Recalls: Toyota XV30 Camry
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Toyota XV30 Camry
2002-04 Toyota XV30 Camry: potential fuel leak
In December 2004, a recall was issued for Toyota XV30 Camry models produced from 2002 to 2004 due to a potential fuel leak caused by an assembly error which could result in pinching of the charcoal canister vent hose. In this condition, high vacuum in the fuel tank may cause a crease to develop in the upper surface of the tank (PRA 2004/7412).
Toyota XV30 Camry: incorrect welding of rear suspension arm
In May 2005, a recall was issued for Toyota XV30 Camry vehicles due to potentially incorrect welding of the number 1 rear suspension arm. As a result, the arm could break at the bush housing weld area and affect the vehicle’s directional control (PRA 2005/7741).
2002-06 Toyota XV30 Camry: headlamps may flicker and go out
In May 2007, a recall was issued for Toyota XV30 Camry models manufactured from June 2002 to May 2006 due to potential corrosion of the headlamp switch contact points as a result of insufficient current flow through the switch. This could cause the headlamps to flicker without warning and potentially extinguish momentarily (PRA 2007/9300).
2004-05 Toyota XV30 Camry V6: loss of power steering assistance
In November 2011, a recall was issued for Toyota XV30 Camry models with V6 engines produced from 1 June 2004 to 31 March 2005 due to the insufficient application of an adhesive agent between the outer ring and torsional rubber damper of the crankshaft pulley – this could cause abnormal noises or sudden illumination of the of the charging system warning light. In rare cases, the belt for the power steering pump could become detached from the pulley, resulting in a sudden and unexpected increase in the amount of steering effort required. The recalled vehicles were in the VIN range 6T1 53XK36# 0X295920 to 6T1 53XK36# 0X307963 (PRA 2011/12898).
Problems and faults: Toyota XV30 Camry
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2002-06 Toyota XV30 Camry (2AZ-FE): head gasket failure and coolant leaks due to stripped cylinder head bolt threads
In March 2011, Toyota USA issued Technical Service Bulletin 0015-11 which identified that 2002-06 Toyota XV30 Camry vehicles that had 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engines may experience loose cylinder head bolts due to damaged threads in the cylinder block. Although not explained in the bulletin, loose cylinder bolts could cause rapid coolant loss, engine overheating and serious damage.
The three cylinder head bolt threads that were susceptible to stripping were located on the intake side of the block and between the cylinders (i.e. not the front and end bolt threads). These threads were at the thinnest part of the cylinder block, a design attribute to accommodate the curvature of the plastic air intake and a layer of insulating foam. While the foam insulated the plastic air intake from the cylinder block, it could also trap heat and create a ‘hotspot’ around the threads and head gasket in that area. It is understood that this heat could damage the head gasket (‘head gasket failure’) and that movement of the steel head bolts could strip the threads in the aluminium block. It is therefore important that coolant levels are monitored.
If coolant leaks are detected early, it is possible that only the head gasket may have failed and that the cylinder bolt threads are still intact. Symptoms of a failed head gasket include:
- A gradual loss of coolant;
- The engine running at a higher temperature than normal;
- Coolant mixing with the engine oil, apparent from a milky residue in the oil; and,
- A gurgling sound heard through the dashboard.
The symptoms of stripped cylinder block threads, however, are more obvious and serious:
- Rapid coolant loss and overheating;
- A strong smell of coolant;
- The insulating foam for the intake manifold is damp or wet; and,
- The cylinder head bolts can be pulled-out with very little effort, potentially by hand.
From Technical Service Bulletin 0015-11, the repair procedure for stripped cylinder head bolt threads was described as follows –
- Confirm the cylinder head bolt or bolts were loose due to damaged threads;
- Remove the short block assembly from the vehicle;
- the cylinder block assembly for flatness to ensure it meets specifications for re-use;
- Prepare the cylinder block for ‘Time Sert’ thread repair inserts;
- Use the core drill to repair the bolt holes;
- Use the tap to cut new threads for the insert;
- Use the insert driver to install the insert; and,
- Re-assemble and install the short block assembly with inserts installed.
While the 2AZ-FE engine had ten cylinder head bolts, only the six cylinder head bolts between the cylinders could be repaired (i.e. not the two bolts at the front or the two bolts at the back of the cylinder block). If any damage was found in these four bolts at the front and back of the cylinder block, the cylinder block itself was to be replaced. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the technical service bulletin.
2002-04 Toyota XV30 Camry: accessory drive belt squeal/belt tensioner rattle
In September 2004, Toyota USA issued Technical Service Bulletin EG040-04 for Toyota XV30 Camry vehicles that had 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engines. The 2AZ-FE engine in these vehicles may exhibit squealing and/or rattling noises from the engine compartment, especially on start-up from cold. According to the bulletin, a revised V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly (part number 16620-28011, replacing part number 16620-28010) was introduced to correct this condition. To fix, both the drive belt and accessory belt tensioner were to be replaced.
While the technical bulletin identified 2001-04 ‘model year’ Toyota Camry vehicles that were manufactured in Japan, the same belt tensioner may have been used in Australian-manufactured 2AZ-FE engines.
Toyota XV30 Camry: other problems and faults
- At low temperatures, the check-engine light may illuminate and be accompanied by poor engine performance – this may be fixed by replacing the throttle body, gasket and intake surge tank.
- Early models with automatic transmissions may shift poorly; the revised engine-control module designed for the XV30.II Camry could be retro-fitted to older vehicles.
- Check for engine valve cover leaks – if mechanics used bulk oil-fill equipment and were not careful, the oil-fill nozzle could bend or break the oil baffle inside the valve cover.
