2007 Toyota Camry Problems and Repairs

kul2

I do get "car w/squiggley tire marks" on start up. The user manual indicated that "VSC" ( no icon just text) should light up on start up.

kiawah

As I understand this, the VSC indicator is the warning light indicating a failure. In an LE model that I have, that also lights initially with the squiggley tires. However you have an XLE version, which would show a VSC failure via your multi-functional display.

I don't believe you would have the VSC indicator light, just the car w/tire skid marks. If you notice the picture in the manual, they are showing the LE display that has the VSC indicator.

You may need someone with a XLE and VSC to verify.

mmogab

Do the Toyota dealerships sell their own brand of synthetic oil? I called a dealership to get a price for a synthetic oil change at $54 but the person on the phone didn't know what brand of oil.

Also, I couldn't find in the manual any mention of synthetic oil or what weight is recommended - thus is the warranty compromised by switching to synthetic?

Thanks
Mike

kul2

Could someone with XLE VSC report on VSC light? thanks.

07xle

kiawah is right....

Read your owners manual.........

wwest

My place of employment is in my profile.

Insofar as Toyota replacing transaxles the following is my best guess.

First, the early RX300 models, and quite possibly other early Toyota/Lexus models having adopted the new shift pattern, have a different failure mode than is being experienced with the new ones that have DBW, e-throttle, to overcome the premature transaxle failure and possibly the later failures resulting from inadvertent overheating of the ATF, say the '01 generation which my own RX falls into.

Now, if we put all those aside and put them out of consideration just what is left..?

Very few IMMHO.

First, the 1-2 second downshift delay will really only happen in certain specific circumstances. A FULL lift-thottle event followed quickly, say 250 milliseconds or so, by a need to accelerate fairly rapidly, serious level of re-application of gas pedal pressure.

And even that may not get the driver's attention unless it results in a somewhat frightening experience.

So, just how many driver's come out the other side of the above filters?

And now we add yet another filter...

How many of those drivers will be persistent enough with the Dealer to actually get something done.

And then, unless I'm missing something, are the dealer actions, TSBs, valve body and entire transaxle replacements, resulting in an improvement of the problem/symptoms.

Personally given the above "filtering" were I Toyota I would put a new transaxle with the higher volume ATF oil pump in the cars with the most adamant owners and then provide ATF fluid flushes for free for the duration of the life of the vehicle.

But again, the 1-2 second hesitation/delay is intentional, as has been said, I think with Toyota as the statement source, it is there to protect the drive train, by actual well thought out design. The dealers are perfectly correct when saying these transaxle are operating as designed.

If you have read my "SNOW" mode proposal as a possible solution there is now more to say about that. I have just recently discovered that the method I proposed is actually already in use to prevent engine braking during cruise control decel. According to the owners manuals even a downshift, a manual downshift, of an automatic transaxle as a method to more quickly to "decel" the roadspeed as you activate the decel mode will not result in any significant level of engine braking.

Does anyone know if this is being done by actually preventing the downshift or is the system rev-matching the engine speed to roadspeed regardless of gear ratio in order to prevent engine braking.

Apparently the actual brakes are now being used to implement the cruise control decel functionality.

ski7304

Thanks again for the info. We are taking the car in again on Tues for the dash rattling noise to be fixed so I'll ask then if there is a TSB for the V6.

ski7304

Thanks 210delray, I did not know the TSB's were not for the general public but it makes sense why I can't find them now. It seems a bit unfair that we car owners are left in the dark about these TSB's and have to TRUST our dealerships to tell us if there is one or not. Just my opinion.

07xle

They are available, maybe not free.

You can join tundrasolutions.com for $10/year and have access to all TSB's and other Toyota info as they come out.

Be a little proactive...........

yanker

I thought Nhtsa published a list of TSB's for any make on its web site. I found one for a Dodge Intrepid some years ago

torn8o

I had browsed the "Camry Rattles" section but have just recently found this one.. most of the complaints seem to be here. I certainly sympathize with those of you who have similar problems as I'm having.

Purchased a 2007 black Camry SE with the sports package back in April. Haven't even put 8,000 miles on it yet. How much do i love my brand new Camry? Let me count the ways.

1) Two different pitched rattles emanating from the front dash. Particularly, when I drive over bumpy side streets, it sounds as though the whole dash is going to crumble into cheap plastic pieces. This is by far the most prominent noise; a real treat!

2) A "tinny" type of rattle from the rear dash; this is less common, but when it happens I always wonder if I have forty 12-packs of diet pepsi in my trunk.

3) Far less frequent rattles from the pillars, but again, these are what vibrate the most when I crank the JBL stereo to drown out the front dash.

