What is the maintenance on a Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry is a popular and reliable mid-size sedan that requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. From oil changes to tire rotations, there are several key maintenance tasks that Camry owners should be aware of to ensure their vehicle's longevity and performance.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

The Toyota Camry has a recommended maintenance schedule that varies depending on the model year and driving conditions. Generally, Camry owners should follow these maintenance intervals:

• Oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles


• Tire rotation every 5,000-10,000 miles


• Brake pad replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles


• Transmission fluid change every 30,000-60,000 miles


• Coolant flush every 30,000-60,000 miles


• Spark plug replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles

It's important to consult the owner's manual for the specific maintenance schedule for your Camry model, as the recommended intervals may vary.

Common Maintenance Tasks

In addition to the routine maintenance schedule, there are several other common maintenance tasks that Camry owners should be aware of:

• Oil changes: The Camry's engine oil should be changed regularly to ensure proper lubrication and prevent wear and tear.


• Tire rotations: Rotating the tires helps ensure even wear and tear, improving the vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency.


• Brake inspections: The Camry's brakes should be inspected regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and safely.


• Air filter replacements: The engine air filter should be replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles to maintain optimal engine performance.


• Battery replacements: The Camry's battery should be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure reliable starting and electrical system performance.

By following the recommended maintenance schedule and addressing any issues that arise, Camry owners can help ensure their vehicle's longevity and performance.

Conclusion

Maintaining a Toyota Camry requires a combination of routine maintenance tasks and addressing any issues that arise. By staying on top of the recommended maintenance schedule and addressing any problems promptly, Camry owners can help ensure their vehicle's reliability and performance for years to come.

What maintenance does a Toyota Camry need?

A Toyota Camry needs regular maintenance, typically at 5,000-mile intervals, which includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and inspections of the brakes, fluids, and wiper blades. More intensive services are required at 15,000, 30,000, and 60,000 miles to check and replace items like cabin air filters, engine air filters, and spark plugs, and to thoroughly inspect systems like the fuel, exhaust, and cooling systems. 
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months 

• Replace engine oil and oil filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brake linings, drums, pads, and discs
• Check and adjust fluid levels
• Inspect wiper blades and exterior lights
• Check the driver's floor mat for proper installation
• Perform a multi-point inspection 

Every 15,000 miles or 18 months 

• Includes all 5,000-mile services
• Replace cabin air filter
• Inspect ball joints, dust covers, and drive shaft boots
• Check brake fluid condition, cooling system operation, and exhaust system operation 

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months 

• Includes all 15,000-mile services
• Replace engine air filter
• Inspect fuel tank vapor vent system hoses, fuel lines, and connections
• Inspect radiator, condenser, and engine coolant
• Check and inspect steering and suspension components 

Every 60,000 miles 

• Includes all 30,000-mile services
• Inspect or replace transmission fluid (varies by model/year)
• Inspect spark plugs, and replace if necessary
• Inspect drive belt and cables for wear and corrosion
• Check differential fluid 

Other important maintenance

• Replace brake fluid every 3 years or 30,000 miles 
• Replace coolant around 100,000 miles or 5 years 
• Replace the battery as needed (most last 4-5 years or 50,000-60,000 miles) 

Which Camry to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
 
Specific model years to avoid and why

• 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously. 
• 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating. 
• 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting. 

What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.

Are Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?

A Toyota Camry will cost about $4,581 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $1,165. There is also a 12.28% chance that a Camry will require a major repair during that time. This is 4.41% better than similar vehicles in this segment.

What does it mean when it says maintenance required on a Toyota Camry?

The "Maint Reqd" light on a Toyota Camry means the vehicle is due for its routine maintenance, most commonly an oil change, and typically turns on around every 5,000 miles. Services included in this interval are an oil change, tire rotation, and fluid checks. The light should be reset after the required services are completed.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the maintenance light on a Toyota Camry: 57sWord of Advice TVYouTube · Jan 22, 2018

• What it means: The light is a reminder that your car needs routine maintenance services to keep it running efficiently and prevent potential damage. 
• What services are needed: The most common service is an oil change and tire rotation. Other services include checking fluids and brakes. 
• Why it's important to address: Ignoring the light can lead to poor fuel efficiency, increased engine wear, and potentially costly future repairs. 
• How to reset it: After you complete the maintenance, you must manually reset the light. The method varies by model year, but typically involves turning the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine) while pressing and holding the trip reset button on the dashboard until the display flashes and the light turns off. You can also find specific instructions for your model year by checking your owner's manual.