The Toyota Camry is well-regarded for its reliability, but certain model years have been reported to experience engine issues. If you’re considering purchasing a used Camry, it’s wise to be aware of potential problems in specific years to make an informed decision.
One area of concern for some Camry models revolves around the 2GR-FE engine, particularly in vehicles manufactured around the 2007 to 2009 period. A known issue is related to the cam phasers within this engine. Some owners have reported a rattling noise upon starting the engine, which is often attributed to a defect in the cam phasers. While many vehicles with this symptom might continue to operate without catastrophic failure, there have been instances, though rare, where cam phaser failure has led to significant engine damage.
Another issue that has surfaced, not exclusive to the cam phaser problem, is related to the VVTi (Variable Valve Timing intelligent) solenoid. Owners have reported failures of this solenoid, indicated by error codes. While a faulty VVTi solenoid might not immediately impact the drivability of the vehicle, it can be an expensive repair, especially because of the location of the bank 1 solenoid, which is less accessible and labor-intensive to replace in some models. This issue is noted as being somewhat common in online discussions and automotive repair forums.
Furthermore, early models of vehicles with the 2GR-FE engine, potentially including Camrys around the 2009 model year and possibly earlier, may have utilized rubber oil lines for the VVTi system and even for external oil coolers in some heavier-duty applications like the Toyota Highlander. These rubber lines have been superseded by more durable metal lines in later models. For owners of older Camrys, particularly those around or before 2009, inspecting and potentially replacing these rubber oil lines with the updated metal versions is a proactive maintenance step to prevent potential oil leaks or failures.
In conclusion, while the Toyota Camry generally boasts excellent reliability, it’s prudent for potential buyers to exercise caution with models from the 2007 to 2009 era, and possibly early 2010s, especially those equipped with the 2GR-FE engine. Key areas to investigate are the cam phasers, VVTi solenoid, and the type of oil lines used in the engine. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is always recommended, particularly for these model years, to assess the condition of these components and ensure peace of mind.
