2011 Toyota Camry engine problems

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Investigators, I am writing to formally report what I believe is a significant safety defect in certain 2007–2011 Toyota Camry vehicles, specifically related to excessive engine oil consumption in models equipped with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L four-cylinder engine (primarily 2007–2009, with some reports extending to later years). This issue causes the engine to burn oil at an abnormally high rate—often 1 quart or more every few hundred to 1,200 miles—without any visible external leaks. Owners frequently report no adequate warning from the dashboard oil light or other indicators before the oil level drops critically low. If the engine runs out of oil while driving, it can lead to rapid overheating, internal component damage (such as scored bearings or cylinder walls), and sudden engine seizure or catastrophic failure. Such a failure while the vehicle is in motion poses a serious safety risk, including: potential for crashes, including rear-end collisions if the vehicle stops abruptly without warning, or veering into other lanes/obstacles. Sudden loss of engine power. Increased likelihood of loss of control etc. This problem has been widely documented through thousands of owner complaints (e.g., hundreds on sites like CarComplaints.com for the 2007 model alone), the federal safety agency ODI reports, and Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Warranty Enhancement Programs (such as ZE7 for certain models). While Toyota addressed it via a warranty extension (not a full recall) involving piston/ring replacements for qualifying vehicles after an oil consumption test, many owners—particularly those outside the original coverage period or with higher mileage—have faced expensive engine repairs or replacements out of pocket. The lack of a mandatory recall means the issue persists in many vehicles still on the road. I am concerned that this defect creates an unreasonable risk to drivers, passengers, and other road users. I had an issue with this and I needed to fill up 4.5Q

Filed May 15, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH · crash

The car accelerated uncontrollably for no apparent reason. I was pulling into a parking slot, preparing to put the car in park and stop the car. All of a sudden the car accelerated and slammed into a building.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Engine · TX

My 2011 Toyota Camry LE (2.5L, 2WD, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission) has been experiencing problems with oil consumption. I have to add a quart of oil between oil changes (add 1 quart every 2000 miles). I'm using the recommended oil type (OW-20). Also, I'm experiencing loud rattling noises coming from the engine after cold start up. The noise is very loud and usually quiets down after driving for about 5 minutes or so. These issues are very common for people who own this particular model. I'm wondering if there was a recall that I perhaps may have missed or wasn't informed on. This is a well known issue for toyota drivers. Something needs to be done to address these issues.

Filed Aug 15, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I need to know was there a recall on a oil consumption problem for my vehicle. There was an issue with me having to add oil to my vehicle constantly. I’m hearing stories that there may have been, but I didn’t receive any letter. And I just spent some thousands of dollars on an engine that I could not afford. PLEASE Help Me!! THANKS!!

Filed Apr 27, 2023 · Engine · SC

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance that included an oil change; however, the contact stated that a week later she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that she checked the oil dipstick and noticed that the oil level was low and added two quarts of engine oil. The contact then stated that she was adding two quarts of oil per week. The contact notified an independent mechanic and was informed that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Mar 16, 2023 · Engine · TX

The Camry is experiencing oil burning intake Manifold. On 14JUL22 at 163,286 miles the red light oil can drip light comes on and off in my dashboard. I take to Toyota of Freeman, they do the oil change and that is it. Then, at 168,786miles, within 4 months the red oil can drip light on my dashboard light comes on again. I go back to Toyota of Freeman the service rep. tells me that this problem will cost me between $3,500-$4,000. I went to another mechanic that is certified by Toyota and he said the problems is Piston Oil Ring needs to be replace. He called all the Toyota Parts looking for the Piston oil ring that is for the oil consumption. He stated nobody has it. In the meanwhile, every 1,000 to 3,000 miles my car runs, I have to check the oil stick not to burn all the way, because the engine will catch on fire. This is a very big safety issue that needs to be looked at. When I purchase Toyota, I went base on that this car will last up 250,000 like all of my Toyota cars had lasted in my past. I called Toyota HDQ and they is no recall for this issue but yes for Camry Hybrid 2007-2011 and a different engine. As i was doing my research in YouTube.com It seems there are more Camry with this same issue. This is a safety issue, if I ever forget to check my oil stick to see if I still have oil the car will get on fire. I believe Toyota has a manufacturing issue with the Piston Oil Ring not being available to repair the issue. This is high risk situation. They need to supply the part or fix the issue. This a liability issue.

Filed Sep 18, 2022 · Engine · FL

Cold start engine noise every time start up the car when it’s cold there’s a rattling noise then it goes away it’s only in when the engine is cold or in the morning on the cars it’s overnight but it’s been doing this ever since I bought the car the car new

Filed Jun 14, 2022 · Engine · OH

My 2011 Toyota Camry is using too much oil. I am the original owner and have always kept up with the oil changes. The car only has 76,822 miles. The first thing I noticed when I started my car up was lights on dashboard stayed on a few seconds longer than normal which the oil light was one of them. It was not due for an oil change yet but I decided to take the car in to see if the oil needed topped off. The oil didn't register on the dipstick. They had to add 2 qts. of oil. After I put 750 mi. more on my car, it started sounding louder. I took it back in to have the oil checked again, this time it was a quart low. I have these receipts with the mileage on them. I'm seeing other people have these same complaints. I bought this car because I thought it would be dependable. This is an issue I believe Toyota is aware of and they should have to do a recall on this. This is low miles for this car and I shouldn't be having this major of an issue.

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · NY · fire

I came to a stop sign accelerated shifted into 3 rd gear stepped on the gas and it started to contract as if the car was shutting off, within seconds of grasping that effect it started smoking and than I seen flames as I just sat in the car wondering why this was happening instead of getting far away from the car as possible. They totaled my vehicle now im having a problem getting my full request which is 7,000 dollars. The engine light ended up coming on prior to this.

Filed Jun 15, 2021 · Engine · 149,255 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil requiring the contact to add a quart of oil every 3,000 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the exhaust and the brakes needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the torque converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer for the third time where it was diagnosed with needing a tune up and an oil change. The vehicle was repaired and the failure persisted. The contact wanted a second opinion so she took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 149,255.