Thinking about buying a used Toyota Camry (2001–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 53 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, engine, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
53
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$3,000
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Toyota Camry faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01HV Inverter MG1 Isolation Fault P3009/P3105
CriticalRareElectrical $7,000–$22,000 to fix
The Power Control Unit houses the MG1 generator inverter and MG2 traction inverter. A P3009 (high-voltage isolation failure) or P3105 (Battery ECU communication circuit fault linked to inverter-side signal loss) causes the hybrid system to illuminate the traction warning and master warning lights and enter fail-safe reduced-power mode. Root causes include coolant intrusion into the inverter from a cracked case following minor collision damage, degraded internal insulation on IGBT modules, or corrosion of high-voltage DC bus cables. Repair requires inverter assembly replacement and high-voltage isolation testing with a megohmmeter.
Symptoms to notice
Traction control and master warning lights illuminate simultaneously
Hybrid system warning message on multi-information display
Vehicle enters limp/fail-safe mode with severely reduced power
Possible refusal to enter Ready mode in severe cases
P3009 or P3105 DTCs stored in hybrid ECU
What to check
Scan with Toyota Techstream for P3009 or P3105 codes; test high-voltage bus isolation resistance with a megohmmeter (should exceed 500 kohm); inspect Power Control Unit housing for cracks or coolant staining; check HV cable connectors for corrosion; verify front-end accident history from the vehicle's history records.
Where to look: Power Control Unit (PCU/inverter assembly) mounted in engine bay on passenger side near brake master cylinder
Ask the seller
“Has the hybrid system warning light or traction warning ever activated?”
“Any history of high-voltage system repairs or inverter replacement?”
“Has the vehicle been in a front-end collision, even minor?”
02Hybrid Transaxle Motor-Generator Bearing Hum
MinorOccasionalTransmission $1,800–$4,500 to fix
The P710 hybrid transaxle houses two motor-generators (MG1 and MG2) whose rotor bearings can develop a low-frequency resonant hum as mileage accumulates, typically presenting above 80,000 km. The noise is load-dependent and often most noticeable under light throttle at highway speeds when MG2 is actively generating, making it easy to confuse with road or tyre noise. Bearing failure that progresses to advanced wear risks introducing metallic debris into the transaxle fluid and can damage the planetary gear set.
Symptoms to notice
Low-frequency droning hum audible at 80–120 km/h that varies with vehicle speed not engine RPM
Hum intensifies under regenerative braking or light throttle highway cruising
Noise disappears or changes character when the driver coasts in neutral, isolating it to the driven transaxle
Transaxle fluid shows metallic sheen or grey discolouration on the dipstick or drain plug magnet
What to check
During the highway portion of the test drive, vary throttle between 90 and 110 km/h and listen for a constant drone that changes pitch with speed but not with road surface changes (ruling out tyres). The hum should be audible from inside the cabin with the radio off. Have the transaxle fluid inspected — metallic particle contamination in the CVT fluid indicates bearing wear has progressed.
Where to look: Transaxle housing — MG1/MG2 rotor bearings, left side of engine bay
Ask the seller
“Have you noticed any persistent humming or droning sound on the motorway that is hard to locate?”
“Has the transaxle fluid ever been inspected or replaced, and was any metallic residue noted on the drain plug?”
“Has any technician commented on a noise from the drivetrain during a warrant of fitness or service inspection?”
TransmissionCritical
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Fluid LeaksCritical
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51 more documented faults on the Toyota Camry
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 53 documented faults for the Toyota Camry, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and engine. A Toyota Camry with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Camry?
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We've catalogued 53 known faults for the Toyota Camry, covering electrical, transmission, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Camry?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Camry fall between $700–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 53 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota Camry?
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Yes. A Toyota Camry inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.