The most documented Toyota Camry problem is excessive oil consumption in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine used in the 2007–2011 model range, which Toyota linked to piston rings that didn’t seal properly and addressed with a warranty enhancement program for certain vehicles. It’s a separate matter from the Toyota RAV4 oil consumption guide, which concerns a different engine and later model years. Note that this bulletin concerns the four-cylinder, not the Camry’s V6.
The Most Documented Issue: 2AZ-FE Oil Consumption
Toyota acknowledged excessive oil consumption on some vehicles built with the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine in the mid-to-late 2000s. The service bulletin traced it to piston rings that weren’t providing a proper seal, letting oil pass into the combustion chamber and burn off. Owners typically notice that the oil level drops noticeably between changes — in some cases enough that the level reaches the low mark well before the next service — and, if it’s ignored, the engine can run low on oil without any dashboard warning until the oil pressure light finally comes on.
Toyota’s response was a warranty enhancement program that extended coverage for oil consumption on certain models and years; eligibility depends on the specific vehicle and its history, so ask a dealer to run your VIN rather than assuming you are or aren’t covered.
Other Commonly Reported Issues
- Water pump seepage on higher-mileage cars, usually found as a slow coolant weep.
- Worn engine mounts on older, higher-mileage examples — see our how often to replace motor mounts guide.
How to Check If Your Camry Is Burning Oil
- Check the dipstick regularly — see our how to check engine oil level properly guide — on level ground with the engine off for a few minutes.
- Record the level and the mileage every few hundred miles for a stretch. A drop of a quart over a short span is a clear sign.
- Watch for blue-tinged smoke from the exhaust, especially on start-up or on deceleration — see our blue smoke from exhaust guide.
- Check the ground under the car to rule out a leak, since an external leak and internal burning look similar on the dipstick.
- Ask a Toyota dealer to check your VIN for any applicable warranty enhancement.
Possible Fixes
| Issue | Fix | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Piston-ring related oil consumption | Piston and ring replacement (engine work) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Mild consumption on a high-mileage engine | Monitor and top up between changes | $0 – $20 per quart |
| Water pump seepage | Water pump replacement | $300 – $700 |
| Worn engine mount | Mount replacement | $250 – $600 |
Can I Keep Driving With This?
Yes, as long as you check and top up the oil regularly — the real risk is not the burning itself but running the engine low on oil without noticing. If the oil pressure light comes on, stop as soon as it is safe, per our oil pressure light guide, and check the level before moving the car.
When to See a Mechanic
If you’re adding oil between every change, or the level ever sits near the low mark, have it checked and ask about warranty coverage. Keep to the interval in our how often to change engine oil guide. More in our car brands section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the Toyota Camry?
Excessive oil consumption in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine used in the 2007–2011 range, which Toyota attributed to piston rings that did not seal properly.
Does this affect the Camry V6?
The service bulletin concerns the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The V6 is a different engine and isn’t the one named in it.
Is this the same as the Toyota RAV4 oil consumption issue?
No — it’s a different engine and a different set of model years, even though the symptom (oil being burned) is similar.
Did Toyota cover this under warranty?
Toyota ran a warranty enhancement program for certain vehicles. Coverage depends on the specific vehicle, so a dealer needs to check your VIN.
Is it safe to drive a Camry that burns oil?
Yes, if you check the oil often and keep it topped up. The danger is letting the level drop too low, which can damage the engine.
