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Comments
I see similar trends on other sites. If you have a good one I would keep it until it dies.
Sorry Toyota it's down to a Subaru or Altima or maybe a Honda. :lemon:
The problem, the exhaust system is 'hanging loosely' under some 96% of 'all' models of Toyota's.
Owners do not see because they do not look under the car. So either the system breaks, leaks or the dealer tells the owner during service and offers to make repairs for a fee. If the problem has been existing for a period of time the repair may be far more costly. :sick:
If the system is held in place by 'rubber type bands' and these fail it is not the owners fault, it is Toyota's problem and repairs should be 'free'.
I would suggest that Toyota owners create an owners group to go after Toyota for this problem and make them pay back any owner who has had to pay for this type of repair. It's not any one model, it's all of them and any year other than, trucks, SUV's, and duel exhaust systems.
I had a '97 Camry for 7 years and 111K miles and never had a problem with the exhaust.
Let's not make an issue when there is none.
i often wondered myself if they created a low-spot intentionally to provide a place for water to be converted to steam before going into the muffler, or other [guessing: like changing the back-pressure on the cat-convertor (i think a small bend causes a delta P and could be used for tuning), or somehow changing the resonance of the piping.
I believe the text displayed when you submit one says something about it taking up to two weeks before you will see it - that's to cover any system glitches which do occasionally occur.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Now if you try to go offroad, that's another story.
Bad thing: The auto transmission stick shifter does not have a REVERSE stop button lock.The transmission can be easily shifted into reverse or park while traveling at high speed. This is extremely dangerous and could cause injury or death. This action can easily be performed by the driver or by the passenger.This happened to me once; luckily I returned the shift lever to the drive position in split second after the stick entered the reverse position and I did hear a 'thug' noise. This is a major flaw in this car and should be immediately addressed.
Cruise controller is nice; The car will down shift to maintain speed in cruise when going uphill. This can get annoying and therefore may not want to use cruise on up-down terrain.
The transmission and engine work well together and the ability to manual shift allows maximum power to get to wheels.
The Drive-By-Wire Gas pedal and transmission work well. Have not experience any hesitations or delay of power on pickup as reported by others. This was probably a computer program fix that made it into the May07 production vehicles.
Condition becomes progressively worse the higher the outdoor temperature (70F+). At temperatures above 90F, forget trying to accelerate in 5th gear, even at 65mph+.
During cold/cool weather, the engine accelerates normally in 5th gear under same conditions.
Dealer has been zero help. Technician test drove car on hot day with me, agreed there was a problem, then told his service manager there wasn't a problem. Dealer's position now is there is no problem with car and I need to address with Toyota directly.
Outside of above (MAJOR problem for me as 95% of my driving is highway), I would rate the car well. Fairly quite ride, roomy, and very good gas mileage for 3,300 lb car (consistently 32+ mpg).
I too am truly puzzled why Toyota and it's dealers are not not addressing these problems (or pretending they do not exist) as the Camry reputation is quickly going down the tubes.
By dumb luck, came across the following threads (I guess I'm not alone with this problem):
#1361 of 3744 Question by damon34 Aug 23, 2006 (1:30 pm)
Has anybody body had their 4cyl on any kind of computer.Since i get most of my problems when it is really hot and muggy i wonder if it is a sensor gettting hot and the fuel mixture is accurate has anybody had theirs tested.
#1701 of 3744 Re: Why Buy? [jetjockg] by rollon1300 Sep 19, 2006 (4:15 pm)
Replying to: jetjockg (Sep 19, 2006 2:23 pm)
If you get a 2007 camry 4 cyl. then you will know what the hesitation is all about.
You can say that again! The V6 hesitation that a number of people have been commenting on is in no way related to the I4 hesitation. In fact, if the people that experience it on the V6 would pay a little more attention, they would notice that it occurs when the throttle is opened quickly, and the transmission is in the process of downshifting while the rpm's are coming up. SIMPLE explanation! The I4 hesitation can occur with little, moderate, or large applications of throttle and are just a complete failure of gas to get to the engine. I've spoken on this a number of times and have related that the Toyota engineer confirmed a period of lean air/fuel ratio on throttle application, and by the way, good correlation of pedal application to throttle opening - which puts to rest the idea of throttle-by-wire issues.
I apologize because it seems I had a misunderstanding about the turnaround time, at least for this particular rating period. But these reviews will be posted by the end of next week.
Regarding the advertising, it is my understanding that the ads are somehow connected with the category of the discussion, vehicle detail page, etc., which makes sense because if you are interested in information about any given vehicle (of any make), perhaps you'll be interested in a related ad. But this is just what I understand, I have nothing to do with it and, as I noted, none of that influences any decision any host makes.
