What years did Toyota have oil consumption problems?

The issue occurred over several years rather than a single date, with reports spanning the late 1990s through the early 2010s. There isn’t one year that covers all Toyota oil‑consumption cases.

Oil‑burning complaints touched multiple Toyota models and engines, and the public record shows a pattern of issues emerging at various times for different vehicles. The following sections outline a broad timeline and how Toyota and regulators responded, while underscoring that not every vehicle from these years was affected.

Timeline of reported issues

Below is a broad outline of when complaints and investigations commonly appeared, noting that affected years varied by model and market.

• Late 1990s to early 2000s: Public complaints centered on compact to mid‑size Toyota models such as popular sedans and small SUVs, with a variety of engines cited across multiple trims.


• Mid‑2000s to early 2010s: Reports expanded to additional models, including larger sedans and SUVs, with service bulletins and warranty considerations introduced in several markets.


• High‑mileage aging vehicles: A portion of complaints surfaced as vehicles reached higher mileage, though the issue was not universal and depended on maintenance and driving conditions.

These periods reflect where public reporting and company responses were most visible. They do not imply every Toyota vehicle from those years experienced oil consumption problems.

Notable responses and guidance for owners

In response to complaints, Toyota and some regional regulators issued service information and, in certain cases, extended warranties or service campaigns aimed at affected engines or models. Owners are advised to verify coverage and history through official channels.

• Warranty extensions and goodwill programs: In some markets, Toyota offered extended coverage for oil consumption on specific engines or model years.


• Recall campaigns and service bulletins: Certain vehicles were enrolled in recalls or technical service bulletins addressing oil consumption symptoms or related engine concerns; eligibility varied by country and VIN.


• How to check if your vehicle is affected: Review Toyota’s official ownership remedies, check recall databases, and consult a local dealer with your VIN to determine coverage or recommended service.

Concluding: If you own a Toyota from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, it’s prudent to check official sources for any age‑ or model‑specific oil consumption notices or warranty programs, rather than assuming all units are affected.

Summary

Oil consumption problems in Toyota vehicles did not originate in a single year but appeared across a span from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, affecting various models and engine families. Public reporting, regulatory actions, and manufacturer responses varied by market and model. For precise year‑by‑year information, consult Toyota’s service literature, warranty bulletins, and official recall/databases.

What year of Toyota Camry to stay away from?

The Toyota Camry years to avoid are primarily 2007–2011, due to excessive oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engine, and 2002, which had numerous complaints. Other years with significant reported issues include 2008 and 2009, as well as 2012-2014 for potential transmission problems and 2018-2019 for specific 8-speed automatic transmission and fuel system problems.
 
2007–2011 

• 4-cylinder engine: This generation is known for the 2AZ-FE engine, which has low-tension piston rings that can lead to excessive oil burning, especially at higher mileage. 
• Melting dashboards: These models are also prone to dashboards that melt and become sticky in hot weather. 
• Airbag system: Some 2010-2011 models had airbag failures, including unexpected deployment or failure to deploy in an accident. 

Other problematic years

• 2002: This model year received a high number of complaints. 
• 2008 and 2009: These years had a high number of complaints, with 2009 specifically mentioned for oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engine. 
• 2012–2014: These models are associated with transmission torque converter issues. 
• 2018–2019: These models may experience issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission's shifting and problems with the fuel system, including defective fuel pumps. 

What year did Toyota have engine problems?

Toyota has experienced engine problems in several recent years, most notably with certain 2022-2024 Tundra, Lexus LX, and GX models due to a manufacturing defect. Additionally, certain models from earlier years, such as the 2007-2011 Camry Hybrid and 2006-2008 RAV4, had oil-burning issues.
 
Recent engine problems

• 2022-2024 Tundra, 2022-2024 Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX: In November 2025, a safety recall was issued for these models due to machining debris in the engines, which could cause engine knocking or stalling. The issue affects specific gas-powered vehicles, and Toyota is working on a fix. 
• Specific production windows: The recall mainly affects Tundras produced from late 2021 through early 2023, though the problem also appears to affect some vehicles produced through February 2024. 

Earlier engine problems

• 2007-2011 Camry Hybrid: Some models experienced oil-burning issues.
• 2006-2008 RAV4: Certain RAV4 models from these years were subject to oil-burning problems.
• Other models: Other past issues have included the 2007-2009 Camry, 2007-2008 Solara, 2009 Corolla, 2009 Matrix, and 2008-2009 Scion XB, according to Ethen Ostroff Law. 

How to check for recalls

• You can check for recalls by entering your vehicle's VIN on the Toyota USA safety recalls website. 
• You can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for recalls on any vehicle. 

What is the normal oil consumption for a Toyota?

According to our mechanic contact, Toyota's “normal specification” for oil consumption is 1 quart every 1,200 miles. This means if you change your oil once every 10k miles, you could be faced with a low engine oil situation. While we haven't heard of this being a big issue, it is something to keep an eye on.

Which Toyotas have oil burning problems?

Certain Toyota 2AZ-FE engines are known to have oil consumption issues, affecting models like the 2007-2011 Camry, 2006-2008 RAV4, and 2009 Corolla and Matrix. This was linked to defective piston rings and other internal components that can cause oil to be burned in the combustion chamber. Other engines can also experience oil burning as they age due to normal wear and tear, such as worn piston rings, valve seals, or clogged PCV valves. 
Affected Toyota engines and models

• 2AZ-FE engine: This 2.4L four-cylinder engine is the most well-known for oil consumption problems, particularly in models from approximately 2006 to 2011. 
  • 2007-2011 Toyota Camry 
  • 2007-2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid 
  • 2006-2008 Toyota RAV4 
  • 2009 Toyota Corolla 
  • 2009 Toyota Matrix 
  • 2006-2008 Toyota Solara 
  • 2007-2008 Scion tC 
• Other engines: Older and high-mileage engines of various types can also burn oil due to general wear and tear. This can include issues like worn piston rings or valve seals, which is a normal part of a car's aging process. 

Reasons for oil consumption

• Defective internal parts: The 2AZ-FE engine problem was specifically tied to defective piston oil control rings, which could carbonize and fail to properly scrape oil from the cylinder walls. 
• Worn components: In any engine, parts like piston rings and cylinder walls can wear down over time, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. 
• Aging seals: Valve seals can degrade with age, allowing oil to leak past them into the combustion area. 
• Faulty PCV valve: A clogged or faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can create pressure buildup, forcing oil into areas where it can be burned. 
• Lack of maintenance: Infrequent oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, which restricts oil flow and can force oil past seals and rings.