What is the problem with the Toyota Carina?

The Toyota Carina does not have one single defect that affects every model; issues vary by generation, year, and how well the car has been maintained. Common themes reported by owners include rust, aging suspensions, transmission problems on older automatics, and occasional engine or electrical faults. With proper upkeep, many Carinas remain dependable mid-size sedans.

Overview of the Toyota Carina

The Carina is Toyota’s mid-size family sedan lineage that has appeared in various markets under different names and iterations since the 1970s. Over its development, it shared mechanical roots with other Toyota models and evolved through several generations, offered in sedan and wagon configurations, among others. Reliability tends to reflect the care given to the individual vehicle and the specific engine and transmission paired with it.

Common problems reported by Carina owners

Carina owners across older generations have cited issues typical of aging mid-size sedans. The following list highlights recurring themes that buyers and owners should be aware of.

• Rust and corrosion, especially on older cars and in climates where road salt is used or where the undercarriage is exposed to moisture.


• Suspension and steering wear, which can cause clunking noises, poorer handling, and uneven tire wear on higher-mileage examples.


• Automatic transmission problems in some older models, including rough shifting or slipping; manuals tend to be simpler but still require regular maintenance.


• Engine-related concerns such as oil leaks, coolant leaks, or overheating in higher-mileage units, depending on maintenance history and cooling-system condition.


• Electrical and sensor faults, including issues with dashboard indicators, idle control, cooling fans, or other age-related electrical gremlins.

Regular maintenance—particularly for belts, hoses, brakes, fluids, and the cooling system—can mitigate many of these issues and extend the life of a Carina.

What to check when buying a used Carina

If you're evaluating a used Carina, focus on these checks to assess condition and avoid costly surprises.

1. Rust inspection: check wheel arches, sills, the underbody, and any area showing bubbling paint or primer corrosion.


2. Suspension and steering: test ride for noises, excessive play, and look for uneven tire wear that might indicate worn components.


3. Transmission and drivetrain: for automatics, ensure smooth shifting and no slipping; for manuals, check clutch feel and gear engagement.


4. Engine and cooling: look for oil leaks, inspect the cooling system, and listen for overheating signs or unusual engine noises.


5. Electricals and recalls: verify that electrical components function correctly and review service history; check the VIN against recall databases and confirm any open campaigns have been completed.

A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can reveal hidden issues and help determine whether a particular Carina is a sound buy.

Maintenance tips to prevent problems

Proper maintenance helps prevent many of the problems commonly reported in aging mid-size Toyota cars, including the Carina. Consider these steps to keep a Carina reliable over time.

• Adhere to the manufacturer's service schedule for your engine and transmission, and use recommended fluids and parts.


• Regularly replace belts, hoses, brakes, and fluids to prevent wear-related failures.


• Keep the cooling system in good order to reduce the risk of overheating and related engine damage.


• Inspect for and address rust early, especially in vulnerable areas like wheel arches and the undercarriage.

Proactive maintenance is often the best defense against the typical problems associated with older Carina models and can help sustain performance and value.

Summary

The Toyota Carina’s potential problems are not uniform across all variants; they depend on the generation, climate, and maintenance history. Common issues reported by owners of older Carinas include rust, suspension wear, transmission troubles in automatics, and occasional engine or electrical faults. With regular maintenance and careful pre-purchase checks, a well-maintained Carina can remain a practical and reliable mid-size sedan, consistent with Toyota’s broader reputation for longevity. Always verify recalls and service history for any used Carina you’re considering.

What are the most common issues with a Toyota Camry?

Common problems with the Toyota Camry include transmission issues like hesitation and rough shifting, engine troubles such as excessive oil consumption and a check engine light from a faulty oxygen sensor, and power steering leaks. Older models may also experience specific issues like melting dashboards or faulty airbags, while newer models have seen less frequent but still present problems.
 
This video discusses common problems in the 8th generation Toyota Camry: 1mNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Engine and electrical issues

• Excessive oil consumption: Some models, particularly those with the 2AZ-FE engine from 2007–2011, are prone to burning oil due to faulty piston rings. 
• Check Engine Light: A common cause is a faulty oxygen sensor. 
• Ignition Coil Failure: Can occur after 100,000 miles. 
• Melting/cracking dashboards: Reported in certain model years, leading to glare and safety concerns. 
• Electrical problems: Examples include malfunctioning power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights. 

Transmission problems

• Hesitation and rough shifting: Especially when accelerating or shifting gears. 
• Delayed engagement: The transmission may lag when shifting into gear. 
• Slipping: Some owners have reported the transmission slipping out of gear. 
• Faulty solenoids: Higher mileage models can have issues with the 3-way lock-up solenoid. 

This video explains some of the common problems found in older Toyota Camrys: 22sYourCarAngelYouTube · Apr 14, 2024
Steering and suspension 

• Power steering leaks: Leaks can occur in the pump or hoses, and some models may have a leaking steering rack and pinion.
• Warped brake rotors: Can cause the steering wheel to shudder.
• Motor mount wear: The passenger-side motor mount can wear out on higher mileage vehicles. 

This video reviews the good, the bad, and potential reasons for selling a Toyota Camry: 59sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Apr 17, 2025
Other issues

• Air conditioning problems: Weak airflow, poor cooling, or unusual odors. 
• Fuel system issues: Engine hesitation, stalling, or poor fuel economy can occur. 
• Exterior paint peeling: A problem reported by some owners. 
• Exterior light wiring harness: The wiring harness for the rear lights can break. 

You can watch this video to learn about the long-term reliability of the Toyota Camry: 1mChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 7, 2024

Is Toyota Carina a reliable car?

Reliable, comfortable, if largely unexciting, family transport doesn't come much better than this. Toyota's Carina E is around in solid numbers on the secondhand market and it's a British-built car you can buy with real confidence.

What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Carina?

Problem: The Carina is known for its premature wear of the steering rack. One sign of this issue is a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the power steering fluid reservoir is prone to leaking, which can cause damage to the steering rack due to insufficient fluid.

What is the most unreliable Toyota model?

Some of the most unreliable Toyotas ever built include models such as the '09 Corolla, '07 Camry, '02 RAV 4, and 2010 Prius. You totally forget to mention 3VZ-FE engine recall.