The Toyota brand is known for reliability and dependability. However, reports have shown that some selected Toyota models manufactured from 2006 to 2011 were plagued with excessive engine oil consumption, consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 to 1,500 miles on average. In extreme cases, the engine runs out of oil before the recommended service interval, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Unfortunately, this seems to be a common problem, taking most vehicle owners by surprise and making them realize too little too late.
The Problem
Toyota finally took note of the problem in 2011, and a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was issued to acknowledge the oil consumption concerns in the following vehicles equipped with the affected 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine:
- 2007 – 2011 Toyota Camry
- 2007 – 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2009 Toyota Matrix
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- 2006 – 2008 Toyota Solara
- 2007 – 2008 Toyota Camry
- 2007-2009 Scion TC
The 2AZ-FE engine had defective pistons and piston oil control rings installed, which carbonized easily as early as 60,000 miles. The TSB recommended a repair procedure that required an oil consumption test at local dealerships. Failure meant a teardown of the engine and replacement of the pistons and piston ring set, as long as the vehicle was within the 60 months or 60,000 miles warranty period. Unfortunately, the problem manifested for most owners after the warranty expired, and Toyota had a class-action lawsuit in 2014. This action caused Toyota to extend the warranty period to October 31, 2016.
What You Can Do If Still Affected
If you are past the warranty period and still drive any of these vehicles, you need to be vigilant and monitor your oil level at intervals (and top up if necessary). This inspection should be every 500 miles after your oil change. It will help you keep track of the concern until the means to repair is available.
However, if fixing this problem is expensive, you can use thicker oil, like 10W-40. Using heavier-weight oil will not fix the problem but will considerably slow oil consumption.
Considering repairing your Toyota? You can never get it wrong by bringing it to Reliant Auto Repair. Give us a call today, as we shall ensure that your car is being diagnosed and repaired by our experts.
I have a 2009 Camry and I have a burning oil problem
How many miles are on the engine, and how much oil does it burn?
I have a 2010 Camery and it burned a quart and a half since August 28 th 2023. Today is September 17 th. I just had a ton of work done on it and the car skid light is on and the check engine light is on. I have always added oil to it and done maintenance on it. I’m done with Toyota
I did also and.we typed the oil regularly. It seem way more than 2009 and ours was a Camery. About two weeks ago a man hit in the rear and they totaled our car. We abing giving nothing that would help get us a reliably csr.
keeping an eye on the oil level is not your only concern. The consumed oil is not good for the catalytic converter. It is a good idea to use a catalytic converter cleaner on any car. But is especially important on an oil burner. Mr Gasket Cataclean has helped me pass inspection when I had a check-engine-light-code causing the engine light to be on. So, I know it cleans. I recommend using it with almost no gas in the gas tank, for a high concentration.
My 2019 highlander is use 1.5 quarts oil every 3000 miles. It has less than 30.000miles on it.
That is not too bad. Toyota defines excessive oil consumption as using 1 quart in 600 miles or less. In this case, the car needs engine work.
It also affected the Rav4s. My engine oil light has never come on, but after about 400 miles it needs a quart. It started at about 40,000 miles when I went in for an oil change and they said I had basically no oil in there. That damaged my engine and nearly every time I stop at a light or slow down it sounds and feels like my car’s engine will stop. I had to baby it to get where it is and it has cost me a lot of extra money for oil and car rentals when I have to take my car on longer trip out of my area. I can’t trust it.
I am a mechanic and have the same vehicle as you. My engine burns no oil. You have a major issue. Take it to Toyota and push them until they fix or replace the engine.
Your Drive Train warranty is good for 5 yr/60,000 miles.
“My engine oil light has never come on, but…”
It’s worth mentioning that waiting for the oil light to come on before adding more oil is asking for trouble. The light’s purpose is to indicate low oil pressure, not low oil level.
I have a burning oil problem 2007 Toyota Camry, should I just get new car?
I would just check the oil every week or so, and add oil as needed; although, eventually you need either a new engine or new car. The car should last a few more years.
So, to recap. Any Toyota with specifically the 2.4 four cylinder engine made between 2006–2008 can and or probably will have an excessive oil burning issue. In 2009, I know the Rav4’s in North America went to the 2.5 engines that evidently do not have excessive oil burning issues. Basically, avoid any that have the 2.4 unless the top end was redone by Toyota with documentation of that 100% being done. Toyota will certainly have a scar from this problem but hopefully, they have permanently corrected the issue. That is a long road ahead when Toyota has this scar that potential Toyota buyers will contemplate and perhaps move on to a Honda or other Japanese manufacturer….ZOOM-ZOOM….
please my toyota camry 2002 consumes 5litres of oil in one week and three days, please what can i do, the engine sounds perfectly okay and every other thing is fine
I have a 2019 Camry and accidentally put the oil in the gas tank and the gas in the engine. Oopsy poopsy. Should I just wash it out with the garden hose and try again?
This has to be a troll comment
Well, yeah! I mean the guy’s name is Dirk Diggler LOL
hi, I own a 2010 Scion tC
it has the 2AR-FE as well. is there potential it has the same oil consumption problem or was the issue fixed for this year. Thanks
I have a 2010 Corolla switch 133k miles and it burns oil iv diving it a little over 1k miles so far and iv had to add very little oil is that common on the 2010s
I have a 2009 Pontiac Vibe with the 2.4 litre engine and burn about 1 quart every 300 miles.
I drive a 2008 scion tc and my car will burn most of the oil within 600 miles. For example if I get an oil change today and go out of town and drive 500 miles round trip, it’s burns thru most of the oil in that single trip. I at least need to top off 2 or 3 times in between oil changes.