If you want to discuss any of this further, I'll be happy to do, but please email me. We're getting far afield of the topic. Thanks.
1 Transmission hesitation, rpm flares, car lurches forward when stopping, and the abnormal downshift when trying to maintain speed.
2 Side airbag cover lose and falling off.
3 seat warmers came not working - technician found the circuit not connected.
4 Rear passenger ceiling reading light cover falling off.
5 Front passenger seat shakes, vibrates, wobbles when driving.
6 Alignment issue.
Most of the problems they have fixed, except for the transmission issues. They keep telling me that's just how the car drives and it's a safety feature that the car downshifts when you take your foot off the gas to reduce speed. They made me go test drive the car with them twice and told me they could not replicate the problem. The first time when I brought the car in they told me they had never heard of this problem and they will try to fix this for me. They did something called the reflash and the car was fine for a few weeks..then the problem happened again. After the first visit, I did some research on the www and found that there are tons of problems and Toyota is well aware of the tranny issues, I felt cheated. How can they tell me this is the first time they've ever heard of this when it's all over the internet, news, etc. There's even a TSB specifically for this problem.
Nothing was done for the second visit, only test drive, not even paper work do document that I brought the car back in due to transmission issues for the second time. And of course, they look at me like I'm crazy and the car is perfect. They didn't even try the TSB stipike07 mentioned in his/her post.
I have to say...I am very very so unbelievably unsatisfied and disappointed with the quality of this poorly assembled vehicle. I've invested so much of my time in bringing the vehicle back for manufacturing problems. It has only been less than 3 months and I've already had this many problems. I had a Lexus before this car and I love my Lexus and since Toyota and Lexus are made from the same company and Toyota has such great reviews, rated the most reliable, I decided to give it a try, thinking that I can't go wrong with Toyota. I was wrong.
I really don't know what to do with this car and I really need some advice on how to get the car replaced, exchanged, or even repaired. Anyone please help.
It also was not accident that they diidn'tt write up your paper work. They know that the more attempts they make and fail will bring you closer to qualifying for the Lemmon law. You need 4 fix attemps to do that.
Keep these post going and keep trying to get Toyota's attention.
So far Toyota is not doing the right thing. As far as I'm concerned I would tell everyone to be carefule when dealing with Toyota's product
especiallywhen it comes to the Camry transmission.You also should open up a case by calling ther 1-800 line.
There's been a series of TSBs since 2006 that attempt to address this.
The latest is TSB TC007-07 (released 5/17/2007), which calls for a re-flash of the TCU.
If the re-flash doesn't fix the shift slips (flares), it says to replace the transaxle.
I just had my transaxle replaced this last week under warranty (7/18/2007), because the re-flash didn't fix my shift slips (flares).
My dealer has been doing everything they can to help me with this.
They got the go ahead from Toyota to replace my transaxle, so I'm not convinced that Toyota is directing dealers to deny there's a problem.
They told me they'd do what it takes to fix my problem.
And when I left with the new transaxle this last week, they said to not hesitate to bring it back if I have any more problems.
I think the problem with some dealers is wanting to avoid doing warranty work, because the number of hours allocated to do a given job is often not realistic. So they feel they're losing money.
In the case of replacing a transaxle for this car, the tech who did the work on my car told me that the hours he got allocated to do the transaxle replacement was very difficult to meet.
It also is a difficult job that takes a good tech to be able to do it.
My tech also told me that this engine transaxle combo is new, and there's a learning curve involved in learning to deal with it.
What I did, was to use my camcorder to tape an example of my transaxle slipping (flaring), then using Windows MovieMaker to create a video with sound file of my car doing it.
I turned up the volume of the sound so the engine revving up would be easier to hear.
I then burned it to a CD ROM and gave it to my dealer and we played it on their computer.
I also took along the original video tape to show them (if asked to)in order to document that I actually taped this.
Here's a link to an example of my car doing it.
(The one I gave my dealer had more detailed text information on it)
http://www.ori.net/edporch/U660Eflare1.wmv
I also took a printed copy of TSB TC007-07.
My approach was to document that my car was malfunctioning in a way that matches the current Technical Service Bulletin.
When the re-flash didn't work longterm (problem returned after about 300 miles), I made more videotapes of it still slipping (flaring) on the shifts, and gave them copies of these on a CD Rom.
I've also tried to take a non-adversarial team approach with my dealer.
They've not given me any BS in my dealings with them over the years, and additionally, they didn't design this transaxle, they're just stuck with cleaning up the mess that Toyota R&D left them with.
If the relationship with your dealer is one of them just giving you BS in the face of a documented problem, or if it's descended into an adversarial one, find another dealer who wants your business, will take a team approach, and wants to work with you.
