If you’re looking for a quality, priced-right automobile that is continually recognized by experts in the industry for reliability, it’s hard to go wrong with a Toyota. The Camry and Corolla sedans offer a no frills functionality that has made them some of the most dependable vehicles on the road year after year. Yet even these best of class vehicles have been reported to have specific, reoccurring problems.
Engine Repair is a Top Toyota Repair for Camry and Corolla Models
Both of these non-luxury Toyota brands have had a high number of engine repair issues. Specifically the problem of excessive oil consumption by the engine has been frequently reported in both the Camry and Corolla models, specifically the 2006-2009 years. (The 2002 Corolla has been reported to have similar issues.)
Low oil levels, frequent oil refills, a burning smell or the sight of dark smoke coming from the engine area are just some of the signals that alert the driver that something isn’t right with the engine system. The burning oil may be an indication that engine parts are worn down and oil has started entering the combustion chamber. Either way, this problem should be examined by an auto repair shop in San Diego that is familiar with common Toyota repairs.
With many drivers believing the oil consumption problem to be related to manufacturing of the engine block, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Toyota. This claim is still in process and it remains to be seen ultimately whether or not Toyota is responsible for this engine repair.
Schedule Regular Toyota Oil Change Service in San Diego
Getting regular Toyota oil changes – and checking your oil levels at home — can help you stay on top of any related issues. This in turn can prevent or minimize costly engine repair. For instance, if you check the oil levels and they are continually low even after refilling them, this could indicate that the engine is using up too much oil. You shouldn’t need to refill the engine with 2-3 quarts of oil between oil changes. (Needing to continually add oil to the engine could also signal a leak or poorly sealed gasket.) If a leak has been ruled out, it could be this specific oil consumption problem.
Sensor Problems Trigger the Check Engine Light for Auto Repair
Though these Japanese vehicles are far from unique in having this problem, it has been reported that the Check Engine Light pops up due to sensor problems rather than other Toyota auto repair problems. This is particularly true for older model vehicles (before 2002). Some of these popups may signal a problem with the evaporative emission (EVAP) system or the engine exhaust oxygen levels.
Either way, these signals require your attention and should not be ignored. A Toyota mechanic in San Diego who is familiar with these issues can test fairly quickly whether the problem is with the sensors and their related systems or the engine itself.
What Are Higher Mileage Toyota Service Issues?
The good news is that Toyota Corollas and Camrys are known for driving over 100,000 miles and even higher with regular vehicle maintenance. The downside is that many vehicles will start to require major system Toyota repairs if they are to continue driving strong once they reach this benchmark.
For instance, it has been reported that at the 125,000 mile mark, brake and transmission repair may be required. The automatic transmission system may start to struggle to properly shift gears when accelerating or may drop gears for no apparent reason. This transmission repair is most likely due to age and wearing down of parts and at this high mileage interval should be no great surprise.
