Toyota Camry overheating problems

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine · WI

My 2018 Toyota Camry LE went into Limp mode while drive on the highway causing jerking while driving and tons of error codes on the dash, and issues with safety systems shutting off and accelration. After towing to a dealership, dealership gave me the following description of the defect: Coolant is coming through the cylinder walls due to a hairline fracture in the cylinder causing 2 of the 4 cylinders to misfire and coolant to mix with usual contents. We aren't able to identify where the cause of this problem is but it makes the most economical sense to replace the engine with a lower mileage engine and replace the neighboring parts to support the less old engine. I was quoted $8300 approximately. the same vehicle just a few years older are recalled already for the exact same thing - the federal safety agency Recall 20V064000. the federal safety agency Recall states: "The subject vehicles are equipped with a 2.5L 4 Cylinder engine (A25A) and may have been produced with engine blocks containing higher porosity levels. Higher levels of porosity could create cracks in the cooling passages, resulting in coolant leaking internally and/or externally. This may lead to engine noise, engine smoke, warning lights/malfunction indicator illumination, an audible chime sounding, and/or, in some cases, engine overheating and possible internal mechanical engine damage (e.g. seizing of internal engine components). If engine overheating or internal mechanical engine damage were to occur on involved conventional gasoline vehicles, a vehicle stall while driving at higher speeds could occur without prior warning to the driver, increasing the risk of crash."

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

The transmission is premature wearing due to excessive heat causing pump to overheat

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · AZ

2020 Toyota Camry XSE, VIN [XXX], 2.5L 4-cylinder A25A-FKS engine, built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) during the production window covered by the federal safety agency Recall 20V‑064 (Toyota campaign 20TA04), which addresses porosity in engine castings that can cause internal and external coolant leaks, engine overheating, and possible engine failure. Toyota’s VIN lookup returns this vehicle as not affected by the campaign, but the failure pattern matches the recall defect exactly. Timeline of failures and repair attempts: XXX, at approximately 92,832 miles, Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ (RO XXX). Check engine light active. Diagnosed DTC P268115 (Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit, Short to Battery or Open). Battery also failed load test. Overheating symptom noted on the same repair order. Coolant bypass valve replacement recommended. Following that visit, water pump and thermostat were replaced at Berge Toyota (Mesa/Gilbert, AZ area). Camelback Toyota stated the vehicle was fixed. Vehicle overheated again the next day after being returned as repaired. XXX, at 93,034 miles, Camelback Toyota (RO XXX). Oil and filter change performed under good faith goodwill service, transmission fluid exchange completed. Overheating condition persisted. Vehicle continued to overheat through the summer and into September 2026. Current dealer now recommends head gasket replacement and states that if the head gasket does not resolve the overheating, the engine block is cracked and the engine will need replacement. Dealer describes the engine as “sucking air,” indicating combustion gases entering the cooling system and/or a compromised block-to-head seal. This failure sequence — persistent overheating, multiple failed repair attempts across two Toyota dealers, replacement of water pump, thermostat, and coolant bypass valve without resolution, and dealer conclusion pointing to a cracked engine block — matches the failure mode described in the federal safety agency Rec INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · NV

The engine overheated due to a failed coolant pump at approximately 47,000 miles. Following diagnostic testing, the Toyota dealership retrieved diagnostic code P26CB71 and confirmed a cooling system fault. The repair consisted of replacing the coolant pump and thermostat.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · WA · fire

On July 10, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The front windows were partially rolled down because the outside temperature was approximately 80°F. I had been away from the vehicle for about one hour. Approximately 20 minutes before discovering the incident, I heard fire trucks nearby but did not initially realize they were responding to my vehicle. When I returned, I discovered that the vehicle had caught fire and that the fire department had already extinguished it. I do not know what component or system failed or where the fire originated. Before parking the vehicle, I did not observe any warning lights, dashboard messages, smoke, unusual odors, overheating, electrical issues, mechanical problems, or other symptoms that would have indicated a possible fire or malfunction. Because the vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off, the incident created a serious safety risk to nearby people, surrounding vehicles, homes, and other property. Fortunately, I am not aware of anyone being inside or immediately next to the vehicle when the fire began. A fire marshal is currently investigating the incident and the cause remains unknown. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealership, manufacturer, or independent repair facility. That I am aware of. The firemarshalle said it appears to be manufactured defects. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer to my knowledge. The damaged vehicle and affected components should be available for inspection upon request, subject to the requirements of the fire investigation.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

vehicle has engine maintenance required. took it to a shop and got code p268115 which states there is a recall for the coolant valve bypass for 2022 Camrys, but for some reason my specific VIN number does not constitute as being a recall it is putting the safety of me and family members at harm not knowing if the vehicle will overheat or stop on the side of the road lights came on this morning for the first time problem has been confirmed by independent service center Christian Brothers automotive which put my vehicle and got the code I am confused as to why my vehicle is not covered when it's an issue that is a recall on other Toyota Camrys

Filed May 23, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

The UB80E (Front-Wheel Drive) transmission had a total failure at only 70,000 miles. The vehicle started to make unusual noises with harsh and delayed shifting. No warning lights or messages were displayed at any time. The mechanic who replaced the transmission stated my trans fluid was burned up possibly due to faulty overheated components and in his experience many Toyota models were suffering the same premature transmission issues. My cost for a rebuilt transmission was $7,700 plus 667.00 for a rear trans mount, as well as the cost of a rental car. I have all repair receipts for inspection. This defect in the UB80E transmission warrants immediate investigation by the NTSB as is a legitimate safety issues for the passengers of these Toyota models.

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · TX

Coolant leak pink fluid under the car and thermostat going crazy.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH

ICS malfunction error light and check engine light came on. I received a recall notice that this was being looked into but now the water pump has went out. The car is overheating.

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