All Toyota dealers aren't trying to get out of addressing this problem.
My dealer is a prime example.
An added note, people who have the new Lexus ES350, which uses the same engine and transaxle pair as the 2007 Camry V6, are having the same problems with this new transaxle.
when you capture information like this it is irrefutable that you have an issue. everyone without the behavior immediately recognizes their vehicle doesn't behave in that manner and yours shouldn't either, but also, and more importantly, the dealership can't say "cannot duplicate".
it's not your word against their word.
i hope this is a long-term fix. please let us know. smart you are for capturing the event and posting it.
i hope toyota and potential customers see more of these videos posted on the web and addresses this head on.
only then would they be REALLY "moving forward".
Well now I think sadly the Camry may be a victim of it's own success and reputation, and I am along for the ride. Test reviews and consumer feedback with comments like "a Lexus at half the cost" and "interior assembled as with a micrometer" and "vault-like quiet" have propelled the Camry to near-mythical status - and now perhaps it has done us all in.
Now I realize that Toyota must have decided to move the Camry into a lower order - perhaps in order to preserve it's margins with the Avalon and Lexus brand - with the 2007 Camry, Toyota has cheaped us out big time I'm afraid. I am not happy with this car, and less so than any new car I have purchased since 1987.
My problems with this car?
1. Front end grossly out of alignment. Steering wheel needed half a turn right to go straight. After re-alignment, although the wheel is more or less straight, it still "wants" to go left more than right. Look over the shoulder, look back, and the car has drifted left a bit. There is no "on-center feel" you have to keep focused at all times. Well we are supposed to anyway while we drive but you all know what I mean.
2. Window trim cheaply designed, constructed and carelessly applied. Unequal length bits applied in haphazard manner. On one window it is peeling out and coming off and will need repair soon. Late 90's Kia's I looked at were better done.
3. Very very poor alignment of interior trim, gaps, uneven cuts, especially around the dash and the console struts. Very disappointing for a Toyota. Dash is buckled and wavy around the center vents. I remember being very impressed with the dash design and construction on the older model.
4. I cannot believe how cheap and flimsy the climate control knobs feel and operate. Once the silver paint wears off the plastic they are going to look like crap. I bet there will after-market "knob covers" on the market in a year.
5. Overall feeling of interior cheapness and excessive cost cutting, such as the ultra flimsy plastic rear package shelf, flimsy plastic trunk trim, easily scratched console plastic, etc. The interior looks attractive to be sure, but thank goodness I have no kids, it seems to me a couple 3 year olds would just tear this car interior up in a flash.
6. Car was delivered dirty, I refused to accept it until they fixed the alignment and they also cleaned it better. In the glove box was the checklist dated 2 days previously stating that the car had passed delivery checks.
7. Wind noise - very noisy - this is certainly my biggest disappointment - this car is noisier at 65 than the 2005 and 2006 were at 80 plus! This is probably the biggest shock of all. It is noisier than a Corolla 1.8 liter. And it is not like an air leak or a localized issue - perhaps they have used thinner windshield glass and insulation for this market on purpose? Very very sad and I fear there will be nothing that can be done. Could this be why the dealer pushed the add-on "RustProof"?
Sadly, I am not talking about an '84 GM car here and this is just 2 weeks on. I really pains me to have to see these things considering how nice the earlier Camry models were. Even our '95 Altima, which we still have, is virtually perfect inside. I remember when we bought that car - we were astounded driving it home - every time we got in it it felt of such high quality - we felt happy to make the payments - we got a great car! Remember the commercial with the ball-bearings rolling along the seams as the car rotated on a spit? My wife refuses to give up on this old car. That car had perceived quality - then of course later on Nissan slipped a little. You'd think that Toyota would have paid attention to all the recent complaints about the interior bits on the new Altima when it first came out and not made a similar mistake. Arrogance? Or for some reason now we as consumers are accepting lower quality?
Now to be honest, the Camry does drive well otherwise, no problems with the tranny so far (1000 miles). But my driving pleasure has probably been at the cost of all of those earlier owners hair loss so it should be OK by now.
Why are we all the beta testers now?
After all of the hype about the 2007 Camry, I honestly expected it to be a better car even than the previous editions - instead, I now feel I have moved down into a lower class of car. I think the CAD process and Toyota's relentless drive to improve profitability has lowered this car in the minds of many of us to a lower classification of car.
When I had the car in for 1000k service I took a cab, a Corolla, and I was looking at the interior materials, fitment, and hardware in this car (looked great!)and I am wondering what Toyota is up to by postponing the new Corolla. Perhaps they are re-evaluating the cost cutting process used on the new Camry - that they may have gone too far? Be a kinda shame for us if the new Corolla when it does come out reverses the slide in quality, achieves big accolades, and here we are still making payments on the Camry.
