Dear NHTSA 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), NHTSA 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

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11719381 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the ABS, vehicle stability control, brakes, and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact merged over to the side of the road and opened the Owner’s manual. The contact read that due to the warning lights being illuminated, the vehicle should not be driven. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with, TPMS battery replacement, a leak inside of the accumulator, and a fractured actuator assembly failure. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,417.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11646810 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Premature Ball Joint Wear A loosened ball joint may separate from the knuckle and could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is from 2014. I barely purchased it not long ago. I have been having the oil from my ball joint driver side wheel spray all over the car randomly. This recall says everything I experience with it. It makes a clicking noise while turning my wheel to the right but a softer clicking noise if turning left.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11719303 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

My son and daughter were involved in a really bad car accident and the air bags on my son side which was driver side of the vehicle and he smashed his left side of his face off the seat belt compartment. All other air bags seemed to deploy normally except for the driver side canopy type airbag that should have come out. But failed and my sons jaw in out of place.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748304 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the dashboard created a glare on the windshield that reflected into the driver's eyes. Over time, the dashboard became sticky, emitted a slight chemical odor, appeared shiny, and had a clear, porous substance on top. The driver was unable to see while changing lanes or to view oncoming traffic to execute a left turn. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there was no coverage program, recall, or warranty for dashboard replacement. The dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,400.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764458 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov