2007 Toyota Camry Problems and Repairs

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Comments

  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Just curious - how hard are you braking when you notice that braking seems to continue after the pedal has been released? I've noticed this behavior in Mercedes Benz models with Brake Assist when executing hard stops, and though I've not experienced it with BA - equipped Camrys, I'm wondering if this is the culprit. Does this behavior happen under all circumstances?

    ~alpha
  • nanotube1nanotube1 Member Posts: 2
    im driving a 98 corolla, it happens all the time. maybe i misunderstood you? my experience: when i stop the car because of traffic or red light, i have to apply pressure on my brake constantly, otherwise it'll move forward itself. seriously, i always believe it's because of my foot..but now i think about it, it could be the brake itself. and personally I'm not annoyed by it, i thought all the cars behave like this...lol
  • ken74ken74 Member Posts: 13
    Man, you hit the nail square on the head! I had to glance at the post heading twice to make sure I had not written this.

    The experience you described sounds very much (almost identical) like mine. The part about the rude Toyota lady, same here. The part about "I have not heard of a hesitation", same here.

    When I would try to get some help on the issue, I would frequently be reminded that Toyota was “number one”; as if that made the problem an impossibility. I am not sure who they think they are fooling, but, eventually it will catch up to them. One customer at a time, one blog at a time, one article at a time and from what I have found in research, more than one recall at a time.

    Toyota is slowly but surely damaging its reputation as a top auto manufacturer by ignoring and at times, flat out insulting its customers. I hope they realize that what goes around comes around.

    As for the comments in the article made by Mr. Kwong; two words: smoke screen
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    It happens when slowing down from 30~40ish. But you actually asked "how hard?". Now that I think about it, I'd say 6 or 7 out of 10 - I realize that description is meaningless since your 6 may be different than my 6, but it is meant to convey braking a little harder than average.

    ---------------------------------------
    I have a question for anyone. When the A/C - Heat vent selector shows down arrow, should'nt that shut off the top vents near the A-pillars? I get full air coming through even when only the down arrow is visible.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    I have a question for anyone. When the A/C - Heat vent selector shows down arrow, should'nt that shut off the top vents near the A-pillars? I get full air coming through even when only the down arrow is visible."

    Is it coming out of the side window vents or the side occupant vents?
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    The air comes out of the vents right next to the speedo cluster on the driver side. It is right next to the A-pillar. I was also talking about the corresponding vent on the passenger side above and to the right of the glove box, about the same height as the outside side-view mirrors.

    I am not referring to the center console vents.

    Sorry, I did not understand what you meant by "side occupant vents".
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    Oh, sorry I wasn't more clear. What I meant was if you look at those vents, driver's side for example, you'll see that in the at the bottom of the A-pillar... edges into the upper and smaller portion of the vent. And below it is the larger vent.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    It's in your manual. There's a graphic showing what vents are in use when you use different 'Modes'.
  • dino01dino01 Member Posts: 26
    You are not alone. Your experiences with Toyota are similar to my experiences. Denial, denial, then applied TSB, problem still there, denial, and dare me to bring my car to arbitration. I have been a loyal Toyota custom for the last 20 plus years.
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    drjames,

    I now understand. Thanks.

    Actually, if I had bothered to read the manual, on pages 2 and 3 I would have seen what you meant. Furthermore, the diagrams on page 257 clearly shows the vent/airflow patterns.

    For Down arrow it shows that air does come out of both; the side defroster outlet (the upper portion) and the side vent (the lower portion). Along with that, air also comes out of the front windshield defroster vents.

    My friend with an older Corolla says that she also gets air through the side vents when selecting the 'Down' option.

    Then my question becomes: why, when I want air only on my footsies do I have to get air on my face? Is this pattern similar to other brands too.
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    While I have not individually thanked or acknowledged many of the responses to my questions (and whining) over time, I did/do read and appreciate them.

    So let me now collectively thank all of you who have responded. You have been helpful and patient with me.

    Good day ladies and gentlemen.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    are always open unless you close, have closed, them manually. I try to always remember to close them during the "heating" season, and only open them temporarily if I have the system in full or partial defrost/defog/demist mode.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "It happens when slowing down from 3~40ish..."

    Engine braking...?

    The factory shop manual indicates that the shift pattern results in an UPSHIFT of the transaxle with FULL lift-throttle at approximately those speeds. That would normally result in a lessening of the "feel" of engine compression braking, sort of, more like, a "surge" forward feeling.
  • katmando90katmando90 Member Posts: 6
    I just bought a 2007 SE V-6, and have been having a real sense of "buyer's confusion" since then. Prior to buying the car, I did not read these posts. Had I done so, I would have had some serious reservations about buying the car.

    That being said, my wife and I have put about 1100 miles on the car. She loves it and says that nothing is wrong. Since the Camry is "my" car and I drive it 2+ hours a day, I have decided to pay close attention to what I am reading here. Frankly, I am not sure that the car is experiencing any of these problems. Does the car hesitate? Yes, a bit, but not often. Do the engine RPMs surge between 3rd and 4th gear? Maybe. The car is so quiet and smooth, it is really hard to tell what gear you are in at any given time. I have been watching the tach, and it might have surged twice since I bought the car (and both occurred before I knew about the problem from reading it here--kind an aha moment?). Since then, I am not so sure. Engine braking can be annoying, but I lived with it in my TSX. I probably can now.

    I have found, so far, that this is a solidly built, roomy, fast car with a lot of power when you need it. It is quiet. The car is so "well-engineered" that it feels very isolated from the road. There is no wind-noise and the transmission shifts smoothly. It can be an odd driving experience with little feedback from the road.

    So, the question is: what can you live with and how much credence you put in the complaints expressed in this forum will happen to you when/if you buy the car?

    I am wrestling with the "confidence" factor. I should not have to think about the problems brought up in this forum every time I get in the car, but I do. I am feeling confident enough to keep driving it. Maybe I will fall back in love with it like I did on the test drive after driving it for a while longer. Maybe the gnawing sense of uncertaintly about potential mechanical problems with the transmission will lead me to trade it. Mechanical failure is not an option if my family is in the car. I am just not sure yet.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I'd say now that you have the car, just enjoy it and don't let the many negative posts make you paranoid. That is, if there really is something wrong, it will make itself known in due time. Just don't worry about it or go searching for a "problem" that isn't there.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    This is pretty common, as in winter it's a good idea to have some warm air blowing on the windshield and side glass to keep condensation at bay.

    As for the "regular" face vents, you may want to close them as wwest states during the colder months.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    I also had a similar problem with the vents. If the far left dial was turned to off, the middle set to cold/hot and the last dial set to blow air to the face, the vents would blow air. If I pressed the recirculate air button, this would stop the air from blowing. However, when I did this, a short time after, the button for recirculating air would return to normal automatically (Green light indicator goes out) and air would blow out again. The same thing happens when the last dial is set to any position. It seems to blow air out when the first dial is off and the recirculate air button is off. It drove me crazy but I never really researched the issue in the manual or thought anyone else was having the problem. I just closed the vent on the drivers side to the left of the steering wheel. Even after this was done, air would still seep through but not enough to annoy me as much as having the vent open. This may or may not be what some of you are experiencing though.
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    "...shift pattern results in an UPSHIFT of the transaxle.."

    Regretfully, at times just the opposite happens in my car.

    But in the last two days - no such problem, the day before that - almost all the time.
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    Thanks for the feedback.

    I now close the driver side vent when I need to. But ofcourse I can't reach the passenger side when I am strapped in (and I have looong arms).

    I would have liked down arrow to mean down vents only, especially when I am not in defrost mode.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I agree with 210delray. If your car is not experiencing any issues - and you would know if it was because of your heightened sensitivity due to these forums, enjoy it, it is an excellent vehicle. Part of the great thing about these forums is that those with similar issues can gain knowledge from one another, but the double edge sword is that those without issues may become unneccessarily apprehensive.

    If you only have 1100 miles on your Camry, it is likely recently produced and my understanding is that you SHOULD not at all experience the Snap Ring transmission issue or the shift spike issues (two separate things) that arose in the first say, 5 or so months of production (which, IIRC, began in February).

    That said - the vents issue in other posting; to my knowledge there is nothing functionally wrong with the way the airflow in the Camry works, nor is it any different from previous Camrys or any other Hondas/Toyotas/Nissans that I've driven recently. As noted, why not confirm that airflow is occuring the way it was designed by consulting with the owners manual.

    ~alpha
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    "I would have liked down arrow to mean down vents only, especially when I am not in defrost mode." With the exception of Gen 1 (with which I have no experience), this has never been the design of the Camry.

    That said, why not call Toyota's Customer Assitance center to let them know this? You never know which changes will be incorporated...

    ~alpha
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    This is pretty common, as in winter it's a good idea to have some warm air blowing on the windshield and side glass to keep condensation at bay.

    Starting to make sense; just something to which I am unaccustomed.
  • silverstarsilverstar Member Posts: 56
    Alpha,

    I will take your advice and do just that.

    I have a number of suggestions for them, that in my opinion will make this an even better car.
  • vwwlivwwli Member Posts: 2
    Can you please tell me what you are considering instead. I am concerned about the safety too.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "So, the question is: what can you live with and how much credence you put in the complaints expressed in this forum will happen to you when/if you buy the car?"

    lol... katmando90, I completely understand how you feel. I've had my SE I4 5A since early summer and have experience zero problems including the 'hessitation'; however, after stumbling upon this site/forum... I became peranoid aswell.

    To answer your question, it actually reminds me of my med school days, where more or less every single one of my classmates including myself started to believe we had any given number of diseases and disorders, while others started going through extreme measures to prevent others diseases and disorders.... all thanks to a pathology class...... My point has been repeated already, but, enjoy your car as it is. Should an issue arise, deal with it then and know that there are many here who will try and help should you need it.
  • manujawsmanujaws Member Posts: 29
    Hi, I am in the market for either a Camry or a Sonata. My heart's on the Camry. Its been my dream car and more so, after the 2007 redesign. Now I have been following these posts carefully and it is my understanding that the car made after Oct 1, 2007 do not have the Snap Ring transmission issue or the shift spike issues. Can anyone confirm that. Is there a newspaper article that tells this. Any recent Camry owners out there? What have you experienced.

    While this forum is great, I suggest new buyers not to get overwhelmed by some posts. People have different experiences. The best thing is to hear what others have to say and then take a decison. Thats why I am keen to find out how are the new Camry's doing. Between, I also considered waiting for the Accord 2008, but a first year redesign. Nah! Not too interested. When I buy a car in Jan or late dec, it will be almost 1 year for the new Camry.

    Thoughts, Anyone. Help...
  • gmontagewgmontagew Member Posts: 32
    I agree that it can be disconcerting reading about problems expressed here. I admit that I also wondered a bit at the beginning.
    Be aware that the nature of this particular topic is about problems, not kudos, so the bias by default is going to be negative. If you're looking for kudos, this isn't the place, and it soon becomes obvious kudos aren't welcome, period, end of story.
    I'm of the opinion most owners aren't having experiences like those being reported here, otherwise we would likely be hearing far more than we are about such problems.
    Also, there are quite a few reports of success having the TSB applied by posters who experienced the shift delay/flare issue.
    The snap ring issue was an early production snag, apparently caught early on and quickly corrected before Oct. 1.
    As a recent 07 Camry purchaser, our experience has been flawless. Like you, we have been following this forum for some time, but so far there haven't been any concerns.
    I can't speak for others, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Camry. On the other hand, if you're searching for the elusive "perfect" automobile, my guess would be there isn't one!
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "...if you're searching for the elusive "perfect" automobile, my guess would be there isn't one!" ((

    Rats. One more in a long list of life's unrealized expectations. Next, someone'll post there ain't no Santa Claus either...
  • cp44cp44 Member Posts: 12
    Theres a weird thing I just noticed about my car. Whenever I put the car in reverse and then put it in drive. 3 seconds later I hear a click (the sound is like your running over a branch) underneath the driver area. Any of you guys have this issue?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Let's leave this discussion to difficulties Camry owners are having. Here's the link to what I moved: manujaws, "Toyota Camry - 2007+" #4618, 29 Nov 2006 9:41 pm.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    This is likely the ABS self test. It shouldn't matter if the car is placed in reverse or drive after start-up, but three seconds, is about the right amount of time to cover the ground necessary to trigger the test. If it bothers you, get it checked out on your first oil change, otherwise, I dont think its cause for concern.

    ~alpha
  • cp44cp44 Member Posts: 12
    I thought the self test would be the ABS lights coming up on your dash and turns off. I have two other cars at home with ABS and never makes that kind of sound. Guess I have to make an appointment with the dealership.

    Thanks for your response though Alpha
  • toyotacarfantoyotacarfan Member Posts: 4
    The hesitation is not due to the drive-by-wire system. (I know this because I drove its predecessor - an 02 V6 Camry that was drive-by-wire and had a 4-speed automatic. That car had no delay problems.) It is due to the transmission being mechanically or hydraulically incapable of shifting as fast as desired under certain circumstances. The 5-speed in the 4-cylinder 07 Camry is identical (except for different gear ratios) to that used in the 02-06 Lexus ES300/330 and certain V6 Highlander and RX300 models, which is a derivative of an earlier 4-speed design (I know this from examining Service Manuals for these transmissions). My theory is that the attempt to eke more life out of a 4-speed transmission design by adding functionality required to make it a 5-speed resulted in a kluge that simply cannot always shift or engage as fast as many people desire. People have been complaining about this transmission's downshift delay and gear engagement after coasting for at least four years (just look at the message boards for those other models of cars I mentioned). If it could be completely fixed, Toyota would have certainly fixed it by now. It appears that they're limited to tweaking the software to minimize the effects of the limited mechanical/hydraulic system. :lemon:
  • toyotacarfantoyotacarfan Member Posts: 4
    The engine braking of the 2007 V6 Camry when you release the gas pedal partially or completely is a "feature". The transmission in this car has the unique ability to "lock up" the torque converter in not just the highest gear (6th), but several lower ones, too. (The torque converter is analogous to a clutch in a stick-shift car. When locked up, it's like the clutch being fully engaged.) This feature improves the car's fuel economy by eliminating slippage between the engine and the wheels. I find it annoying, too, but people who are familiar with driving a stick-shift will likely find it natural.
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    Don't think. Read your owners maual!!!!
  • toyotacarfantoyotacarfan Member Posts: 4
    Here's the deal on the 2007 Camry transmissions:

    The 4-cylinder model sometimes has a slight delay before downshifting in response to the driver hitting the gas. Some people find this disconcerting, since they make tight maneuvers in traffic under the assumption that the car will immediately accelerate when called upon to do so. If that's you, I'd recommend thoroughly test driving the car before buying it. An update to the transmission computer firmware has been released that makes this a non-issue for many drivers, but some people may still not find the car responsive enough.

    The 6-cylinder model's transmission initially had a mechanical defect that caused it to fail catastrophically, requiring complete replacement. That problem no longer exists; corrections to the manufacturing process were implemented months back to fix this. This transmission also has had another problem, which still exists but might not affect every car: the "flare". This problem results in the engine speed spiking 500-1000 RPM and the drivetrain "slipping" (i.e., the transmission not engaging fast enough) for less than one second when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear when the car is first driven (i.e., the engine is cold). This is an annoyance, especially in an expensive car, but will not cause an accident. There's also a third problem that is less common, but is more severe and tends to occur in cars that have a severe case of the "flare": The transmission will "slip" (act as if in neutral) for about 0.5 - 3 seconds when the gas pedal is pressed, then it will harshly engage with a "thunk" and the car will jolt forward. Unfortunately for me, my two-month old V6 Camry has all three problems, and is in the shop having a new transmission installed. :sick: :lemon:
  • patram2007patram2007 Member Posts: 1
    Hello ,

    I have a new Camry 07 LE 4Cylinder ,
    I am getting 17-21 MPG in 50/50 City/freeway
    I am not a fast/aggressive driver.

    The dealer said there is nothing wrong with my car
    and he cannot do anything. He suggested I wait for
    3000 Miles for break in and it might improve.
    I currently have 1300 miles.

    I am extremely disappointed and have no clue how to handle this,

    Any ideas?
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    A nice summary of the issues (including your subsequent post), specially for people comming late to the discussion.

    Re: your theory, one would think Toyota Engineering would have recognized a marginal design early and moved to a different implementation rather than continue to roll it out to several models and stick with it for 4yrs now...

    Banking on using software to (eventually and hopefully completely) mitigate hardware issues would be a poor decision on their part. I cannot believe they would opt to do so.

    However, I also see how it might be possible that the competent engineers involved in the 4spd design might not have been consulted by the team responsible for extending it to a 5spd design (instead of designing it from scratch), nor the same people responsible for deciding to stick with a marginal design nor those responsible for deciding to apply it to a range of models across two makes/lines.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    first, make sure your tires are inflated properly (consult the sidewall rating on the tire and compare to the suggestion on the door jam).

    also, make sure there is no obvious obstruction in the air intake / engine air filter compartment.

    fill the vehicle, reset the trip odometer and go for a good long hwy cruise at 55-65. stop and refill and divide miles driven by gallons pumped. do this a few times and average the result.

    city driving and winter formulation fuels can throw things off. there are other possibilities as well but i'd personally get a handle on hwy fuel economy before i'd get overly concerned. city driving can be very variable.

    i think vehicles do experience an increase in fuel economy through their break-in period. how significant that may be i'm uncertain.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,690
    >unique ability to "lock up" the torque converter in not just the highest gear (6th), but several lower ones

    Other cars have had torque converter lockup in lower gears for years.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • dennisg1dennisg1 Member Posts: 7
    My 07 Camry got around 21 combined and 23-24 highway until it had about 7,000-8,000 miles on it. When I checked it then, I was getting 23-24 city and a little over 28 on the highway. I am hoping it will get 30+ after it is fully broken in. A friend who is a mechanic says can be as much as 12,000-15,000 miles on some engines.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    ABS self checks after every start up, and to my knowledge, in all cars with ABS. The dash ABS indicator light DOES NOT, again to my knowledge, illuminate in any vehicle when the test occurs, only up initial start up when all the warning lights illuminate (the self check does not occur at this time).

    Your dealer should be able to confirm this.

    ~alpha
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    right. imagine if dashboard indicators didn't self-test at switch-on time, there'd be no way of knowing if the indicator was not going to illuminate if a real problem is detected while driving.

    the abs indication as you suggest is just a self-test of the indicator, not the function.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    No issues with the manual transmission. If you don't like how a car shifts, then do it yourself. ;)

    That is the only transmission I would buy.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    But, in case you haven't yet noticed there are fewer and fewer FWD or front torque biased AWD vehicles being shipped, or even available, with manual transmissions.

    Case in point, the new RAV4...

    Possibly too many inexperienced drivers (or former RWD owners) downshifting FWD on an adverse, slippery, roadbed and losing control, I would guess.

    I was really looking forward to the possibility of a new RAV4 as a TOAD, but the manual transaxle was dropped.

    So I have moved on..to the SX4.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Issues- pleeze? I was talking about the 2007 Camry, not general Toyotas from another decade, or the Prius. I welcome notification of any issues with an MT 2007 Camry though - if there are any.

    I use the brakes (inexpensive) to slow down (as is the design itent of the vehicle) not the transmission (expensive), so I don't need to worry about popping a low gear in a turn - abs will also keep the wheels from locking. If I am driving aggressively and need the power in a turn it won't be in slippery conditions, and traction control and stability control will help take care of things if there is an unforseen condition.

    Actually with a manual I can shift when I want and avoid shifts during a turn if called for. Automatics can surprise one in a turn.

    It is sad to see fewer manuals - I would have actually considered a CRV or RAV 4-cyl if the manual was available with FWD - AWD uses too much gas for me. Never thought about the SX4, but I think it uses more gas, and the nearest dealer is 200+ miles away.

    I know most prefer automatics, but to me the lower price, better fuel economy, better control, increased reliability and greater fun (as well as better balance from less weight in front) make the manual a no brainer. Being able to push start with a dead battery and a lower likelyhood of people wanting to borrow the car are just bonuses.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    A number of off-topic posts have been removed. Please keep the subject in mind when posting your thoughts. Thank you.
  • pudge99pudge99 Member Posts: 1
    I have 7,300 miles on an 07 4cyl and have had the engine braking problem annoying me from the first mile. Got the same answers everyone else got....."characteristic of the vehicle" and no help from the dealership or the regional Toyota manager that came to town to drive my car. Here's another question, the manual states 0w20 motor oil will give the best mileage and is best for cold weather, however, our Toyota dealership is only offering 5w20. I've tried Autozone, O'Reilly's, Wal-Mart and local dealerships and oil change places and no one can get their hands on 0w20. Mobil 1 told me they make it, all synthetic, but they don't sell directly to consumers. Has anyone found 0w20 online for purchase?
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    I buy mine at Wallmart. Reno, Nevada.
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    0w20 synthetic available at my Toyota dealer for $4.95/quart, I believe.
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