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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Camry engine problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Camry engine complaints cluster around a few distinct failure patterns. Throttle body stalls dominate the data: engine shuts down without warning at highway speeds or traffic lights, check engine light comes on seconds before failure, and the vehicle loses power steering and braking. Owners report this happens between 46,000 and 106,000 miles, costs $1,100–$1,200 to repair, and in one case the dealership blamed a "rusted out" throttle body on a garage-kept Dallas vehicle. Multiple owners found the problem widespread online and questioned why no recall exists.
Coolant leaking into the crankcase is the second major category. White smoke pours from the exhaust on cold starts, rust contaminates both oil and coolant, and dealers tell owners the engine will be destroyed within months if driven. Owners point to 2002–2006 model years sharing this issue, believe stripped engine bolts are the root cause, and note Toyota recalled water pumps for other years but excluded the 2005 base Camry.
Less frequent but serious failures include exhaust camshaft pin shear (valve-to-piston contact, engine seized at 63,883 miles), early sensor failures before 5,000 miles, engine lockup, and one engine fire. A few owners report hesitation on acceleration with a one-minute delay between pedal input and throttle response—creating hazards at highway merges. Ticking and clicking noises originate from the engine block and dealer inspection frequency suggests concern but no resolution.
Same Toyota Camry engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Body Malfunction / Stalling
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving or at traffic lights. Check Engine light comes on seconds before stall. Vehicle loses all power, including power steering and braking. Some owners report the throttle body appears 'rusted out' despite proper maintenance and garage storage. DIY cleaning attempts yield inconsistent results—temporary improvement followed by bogging and stalling on acceleration.
When: 46,902 miles; 58,000 miles; 53,000 miles; 70,000 miles; 88,000 miles; 100,000–106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at highway speeds; Engine stalls at stop lights; Check Engine light illuminates seconds before stall; Loss of power steering and braking; Surging between 1,500–3,000 RPM; Bogging down on mild acceleration; Erratic idling (200 RPM to 2,500 RPM); Engine will not restart immediately after stall
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Service Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement; DIY throttle body cleaning attempted in one case; one owner reported cost of $1,193.84; another paid approximately $1,100; dealer quoted ~$1,200
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Mechanic #3 noted he had seen 'so many Camry throttle malfunctions' and suspected a recall. Owner #5 reported loss of TRAC and VSC safety functions when warning lights activated; Toyota customer service confirmed safety functions disabled until defective catalytic converter replaced ($1,500).
Engine Stall / Loss of Power – Unspecified Cause
Engine suddenly stops during normal city or highway driving without operator error or prior warning. Vehicle loses all electrical power and safety functions (power steering, braking). No check engine light in some cases; diagnostic computers unable to identify root cause in others. Restarting either fails immediately or succeeds after delay.
When: 25 MPH city driving; 60 MPH highway; 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops without warning; No power steering or braking; Vehicle coasts to stop; Difficulty or delay in restarting; No error code in computer in some cases; All warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: One owner incurred towing costs; another replaced electronic accelerator at 100,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated awareness of intermittent stall problem in one complaint (#14). No recall action documented.
Hesitation / Acceleration Delay
Engine hesitates or refuses to accelerate when pedal is pressed, creating dangerous situations at intersections and highway merges. One-minute delay reported between accelerator input and RPM rise. When vehicle finally accelerates, it does so in jerky lunge. Air/fuel sensor replaced early in vehicle life without resolving issue. Sulfur smell sometimes accompanies hesitation.
When: Under 3,000 miles (check engine light); 35 MPH driving
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when accelerating from slow speed; Complete lack of response to accelerator pedal; One-minute delay between pedal press and engine response; Jerky acceleration when it finally occurs; Dangerous at highway merges and uncontrolled intersections; Sulfur smell sometimes present; Check Engine light illumination early in vehicle life
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Air/fuel sensor replaced under 3,000 miles; hesitation persisted
Exhaust Camshaft / Valve Train Failure
Exhaust cam dowel pin shears off, preventing camshaft rotation. Valve-to-piston contact occurs in cylinders 2 and 4. Groove worn in camshaft sprocket backside from pin contact. Complete engine replacement required.