4) A weird high-pitched meowing type of noise coming from somewhere off to my left (is there a cat stuck in my wheel well?). It's the most strange noise, and the only one I've noticed from the day I drove my car off the lot. I initially thought it was the brakes, but it will even happen when I'm sitting still-- even just after I've shut off the car.

5) The insectile buzzing! This happens especially when I first start my car and take off.. it comes straight from the steering column. This one is particularly maddening, if less rare than the front dash rattle.

The car is going in to the dealer tomorrow. The last time I was there and reported the meow, they did not seem particularly proactive in trying to resolve the problem.

Does anyone have a copy of the TSB that is out on the rattles? Has anyone else had the meowing or buzzing problems that I've had?

-torn8o

210delray

Thanks for the tip. I wonder if there's a similar site for Camry owners (not that it matters if you get all Toyota TSBs).

210delray

NHTSA does publish them -- but not in their entirety, just the titles.

pat

Folks, this is a discussion for specific Camry problems and repairs. Off-topic posts will continue to be removed without notice.

Thanks for your cooperation in keeping this discussion on track.

ski7304

Thanks 07xle. I found the TSB's on the tundrasolutions website. The yearly subscription fee is $25, not $10...but still it is worth the $ since you can view all of their TSB's.

ski7304

Torn8o,
We are bringing in our Camry tomorrow for the "rattling" noise in the dashboard. They ordered parts 3 weeks ago and they are finally in. I will let you know what TSB they did.

chuck28

Hello, I have most of the samre noises and have had a tsb done fro the dash noise which involved some kind of window pins. It has resolved 90% of the dash noise. I still have some smaller vibration which may be speaker related.
As for the meow sound I think it is the seat belt atached to the pillar. Everytime you move your shoulder to turn your steering wheel it will happen. I just found this out myself and it is very anoying. At first it seem as it is from the wheels or suspension. I read another post that mentioned this problem and they greased the inside chamber but the problem came back.
Let me know what you find? chuck

gbabaluk

Please let us know what the TSB number is as well as what parts were ordered. I had my SE in for the rattle and they pulled out the mounting "pins" from the windshield and the rattle is still there! It seems to be on the passenger side, on the left side of the speaker cover and in the middle of the dash.
THanks in advance for the information.

torn8o

Ski7304,

I'd appreciate the help if you hear the TSB in question.

I had an appointment for my 07 Camry noises today at the dealer I bought it from. It was like a bad joke.

I dealt the one service manager that I always do, who comes off like a jerk every single time I deal with him. This time was no exception. I told him I'd heard there was a TSB out on the dash problem; it seemed like he was playing dumb, he didn't say much in response. Before I left, I told him I hoped he could find the TSB because I wouldn't count on them hearing the noise every single time the car is driven. He laughed and said "Well that's why you have the 3 year warranty!" Was this supposed to mean it is convenient for me to bring my car in once a month, complain about the 4 noises, and be turned away with no "fix" each time? Needless to say, I didn't find it humorous.

They kept the car all day. I finally called at 530pm, and it was in fact "finished." Here's how the conversation went. The same manager told me they spoke with "California" and there is no TSB, and that any rattles are normal. "Normal?" I said incredulously. I asked him what exactly they heard. He told me the main rattle they heard was coming from the sunglasses compartment where I store my spare garage door opener. I told him I'd never heard that in my life (I am, in fact, the one who drives it every day) and that I was not so ignorant that I couldn't tell the difference between a noise coming from that compartment and the omniprescent tapping that emanates from the passenger side dash near the window seal. I told him I'd discuss the rest of it with him when I arrived. By the time I did, I realized it wouldn't do any good to argue with them. The other of the two managers handed me my keys without saying a word. I left.

I immediately heard the loud buzzing from the steering column as I left the parking lot, and within three blocks the dash rattle had returned. Fun times.

If there is a TSB out on the front dash problem, they lied to me. I plan on trying some other dealers' service departments. Till then, the JBL stereo (which still sounds excellent) volume goes on 35-40, lest I scratch my eyes out.

-sullen torn8o

torn8o

Chuck,

Thanks for the heads up. Someone else also suggested this same thing as a possibility on this board. I thought I had isolated it to that seatbelt mechanism (thought I was able to duplicate the meow sound the other night), but am not positive, and I haven't heard it since. It seems increasingly likely that this it what it is. If so, I'm glad that it is something non-mechanical and non-electrical. I agree, at first I thought it was either the brakes, wheels, or shocks.

-torn8o

agbos

We recently had some very cold days here in New England and on very cold mornings my 2007 Camry SE 6 cyl. makes an annoying screech the first time I start it up. It sounds like it is coming from the starter. It goes away after a second or two and then it is usually fine the next time I start it. Has anyone else experienced this? I am probably going to take it to the dealer for a 5000 mile oil change and will ask them to look at it but I wanted to see if it was a one-of or a larger problem with the Camry.

aamixy

I am debating between the Camry V6 and the Accord V6. One thing about the Camry is the transmission flare that I read in the forum. But I remember there is an older post citing the words directly from Toyota saying only earlier products have the problem (0.5% are affected) and they will tighten the quality control. Does this mean newly manufactured Camry has no such a transmission problem? I heard the problem arises after 3k-5k miles so it might be hard to tell at this moment. Any inputs are appreciated!

exploder750

There were a few loose snap rings acknowledged by Toyota in the first .5%, those have been repaired. Beyond that, the problem seems to start with a rpm flare, followed by a valve body replacement, followed by more shift flare, followed by transmission replacement, usually followed by more shift flare. A couple have reported good results after transmission replacement. Stir in a few TSBs for reprogramming, and the fact that Lexus :shades: is having the same problems, and you have BUYER BEWARE :mad: on the V6 Camry. I'd go for the Accord.

chuck28

Hello, I have had the same sound you are referring to just recently. I too thought it may be the starter. I did call a dealer today and they said it was the power fluid steering getting thick on cold days causing the pump to make this noise. I'm not sure if I buy it and would be interested in what they tell you. You may want to call other dealers on the phone to ask them first before you go to your dealer. This way you will know if the dealers are telling the truth. It's really a shame these dealerships aren't willing to address these problems.

wwest

But in the meantime be aware that Honda/Acura also have owner complaints of 1-2 second delay/hesitation as do Ford, VW, etc.

The whole industry seems to be going through a FWD transaxle evolutionary developement phase with the goal being elimination of all aspects of inadvertent engine braking.

Basically they seem to be trying to give FWD drivers a "virtual" clutch.

jofallon

First really cold day yet in Chicago yesterday, and I did hear a really disconcerting screech as the engine started. It didn't happen the next few times I started yesterday.

jamiecar

Hey torn8o,
I also have the annoying dash rattle/creaking and the so-called "meowing" sound. The "meowing" noise sounds almost like squeaking brakes but I know it's not the brakes because I also hear it when I'm stopped. I haven't been able to pinpoint where the sound is coming from and it seems to be more apparent when the weather is extremely cold. As far as the dash goes, I placed some felt wedges between the windshield and the front dash and most of the the rattling/creaking has stopped. I'm still getting the ticking noise around the windshield though but I think there is a TSB out for that. I must say I'm extremely disappointed with all the rattles and interior noises in the 2007 Camry.......... who would have thought this coming from such a reputable company. :confuse:

1sttoyotaowned

I had a whine sound and could not figure it out where it was coming from for days on end. I kept hearing it when backing out of my driveway, when stopping and one day heard it with the vehicle off. I finally discovered it was coming from the drivers seat beat assembly making that sound when I moved (with seatbelt on). It squeeks/whines with the slightest movement. I finally got to "replicate" the sound at the dealer. Greasing it did not help, I ended up having it replaced under warranty and the sound never came back. Hope this helps.

vadp

Who would have thought this coming from such a reputable company?
If those are your only problems then you're doing quite well for a first year model.
I don't think you're aware of a simple fact but there is no such a thing as a completely problem free new model launch, of any make.
The 4 cyl 2007 Camrys are doing quite well for the first year of production.
BTW, to avoid future surprises, please give yourself a favor and stay away from the freshly redesigned models.

jamiecar

I didn't say those were my only problems with this model. I was just commenting on the shake, rattle 'n roll. And YES, a company like Toyota should be able to design a new model without all the EXTRAS..........extra problems, that is!

chuck28

Hello jofallon, I too live in the Chicago area and have same problems you do. Please got to my profile and you can e-mail me if you want to discuss further. We need to keep the public notified of these anoying problems.

vadp

The first production year "EXTRAS" are inevitable, like it or not.

fishrman1

The TSB's address a "windshield tick noise" and a loose A pillar. I don't recall the TSB numbers, but I have them printed in my car. Admittedly, the TSB's did not specifically address my problem. Basically, the upper right side of the dashboard, where it meets the windshield, makes noise as if it's loose, even when driving on relatively smooth roads. It's not severe, but nevertheless, it's noticeable, and should not happen on a brand new "high quality" car. It's not the center armrest console that creaks, but rather the stereo/AC/heat console. The dealer/technician was extremely helpful, and rode with me in the car for several minutes. He heard the noises, but said there's nothing they can do, and I agree. He spent over an hour looking at the hood, dash, etc. It's just a design flaw. The stereo creak may be due to some kind of expansion and contraction going on. The dash sound may be due to a design flaw whereby all the pieces don't fit together exactly as they should. Absent a redesinged dash and stereo, there's nothing that can be done. Like the dealer said, if it becomes severe, I'll let them know, and they'll do what they can.

