Toyota built a reputation on reliability, and the Camry is often its poster child. But even legends have weak spots. At M & R Auto in Menlo Park, we see five specific Camry problems week after week—and the longer you ignore them, the more expensive they get.
If you’re topping off oil more often than filling your gas tank, or if your dashboard’s starting to shine like a disco ball in sunlight, this might be the article you didn’t know you needed.
Oil Disappears Without a Drop on the Ground
Owners of 2007–2011 Camrys know this pain all too well: your oil is vanishing between changes, but there’s no leak. One customer in Palo Alto didn’t realize it until their engine seized less than 1,000 miles after a scheduled service.
The real issue? Faulty piston rings are letting oil bypass the cylinders and burn off invisibly. At M & R Auto, we conduct detailed oil consumption tests and recommend fixes based on your budget, mileage, and future plans—whether it’s a piston ring replacement or interim top-off tracking.
A Melting Dashboard Isn’t Just Ugly—It’s Dangerous
Camrys from the early 2010s came with dashboards that can literally melt under Bay Area heat. The glossy mess doesn’t just look bad—it turns your interior into a glare hazard. We’ve had Menlo Park customers come in after nearly missing traffic lights due to sunlight bouncing off their dash.
Our solution at M & R Auto involves replacing the dash and any related trim with higher-grade materials designed to withstand heat. We also test reflection levels to ensure you’re safe before we return your car.
Check Engine Light That Just Won’t Go Away
Too many drivers assume their Camry’s Check Engine light is just a gas cap issue. But for many models, it’s a more complex problem buried inside the EVAP system. Faulty purge valves, cracked canisters, or microscopic leaks can all trigger the light—and keep it on.
At M & R Auto, we don’t guess. We run pressure and smoke tests to find the exact leak or failure. One Belmont customer had been to three other shops. We found a hairline crack in a vent line behind the wheel well in under an hour.
Power Steering Feels Off? It Might Be Leaking
Camrys from 2002 to 2006 often suffer from slow leaks in the power steering system. You might not notice it until your steering wheel starts fighting you during a tight turn or parallel park.
The usual culprit is a cracked pressure hose or failing pump. At our Menlo Park shop, we inspect the system fully before we recommend a fix. One Atherton customer was quoted thousands for a rack replacement—when the real problem was a $90 hose. We fixed it fast, flushed the system, and sent her home with steering that felt brand-new.
Laggy Acceleration? It’s More Than Annoying
Models from 2012 to 2017 often suffer from hesitation when accelerating from a stop. It feels like the car doesn’t want to move—or like it’s shifting too late. Some drivers are told the transmission is to blame, but we’ve found that’s rarely the case.
More often, it’s a dirty throttle body, an outdated shift map, or worn solenoids. At M & R Auto, we start with software updates and airflow cleaning before we touch major components. A recent Menlo Park driver came in ready to replace their entire transmission. We fixed the hesitation in under a day—no rebuild required.
These Problems Don’t Fix Themselves—They Multiply
Camrys may be famously reliable, but that doesn’t mean these problems are harmless. In fact, their slow creep is exactly what makes them so dangerous. One moment it’s a rough idle; the next, it’s a blown engine or a $2,000 steering overhaul.
At M & R Auto, we help drivers across Menlo Park, Belmont, Atherton, and Palo Alto catch these issues early. Our technicians don’t guess. They test, confirm, and fix the real problem—before it becomes your next big expense. Wouldn’t it be nice to trust your car again?
Don’t Let a Reliable Car Turn Into a Costly One
The Toyota Camry has earned its reputation, but even great cars have known trouble spots. You just need the right shop to catch them early. At M & R Auto, we know what to look for—and how to fix it right the first time.
If your Camry feels off in any way, call (650) 325-3900 to book your inspection now. We’ll show you what’s wrong—and what it’ll take to make it right.
