Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while accelerating from a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start, with the ABS warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for repairs, but the failure reoccurred shortly after the repair. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into drive(D), the transmission remained stuck in neutral(N) with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled forward while the vehicle was parked, turned off, with the parking brake engaged. The contact placed trash bins in front of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, and the vehicle remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was 127,990.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted upon restarting the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and noticed that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the pistons were locked and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, he became aware that the heater was not working. The contact later checked under the hood and observed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and checked for any leaks or puddles of coolant underneath the vehicle but found no evidence of a coolant leak. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked in two places and that coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,943.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the gas cap was replaced. A diagnostic test determined an issue with the emissions system. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where another diagnostic test was performed and confirmed a defect with the emissions system. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A SMOKE TEST PPERFORMED. THE CHARCOAL CANISTER WAS REPLACED.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the "Check Oil" warning light illuminated. The contact added oil to the engine. The contact was informed that the check oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding several quarts of oil every 1,000 miles driven. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the Extended Warranty had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that no leak was found. The independent mechanic also advised the contact that the failure could be due to the age of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was associated to an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the odor of burning oil was present inside the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the piston rings were faulty and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
I bought my car in October 2009. I did not discover until years later that the pistons for the 2009 Toyota Camry Le did not fit correctly. This caused oil consumption problems, but it did not start happening until a 3-year warranty and at about 60-70 thousand miles. I did not get a notice of recall notice of Toyota's resolution to the problem, because they had the wrong apartment number and email address which I was told by Rep. Sherry and Rose at Toyota Corporation. Rep. said she was sending information to higher up at the corporation instead she sending it to the dealership. I did not get notice of a class action suit/resolution, trotter body, or melting dashboard. I have paid at least $6-7 thousand to dealerships workmanship is bad. I need help!! Because I did not get notices Toyota should fix and compensate me for repairs. …
Engine complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 252 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Toyota Camry, 19% of the model year's 1,293 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Camry engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Toyota Camry, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota Camry engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 8 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.