When: 63,883 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate; Engine shuts down while driving; Zooming sound on restart attempt; Jerking while driving on city streets
Repairs/costs cited: New engine installation required; Toyota requested monetary participation from customer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states belief this is manufacturer defect; Toyota requested cost-sharing for repair.
Coolant Leak into Crankcase / Engine Block Integrity
Coolant leaks into engine oil, contaminating both fluids. White smoke from exhaust on startup or during operation. Owner research indicates widespread problem in 2002–2006 model years with stripped engine bolts. Crankcase and radiator both show rust contamination. Engine block replacement eventually necessary. Dealers indicate repair extremely costly and engine failure imminent if vehicle driven.
When: 113,770 miles; mileage not specified in several complaints
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from exhaust (especially on cold startup); Coolant leaking into crankcase; Rust contamination in crankcase and radiator; Contaminated oil and coolant; Smoke from engine compartment; Check Engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Repair described as 'extremely costly'; multiple independent repair shop visits required in some cases; one owner received white smoke warning at 113,770 miles and was told engine would be destroyed within months if not repaired; another owner needed oil pan ($900) and water pump repairs at 60,667 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall despite owners noting 2001–2006 models affected by water pump defect and suggesting similar engine block issue warrants recall action.
Water Pump Failure
Water pump leaks coolant, causing overheating and potential engine damage. Occurs in vehicles with proper maintenance history and garage storage. Toyota issued recall for water pump defect on other model years (as far back as 2001) with no apparent mileage limit, yet 2005 base Camry excluded from recall despite reported failures.
When: 60,667 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leakage; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump repair cost approximately $900 at Toyota dealership; combined with oil pan repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2005 base Camry despite known water pump defect in other 2001–2005 model years.
Alternator Pulley Retaining Nut Failure
Retaining nut on alternator pulley comes loose and falls off, causing pulley to wobble. Wobbling pulley causes serpentine belt to slip off. Loss of belt results in loss of power steering, low battery, and engine overheating.
When: 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loose alternator pulley; Wobbling pulley; Serpentine belt loss; Loss of power steering; Battery discharge; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Belt and alternator assembly replaced under warranty
Crankshaft Pulley / Power Steering Issue – Recall Denial
Owner received notice of recall (NHTSA Campaign 11V539000) for crankshaft pulley and power steering concerns. Dealer examined vehicle and stated crank pulley not defective. Owner experienced power steering problems as described in recall. Dealer suggested power steering pump replacement instead. Manufacturer sided with dealer diagnosis and refused recall repairs.
When: 180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering problems
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested power steering pump replacement; work not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification sent (NHTSA Campaign ID 11V539000); dealer denied defect; manufacturer upheld dealer decision and refused recall repair.
Engine Fire
Engine compartment fire starts while vehicle in operation. Owner able to pull safely off road and extinguish fire with water bottles. Dealership reported 'severe damage' to engine. No further details provided on root cause.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine hood; Flames from engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; severe damage noted but details not provided
Engine Lockup / Seizure
Engine seizes or locks up, making vehicle inoperable. Occurs at highway speeds and traffic signals. Multiple independent mechanics confirm 'engine locked' diagnosis. Owner reluctant to take vehicle to dealer due to high diagnostic costs.
When: 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light; Engine stops suddenly on highway and at traffic lights; Engine will not restart
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics indicated engine replacement necessary; owner did not pursue dealer diagnosis due to cost concerns
Excessive Engine Vibration
Pronounced vibration originating from engine, transmitted to steering wheel. Occurs when engine is hot and running at minimum idle RPM (750 RPM) in Drive. At 900+ RPM, vibration ceases. Vehicle is equipped with active engine control mount designed to reduce vibration, but dealer cannot reprogram computer to adjust idle RPM. Vibration also occurs in Reverse and when A/C is on. Vehicle inspected five times without resolution.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Pronounced engine vibration transmitted to steering wheel; Vibration occurs at minimum idle (750 RPM) when in Drive; Vibration ceases above 900 RPM; Vibration in Reverse; Vibration with A/C on; Vibration when engine is hot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated unable to reprogram computer to adjust idle RPM; five inspections performed without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technician stated would consult factory but owner never heard back. Dealer directed owner to Toyota of Puerto Rico; Toyota of North America directed back to Puerto Rico dealer. No action taken.
