe mechanical issues. The seller listed the vehicle twice before selling it, suggesting possible prior knowledge of the engine condition. I later found numerous online complaints reporting similar instances of this dealership selling vehicles with severe undisclosed defects, indicating a broader safety problem affecting multiple consumers. The condition of this engine creates a risk of sudden shutdown, engine seizure, explosion, fire, and loss of vehicle control, which could cause serious injury or death. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this matter, investigate the safety risks associated with these undisclosed engine defects, and determine whether this dealership’s practices pose a danger to the public. This complaint is being filed to prevent potential harm to future buyers and to document a serious safety hazard that I experienced firsthand.

Filed May 8, 2017 · Engine · 54,000 miles · LA

Brief engine knock/rattle noise at cold statup (1ar/2ar). Per toyota t-sb-0041-13 -- immediately following a cold startup, some 2009-2013 model year vehicles equipped with the 1ar-fe and 2ar-fe engines may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Follow the repair procedure below to address this condition. This is due to worn / loose cam gears. A quick google search shows that this issue is rampant among many toyota models. Toyota has issues a tsb, but not a recall. Failure of this part can cause engine stoppage while driving.

Filed Feb 8, 2016 · Engine · 90,317 miles · NC

I noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine when starting and the engine was cold. I took it to a dealership they had to keep it overnight to diagnose the problem. The mileage on my camry was 90317 miles when the dealership made the necessary repairs on sept. 10, 2014. I paid $849.79 for the repairs. I see on your site that this is a known defect on this model camry, a defect which the manufacturer is aware of. My question is should the manufacturer cover the cost of my repairs?

Filed Sep 5, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

Our toyota camry has been making extremely loud noises and knocking noises for over a year now. Keep getting told our camry is not a recall but all the other toyotas that have this same problem have been serviced and fixed and recalled or a tsb bulletin has been issued.. Just not ours ? This is ridiculous. I will never buy another toyota ever now.

Filed Apr 1, 2015 · Body · 29,000 miles · CA

2010 toyota camry hybrid makes a popping, snapping, cracking, knocking noise when going over uneven roads, driveways, speed bumps, etc. This is a well documented issue related to the roof's structural integrity and is described as such in toyota technical service bulletin t-sb-0088-12. This issue has been recorded on the following 7 websites: 1. Http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/830017o/x.pdf 2. Http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/310-7th-generation-2012/418639-2012-camry-xle-roof-noise.html 3. Http://www.brianmorristech.com/2012-toyota-camry-roof-clunking/ 4. Http://media.fixed-ops.com/toy_servicebulletins/sb0088t12.pdf 5. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/camry/2010/body_paint/popping_noise_in_roof.shtml 6. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/search/?cx=partner-pub-6745124734283845%3a6pv4ih4brad&cof=forid%3a10&ie=iso-8859-1&q=2011+camry+roof+popping+noise&sa= 7. Http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/camry/structure/problem.aspx clearly this is a toyota design and manufacturer defect compromising the car's structural integrity and crash safety. My vehicle has been serviced at city toyota in daly city, ca, and they have had a master technician record the issue on my service records. The toyota tsb can be found at, http://media.fixed-ops.com/toy_servicebulletins/sb0088t12.pdf . This issue affects camrys from 2007 - 2011. Camrys from 2012 - 2014 are also affected by the same manufacturing defect as found here: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=toyota+2012+roof+knocking+popping+noise . Refer to toyota tsb-0151-13.

Filed Mar 9, 2015 · Steering · 35,000 miles · CA

When turning right either in motion or not there is a knocking sound you can hear and feel. The knocking sound has gotten worst and louder.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Engine · OH

A knock or rattle noise, coming from engine compartment, is heard during a cold startup, sounds like a diesel engine. I have taken it in for every oil change when it is due, and no different. It has been this way ever since I bought it.

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Brakes · 6,349 miles · TX

We bought a 2010 toyota camry less than six months ago. From the beginning we had problems with the brakes,which makes a knocking sound. Took it back to fred haas toyota on two to three occasion, they claim nothing was wrong each time. I also experienced the acceleration problem which I told them about,still nothing was done. We have 5 years to pay for a car that is a danger to myself & my family.