2011 Toyota Camry: excessive oil consumption

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 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 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 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 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.

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · MI

My camry is using excessive oil and it has the same engine number included in all the other complaints. I took my car in to have the oil consumption test done. No leaks were found, oil change was done and I was told to come back in a week. The first check up oil was added by the technician (ii was not told how much) and I was asked to return in 1000 miles. I was told to add oil if needed. When I returned for this check, up, I let them know that I had to add a quart of oil between the check ups. When the csr returned he said we were all set. The amount of oil being consumed was "within the parameters ". I know this is not correct! They say nothing is to be done. I can hear the tapping noises from the pistons in my engine about every 3 days of driving because of the lack of oil. My car looses power and starts acting sluggish etc...this is damaging my vehicle! I have taken excellent care of my car. I hought it brand new. Oil changed on time along with all suggested maintenance. Please investigate these complaints on this toyota' engine. By 2011 this problem should have already been corrected. Now I see that some of the cars have been fixed while others have not been. If all have the same problem, toyota needs to be held accountable. My car's value is lower due to this problem and I will have to keep adding 3-4 quarts of oil between oil changes (@ $13 00 a quart) as I cannot afford to purchase another at this time.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Engine · GA

My vehicle has no leaks, but the oil consumption is substantial. Has to add about 1 quart and a half every 700 miles.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Engine · FL

My vehicle has been using excessive oil last 2 years it has 78000 miles I took it to mechanic and was told this is a problem with toyota engines I contacted toyota and was told there was a service bulletin issued for certain years but mine was not. I explained that my 2.5l (2ar fe) engine has the same problem as those that were flagged for repairs toyota refuses to address my problem as it is not under warranty. I was told that the defective piston problem has been resolved I am asking for any help or information you may have on this issue thank you

Filed Feb 25, 2019 · Seats, Transmission · 120,000 miles · NY

Oil consumption. Drive car a lot of shaking vibration. Turn on AC an engine noise. When load is put. Transmission RPM aroundv40mph to 45mph weird vibration and hesitation. This car engine and transmission not good

Filed Jul 22, 2017 · Engine · NY

Engine oil consumption is unbelievable high. Every 400 miles engine oil vanished

Filed May 22, 2017 · Fuel system · NY

Execessive engine oil consumption. Everytime I change the engine oil it supposed to be going 5000 miles instead the oil goes very very low on 700 miles. I have to add two quart every after 700-800 miles.