My GarageWhy should I avoid the 2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE?
The 2AZ-FE has a documented ring defect that Toyota extended warranty coverage for. Coverage has largely expired. A ring job costs $2,500–$4,500.
Years to Inspect · Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Toyota Camry Years, Toyota Camry Buying Guide and Toyota Reliability Guide.
The Camry is one of the most reliable cars ever built, but a handful of specific model years and engine combinations deserve extra scrutiny. Skipping them isn't necessary — inspecting them carefully is.
Quick Verdict
- ⭐ Overall verdict
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- ❌ Years to avoid
- 2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE, 2018 XV70 (first-year A25A-FKS 2.5L)
- ✅ Safer alternatives
- 2012–2017 (XV50), 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh)
- Common issues
- Piston-ring failure leading to heavy oil consumption, AC condenser leaks, Dashboard cracking / melting in Southwest climates
- Recommended years
- 2012–2017 (XV50), 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh)
- Reliability
- 4.8/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: You don't need to avoid these Camrys — you just need to inspect them properly and pay accordingly.
Side by side
Toyota Camry years that need extra scrutiny
| Years | Severity | Why avoid | Better alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE | High | The 2AZ-FE has a documented ring defect that Toyota extended warranty coverage for. Coverage has largely expired. A rin… | 2012–2017 (XV50) |
| 2018 XV70 (first-year A25A-FKS 2.5L) | Moderate | Not as widespread as the 2AZ-FE issue, but first-year builds always warrant more scrutiny. | 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh) |
Inspect carefully
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE
The 2AZ-FE has a documented ring defect that Toyota extended warranty coverage for. Coverage has largely expired. A ring job costs $2,500–$4,500.
Common problems
- • Piston-ring failure leading to heavy oil consumption
- • AC condenser leaks
- • Dashboard cracking / melting in Southwest climates
Typical repairs
- • Piston ring replacement ($2,500–$4,500)
- • AC condenser ($400–$800)
- • Dashboard replacement ($700+ if a Toyota goodwill claim is closed)
Inspection tips
- • Perform an oil consumption test — check level, drive 1,000 miles, recheck.
- • Watch cold-start smoke.
- • Ask for records showing consumption test performed under warranty.
2018 XV70 (first-year A25A-FKS 2.5L)
Not as widespread as the 2AZ-FE issue, but first-year builds always warrant more scrutiny.
Common problems
- • Early oil-consumption complaints on some units
- • Infotainment lag
Typical repairs
- • Short block replacement under TSB when applicable
- • Software updates
Inspection tips
- • Verify oil level on delivery.
- • Check any dealer TSB history on the VIN.
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Better picks
Better Alternatives
Nearby model years that generally offer a stronger ownership experience.
2012–2017 (XV50)
Uses the 2AR-FE 2.5L or 2GR-FE V6 — no ring problem. Safest window in the Camry lineup.
2019+ (XV70 post-refresh)
Toyota resolved most 2018 concerns and the 8-speed auto has held up well.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
Focused on the weaker years.
- ✓Oil level and condition at cold start.
- ✓Compression test on 2007–2011 four-cylinders.
- ✓Under-hood check for dry seals and dry timing cover.
- ✓AC condenser condition and refrigerant fill history.
- ✓Airbag / takata recall completion via VIN.
- ✓Underside rust survey on Northern cars.
The Verdict
Final Recommendation
You don't need to avoid these Camrys — you just need to inspect them properly and pay accordingly. A well-maintained 2010 four-cylinder with documented no-consumption behavior is still a fine car. A neglected one is a $3,000+ repair waiting to happen.
People Also Ask
What problems affect these Toyota Camry years?
The recurring complaints are Piston-ring failure leading to heavy oil consumption, AC condenser leaks and dashboard cracking / melting in Southwest climates. Confirm each one has been addressed with paperwork, not just a verbal assurance.
Are Toyota Camry repairs expensive on these years?
Typical bills cover piston ring replacement ($2,500–$4,500), AC condenser ($400–$800) and dashboard replacement ($700+ if a Toyota goodwill claim is closed) — enough to erase whatever you saved on the purchase price.
Which Toyota Camry years should I buy instead?
2012–2017 (XV50). Uses the 2AR-FE 2.5L or 2GR-FE V6 — no ring problem. Safest window in the Camry lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Camry years should I avoid?
2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE, 2018 XV70 (first-year A25A-FKS 2.5L) deserve the most scrutiny.
Why should buyers research the 2007–2011 with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE Camry carefully?
The 2AZ-FE has a documented ring defect that Toyota extended warranty coverage for. Coverage has largely expired. A ring job costs $2,500–$4,500.
Are all of these Camry years bad?
No — none are automatic "walk away" cars. They just have a higher rate of specific problems than the rest of the lineup and reward a careful pre-purchase inspection.
What should I look for when inspecting a Camry?
Oil level and condition at cold start.; Compression test on 2007–2011 four-cylinders.; Under-hood check for dry seals and dry timing cover.; AC condenser condition and refrigerant fill history.; Airbag / takata recall completion via VIN.
What are better alternative Camry years?
2012–2017 (XV50), 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh) generally offer a stronger ownership experience.
Can these problems be fixed?
Most can — typical repairs include Piston ring replacement ($2,500–$4,500), AC condenser ($400–$800), Dashboard replacement ($700+ if a Toyota goodwill claim is closed). What matters is that they were addressed on the specific car you're evaluating.
Should I still buy a Toyota Camry from these years?
You don't need to avoid these Camrys — you just need to inspect them properly and pay accordingly. A well-maintained 2010 four-cylinder with documented no-consumption behavior is still a fine car. A neglected one is a $3,000+ repair waiting to happen.
Generation guide
Toyota Camry Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
XV40 · 2007–2011
All-new platform with a stiffer body, revised suspension, and available 3.5L V6.
- Generation 2
XV50 · 2012–2017
Ground-up redesign with a larger, quieter cabin, better crash structure, and new 2.5L I4.
- Generation 3
XV70 · 2018–2024
New TNGA-K platform, direct-injected 2.5L, 8-speed automatic, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
- Generation 4
XV80 · 2025–2026
Hybrid-only lineup, revised interior, new infotainment; drops the V6.
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