Checklist: 6th gen Toyota Camry 2007–2011

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

The inspection sheet: mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Look for 2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Burning oil, 2.4L and Hybrid All yearsCheck the oil level, ask how much it uses between changes, and watch for blue smoke. Ask a Toyota dealer whether the ZE7 oil consumption repair was done. Toyota, owners' reports (unofficial)
Sticky or melting dashboard All yearsLook at the top of the dash for a sticky, shiny or melted surface, or cracks, and for glare on the windshield. Toyota

Services to ask about 2

Scheduled work a seller can show records for. The 6th gen's schedule has 6 more services, on its page. Buying shows which are due at a car's miles and age.

Engine oil and filter 2008Replace every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Ask for oil change records. Toyota
Engine oil and filter, 2011 HybridReplace every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Ask for oil change records. Toyota

Recalls to ask about 9

Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 15V689000 2007–2009The power window master switch may have been unevenly greased. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 14V732000 2011The front lower ball joint boot may have been damaged in manufacture, letting the ball joint wear and loosen early. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 12V491000 2007–2009The power window master switch may be poorly lubricated and can fail or overheat. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 12V091000 2009Grease on the brake light switch can cause warning lights, a no-start, a shift lever stuck in park, or dead brake lights. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 10V040000 2010The power steering pressure hose may be too short and rub through the left rear brake tube. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 10V017000 2007–2010The accelerator pedal can become slow to return, or stick, when its friction lever wears smooth and condensation forms. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 09V388000 2007–2010An unsecured or wrong driver's floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 07E082000 2007–2008An unsecured mat, or one laid over another, can slide forward and interfere with the accelerator pedal. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 06V096000 2007Some side, curtain and knee airbag inflators may not inflate the airbag fully in a crash. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA

What buyers avoid 3

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

The 6th gen as a whole All yearsSlashGear ranks it the worst Camry generation: its model years hold the six top spots for Camry recalls, the floor mat recall covered it, and the 2007 drew over 3,600 complaints to NHTSA. SlashGear
2007–2009 four-cylindersCarComplaints.com, a complaints site and an unofficial source, rates the 2008 the worst Camry year and the 2007 the one with the most complaints, 1,024, and ranks oil burning on the 2008, 2007 and 2009 as the Camry's worst problems. Owners' reports (unofficial)
The early V6 2007Consumer Reports rated the V6 below average in 2007 for transmission trouble and dropped it from its recommended list, a published reference reports, later raising it to average. A published reference

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