Signing off, sorry for the long rant, this has been therapy - a somewhat disappointed Camry owner. Dzef
=========================
Isn't it funny as it seems like GM and Toyota has changed places. GM according to almost all the services except Consumers Reports which is anti GM says it has some of the highest quality products on the market.
I'll update.
Continuing with that line of thought, I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS which was delivered flawless and has remained so ever since. When I comparison shopped the Impala, I checked out the new Camry and was shocked at how cheap it appeared inside with misaligned parts and cheap-feeling controls. I did not even bother to test drive it. After reading all the problems with the Camry including the common transmission defect, I am very glad I went with the Impala!
I have to disagree with you. I test drove the SS before I bought the camry. I thought its interior was cheap and misaligned. What does that mean? Probably nothing to you because you bought the vehicle and I'm sure you like it.
GM and Toyota haven't switched places. I have a few friends who work for GM or are consultants in the auto industry and work with GM and dealerships.
GM still uses cheap plastic parts for their dashes, door panels, and rear decks. The same things you say about the camry are said about the impala too.
I guess no vehicle is perfect.
Funny you say GM and Toyota has changed places. My GM insiders and car dealers will disagree with you. Cheap plastics and the same parts in multiple cars.......thats GM.
One can only wonder about the loyalty of so called "insiders" who would bad mouth their own company's product.
One should never bite the hand that feeds you.
I contacted Acton (MA) Toyota and they claim not to know of the problem. I am going to meet with the Service Mgr to let him experience it.
Will let you know if I have any luck.
PS: Thanks for documenting all your tests - I think they show the problem pretty well.
The car in and out is very delicate. It looks nice but that's all. I decided to buy Camry after 12 years of problem free ownership of my corollas. I just relied on the name and their years of reliable quality and reputation. I did not even feel I should have done search and read reviews from other owners. Unfortunately, I ended up having a big disappointment. I had many physical defects on my car that I still try to understand how my car passed the quality inspection when it was manufactured. May be Toyota does not do quality inspection anymore. I talked to Toyota Customer Service many times and argued about the defects. They only said "sorry, it happens". After buying the car I was in the service within a week to get the defects fixed. I have now touch-ups on the bumper of my new camry !!! This happened when the car was two weeks old.
Finishing of the trims looks more like the car was completed in a rush. Components inside the car are not aligned. There are uneven gaps between the parts. With LE model (this is what I have), interior is all plastic. Dashboard is all plastic with some metal looking paint that is very delicate and easy to scratch.
On the other hand, there is definitely something wrong with its transmission. The car does not respond when I want to merge in to highway. It put me in very dangerous position in several times already. I read similar complaints about the same problem. I think it is a common issue on this vehicle that Toyota should do something about.
After all 12 years of enjoyable experience with Toyota, this camry will be the last one. I will probably drive it for one or two years and trade it in with another car. I think Toyota is loosing its reputation. I have been sharing all my experience with other friends and also people on the forums.
I don't know about the one you drove but the one I drove and bought has NO misalligned pieces, no dash rattles, no transmission issues, and is quiet and confident on the road at speed. I also do not find the interior in any way cheap. At least the driver's door handle does not have a sharp plastic edge which could easily lacerate one's hand if not careful, unlike the Camry.
Additionally, the dealer was willing to negotiate the price which the Camry dealer was not, acting as if he were doing me a favor by selling me the car.
I would have to say that the quality of GM automobiles is rising while the quality of Toyota is falling, based on all of the complaints voiced here, the increasing number of recalls across the vehicle line and recent automotive surveys.
No, no vehicle is perfect but some come closer than others.
If there is a problem, you can't really say its normal. Thats why I feel for some of the owners having problems right now.
I don't think a car exists that has no problems, unfortunately, but if there was, I would definitely buy one.
As far as your vehicle, what I'm saying is that it is unacceptable that quality between two of the same vehicles can be so different. The SS Impala I tested had several problems. If I sat in the one you own, maybe I would have decided to buy it.
The 2007 Camry is a new model, so its always a little harder to negotiate price when it first comes out. People are getting great deals now since to '08 models will be coming soon.
What recalls are you talking about for the Camry?
I'm glad you like your car. I wouldn't be happy if I hated my car. I would think we can agree that every Impala owner isn't happy with their cars though, which is the same for Camry owners.
I wonder what the results would be if each car manufacturer randomly polled 200,000 of it's own owners about their happiness, satisfaction, and quality of the vehicles.
Results would be interesting.
Thanks.
Where did you purchase the vehicle?