Ticking / Clicking Noise from Engine
Ticking or clicking noise audible from under hood and inside vehicle. Ticking present on cold start and while engine idles. Clicking noise loud enough to suggest serious mechanical issue (one owner was told transmission needed replacement when clicking was present, though transmission defect later disputed). Dealer says noise is 'normal' but louder than similar vehicles.
When: 50,835–52,300 miles (present from purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise under hood; Ticking present on cold start; Ticking while idling; Clicking noise audible while accelerating; Noise louder than similar equipped vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visits made; no repair performed. Dealer claims normal for model year.
Drive Belt / Serpentine Belt Failure
Drive belt jumps off pulleys or serpentine belt tensioner pulley bolt fails, causing belt loss. Results in loss of power steering, alternator output, and engine cooling.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Belt jumps or falls off; Loss of power steering; Loss of alternator function; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Belt tensioner pulley bolt replacement; belt replacement
Sudden Acceleration / Loss of Throttle Control
Engine suddenly accelerates beyond driver input or vehicle loses normal throttle response. Owner reports 'roaring' engine and vehicle going 'too fast' without depressing accelerator while turning. Incident occurred on city street and could have resulted in collision had traffic been heavier.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine roars and vehicle accelerates without driver input; Loss of throttle control; Sudden high-speed acceleration while turning
Early Sensor Failures / Check Engine Light
Oxygen (O2) sensors, fuel sensor, and catalytic converter all fail within first 5,000 miles of operation. Check Engine light illuminates early in vehicle ownership. Air/fuel sensor replaced but underlying issues persist. One owner reports 12 MPG fuel economy after sensor repairs (poor mileage).
When: Under 2,000 miles (O2 sensors and fuel sensor); under 5,000 miles (catalytic converter)
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light early in ownership; O2 sensors fail; Fuel sensor fails; Catalytic converter fails; Poor fuel economy (12 MPG reported); Stalling and acceleration issues
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated parts were defective and not correct for vehicle; delayed repair by 18 days
Defective Engine on Delivery / Early Engine Failure
Engine requires complete overhaul with defective parts identified by dealer within 500 miles of purchase. Owner believes dealer knew motor was defective at sale. Vehicle out of service 20+ days for overhaul. Ownership experience diminished by early major repair.
When: 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Defective parts requiring complete engine overhaul
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine overhaul required; vehicle out of service 20+ days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty extension or vehicle replacement offered; owner deemed overhaul insufficient remedy for diminished value.
Idle Speed Control Above Normal
Engine idle set above normal specifications (2,400 RPM reported). Dealer refused to adjust or reprogram settings. Also reported alongside piston rod security issue.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: High idle speed (2,400 RPM or higher)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused adjustment; engine replaced but high idle persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replaced; dealer gave 'run around' and refused to resolve issue or escalate complaint.
Piston Rod Security / Internal Engine Defect
Rod holding piston is not secure, causing piston to jiggle around. Dealer identified as defective part and recommended engine replacement. Engine was replaced but high idle and other issues persisted. Dealer uncooperative with follow-up.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Piston jiggling due to insecure rod
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement performed; issue persisted post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replaced but other issues not resolved. Dealer gave customer 'run around' and refused escalation.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheats as result of cooling system failures (water pump or belt loss) or coolant leak into crankcase. Overheating can occur suddenly during operation.
When: Various mileage; 60,667 miles (water pump); 170,000 miles (smoke from compartment)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Smoke from engine compartment; Check Engine light
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump repair ~$900; engine replacement recommended in some cases
Wiring Damage / Rodent Intrusion
Rodents bite engine wiring, causing ABS and Check Engine lights to illuminate. Issue identified by dealer during diagnostic.
When: 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illumination; Check Engine light illumination; Rodent-damaged wiring
Codes mentioned: ABS light, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring repair required (cost not stated)
Recall Access Denial
Owner unable to obtain recall repair service due to dealer requirement for bill of sale documentation. No record of purchase in dealer system prevented recall work.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Denial of recall service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer required bill of sale for record verification before performing recall repairs; work denied when documentation unavailable.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine consumes oil at abnormal rate. Owner has experienced this issue for 2+ years and is seeking official recall from Toyota.
When: 2+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Toyota Camry?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,835 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,835; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Camry.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.