The 2018-2024 Camry 3.5L V6 is mechanically solid overall, but suffers from a catastrophic oil dilution defect in 2019-2020 models that can destroy engines, plus persistent fuel pump failures across the range and transmission cooler leaks that damage the 8-speed automatic.
Catastrophic Engine Failure Due to Oil Dilution (2019-2020 V6)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Fuel smell in oil during dipstick checks, Rapid oil level rise between changes, Metallic knocking from lower end, Engine seizure or loss of compression, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Direct fuel injection system allows fuel to wash past piston rings during cold starts, diluting oil and destroying bearings. Repair requires complete engine replacement or rebuild with updated pistons/rings. 25-35 hours labor for short block swap, 40-50 hours for full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Fuel Pump Failures (Denso Pump Defect)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fuel delivery, Intermittent stalling at highway speeds, Rough idle and hesitation under acceleration, Fuel pump whine or buzzing from tank area, Stranded vehicle requiring tow
Fix: Low-pressure fuel pump inside tank fails due to impeller density defect. Covered by recalls but many units failed before recall issued. Tank drop required. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under vehicle front-center, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse, Low transmission fluid warning light, Burnt fluid smell if driven low, Harsh shifts when hot
Fix: Cooler lines corrode or crack at fittings where they connect to radiator tank. Replacement requires draining system, replacing lines and sometimes radiator if tank cracked. 3-4 hours labor if just lines, 5-6 hours with radiator.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Transmission Mount Deterioration (3.5L V6)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in Drive with brake applied, Visible transmission sag when inspecting from below, Increased cabin vibration during acceleration
Fix: Right-side transmission mount hydraulic fluid leaks out, allowing excessive movement. V6 torque accelerates wear. Replace mount with OE or aftermarket upgraded unit. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Brake Booster Vacuum Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard brake pedal requiring excessive force, Brake pedal feels stiff immediately at startup, Hissing sound from engine bay when pressing brakes, Extended stopping distances, Brake warning light in some cases
Fix: Electric vacuum pump for brake booster fails (V6 doesn't generate enough manifold vacuum). Recalled on some units but failures continue post-recall. Pump replacement. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) Mat Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated continuously, Passenger airbag off light flickers with adult passenger, Seat senses no occupant when someone is sitting, Intermittent warning with weight on seat
Fix: Pressure-sensitive mat under passenger seat fails, triggering airbag system faults. Covered by recall but many need replacement regardless. Seat removal and mat replacement. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Check oil dipstick for fuel smell on ANY 2019-2020 V6 before purchase—this is a deal-breaker defect
Verify fuel pump recall completion (recalls 20TA03, 21TA03) before buying any 2018-2020 model
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for seepage starting at 40k miles
Use Toyota WS fluid only in the 8-speed automatic—aftermarket fluids cause shudder and premature wear
Extended highway drives help prevent carbon buildup on direct-injection valves—short trips accelerate it
Buy a 2021+ V6 without hesitation; avoid 2019-2020 V6 entirely unless you can confirm no oil dilution history and fuel pump recall completed—otherwise it's a ticking time bomb.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine bay on passenger side
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2023 Toyota Camry — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated into transmission valve body assembly, under vehicle
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Requires transmission removal or pan drop. VIN registration and adaptive learning reset required. 8-speed transmissions (2018-2019 V6) have external TCM on transmission case.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS ECU)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into steering column assembly, under lower dashboard
📍 Engine compartment, driver side near strut tower
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Integrated with VSC/traction control. Brake bleeding required after replacement. VIN registration and yaw rate sensor calibration required.
Air Conditioning Amplifier / HVAC Control Module (A/C AMP)1.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dashboard, above center console
🔧 Autel, Launch, or Techstream
⚠️ Dual-zone systems have more complex configuration. Basic initialization can be done with aftermarket tools.
Body Control Module / Multiplex Network Body ECU (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind lower left dashboard trim, above driver kick panel
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, power windows, door locks. Requires VIN registration and configuration of all body options. Smart key registration required.
⚠️ Part of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Requires precise aiming/calibration after replacement or front-end collision. VIN registration required.
Data Communication Module / Telematics Control Unit (DCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind headliner, above rearview mirror area, or behind dashboard
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Safety Connect / Service Connect system. Requires activation with Toyota. VIN and subscription registration required.
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall area, mounted to bulkhead
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ VIN registration, immobilizer pairing, and throttle relearn required. Hybrid models have integrated HV system communication that must be initialized.
Adaptive Front Lighting System ECU / AFS ECU (AFS ECU)1.2 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into headlight assembly, both sides
🔧 Autel, Launch, or Techstream
⚠️ Optional on XLE/XSE. Auto-leveling and cornering lamp control. Headlight aiming required after replacement.
📍 Center console area, under center floor carpet between front seats
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Crash data must be cleared. VIN registration required. Occupant classification system calibration required.
Pre-Collision Camera / Forward Recognition Camera (FR CAMERA)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind windshield, integrated into rearview mirror assembly
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Part of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Lane departure, road sign recognition. Requires windshield calibration and aiming after replacement. Windshield replacement requires recalibration.
⚠️ Mileage programming requires dealer access and legal documentation. VIN registration required. TFT display models (XLE/XSE) have different part numbers than analog.
⚠️ Sensor calibration required after replacement. Optional equipment on XLE/XSE trims.
Power Seat Control Module (SEAT ECU)0.8 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame
⚠️ Memory seats on XLE/XSE. Typically plug-and-play. Memory relearn done through user interface.
Power Window Master Switch / Door Control Module (DOOR SW)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, integrated into master switch assembly
🔧 Manual initialization procedure
⚠️ Auto up/down window relearn required (manual procedure, no scan tool needed).
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
SEATS · 24V128000
2024-02-21
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB04 and 24TA04.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 23V865000
2023-12-20
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS · 23V432000
2023-06-15
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
Consequence: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on or before August 14, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA05.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · 21V890000
2021-11-17
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Camry vehicles. The vane cap inside the vacuum pump may break, causing the pump to fail, which could result in a sudden loss of braking assist.
Consequence: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the vacuum pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 20V064000
2020-02-06
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Consequence: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020.
On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 19V567000
2019-08-01
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Camry vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag and knee air bag, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags do not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the OCS, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0M.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 19V503000
2019-06-28
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 19V244000
2019-03-27
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · 18V211000
2018-04-03
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
Consequence: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 18V200000
2018-03-28
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with a 2.5L, four-cylinder engine. The pistons on these vehicles may be larger than specified, possibly causing the engine to stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production date codes of the pistons and, if an engine contains a piston from the affected production period, the engine assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J1M/J0M.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 18V108000
2018-02-14
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with V6 engines. These vehicles have fuel delivery pipes that may not be properly connected to the fuel hoses in the engine compartment.
Consequence: The improperly connected hoses may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pipes for the correct installation, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0G.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018–2024 Toyota Camry 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.