100carlos100

If there's no such a thing as a completely problem free new model lunch then why does Toyota charge the full price?

kdhspyder

Let's see... to make money.

Ditto Intel, MSFT, GE, GM, etc. etc.

No product is made by divine hands so there is always room for improvement.

mwhitworth

After reading all of the problems with new Camry's I have decided I will definatley stay away from one. Who needs the headache.. will just keep driving me trouble free Pontiac.

kdhspyder

If you are happy that's a good decision. Enjoy.

07cemanual

Oh yes - I have heard it too. I have an 07 CE Manual. I took the car back into the dealership and had them keep it overnight - I went back the next day and they said that they were able to reproduce the sound AND that every new Camry and Avalon does it! I had them show me and sure enough, they all do it - but it has to be pretty cold (10°F or colder based on my experience). This is clearly the starter pinion sticking. I called Toyota and spoke with a rep in California who also said that this is normal. I have not experienced this in any other car so to me, it is not normal. I suggest that anyone who is experiencing this problem contact Toyota and tell them that it is not normal for a new car to sound like this. By automotive testing standards, 10°F is not cold. Most components are tested to -40 or lower. I bet the Toyota dealerships in Minnesota know about this problem!

agbos

I've also experienced it only when the temperature is below 10 - 15 degrees F. I'm surprised that more Camry owners aren't posting their displeasure since it's been so cold and your dealer indicated that all new Camry's have the problem. This kind of noise doesn't sound "normal" to me either. It almost sounds like metal to metal contact and I wonder if somethng like the flywheel will need to be replaced early. Haven't had the chance to bring it into the dealer but plan to next week. I'm curious if they know about it or, if they do, are willing to admit it.

stlpike07

It has also been cold in St. Louis over the past couple weeks and I have experienced that too.

I am going into the dealership for something else and will have this issue addressed as well.

stlpike07

The '07 Accord will soon be replaced by a new model so you may want to wait. Any new car is covered under warranty (for the most part) and hopefully the dealership you purchase a vehicle from will be helpful and respectful.

I have an I-a LE AT and I love it. My dealer has been great so far, so we will see what the future holds.

stlpike07

Um.....you may want to do more research.

The forum indicates there are only 85 members (at least thats what mine says) and that is NOT a representative sample of the country, just to be fair.

07cemanual

Exactly - The dealer says - "Don't worry - you are covered under warranty" - but do I really want to have my flywheel replaced? No way! I will be calling Toyota again tomorrow - I post if anything interesting comes of it.

kdhspyder

A poster on Tundra Solutions mentioned the same noise on his Tundra on very cold starts.

chuck28

Hello, I too have had this screeching sound. I have had two dealerships tell me it is the thickness of the powersteering fluid. I don't buy that reason and agree with you that this is not normal. Please keep us informed.

chuck28

It sounds like kdhspyder works for Toyota? Is that correct?

kdhspyder

Not at all. An interested observer with a lot of experience in Camry's from 1989 to 2005 when I switched to a Prius. I do a lot of scanning all the sites and gather information from a lot of different sources to form my views.

Here are some good places to get a variety of good insights and differing views
gminsidenews
tundrasolutions
toyotanation
priuschat
greenhybrid
greencarcongress
ford-trucks

pat

You are absolutely correct that the membership here is in no way a representative sample of the country. But just to be clear that "85" is the number of discussions in the Camry group, not the number of members.

mcdawgg

I am thinking about buying a manual CE also. Where did you get yours? Have you had any other problems or concerns?

palpak

I live in LA, it doesn't get that cold in here so I don't have any dash rattling noise, starter screeching or power steering noises eversince. I have a 2007 Camry 4 cyl LE. I will be bringing my car in the east coast and I wonder if those problems will appear when the car is exposed to colder weather. Anyway, my concern is the delay in gearshifting, it seems the car upshifts early or remain in the same gear even if the car has already slowed down, such that stepping on the accelerator you feel there is no power until a few seconds that the car jerks as it downshifts. I had the TSB done for the 4cyl but it still remains the same. I've read that even other VWs mazda, ford, lexus, honda's do this. Some say its a toyota transmission defect, other says it's ECM, some says its from drive by wire. In my search for these concerns, appeared car modifications that would solve this delay. One is to add grounding wires as they claim it to improve current flow as cars today are controlled by electronics, and this is not intended to increase HP but to eliminate the delay in the throttle response when you step on the accelerator. Others mentioned that the grounding points in the cars body are covered with paint and the paint needs to be scratched of in order to get better electrical contact. Others would put some screws or sticky tapes on the accelerator pedal mechanism such that it is always slightly pressed at all times. Any of these real?

If many cars really have this delay, then is this really normal that I have to adjust my driving habits? or a real problem?