Originally Posted by HangFire
Originally Posted by KalapanaBlack
Originally Posted by das_peikko
Originally Posted by ekpolk
Yes. Unlike the MZ series before it, which adopted VVT mid-life, the xGR engines (2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0L) have all had VVT from the start.
Hopefully it's not the hydraulically operated VVT that relies on engine oil to operate. Hopefully it's electric solenoid operated VVT.
It does operate on oil, which is a bit of a problem on many at not-that-high mileages because of the 5W30 conventional oil spec and 5000+ mile programming on the OLM.
Having to do all 4 VVT solenoids (the codes don't specify which ONE has failed, only which BANK) can get VERY expensive. And doing the rears necessitates the 2.5 hours of labor required for rear bank access-at which point, the $150+ coils and $15/ea spark plugs should probably be done, and you need a new plenum gasket.
The only other weak link in this drivetrain that I'm aware of is the oil control tube for the VVT that's buried on the side of the engine. From the factory it's a weak rubber hose that blows and loses all oil pressure instantly. Toyota issued a rubber replacement for the recall (which they did for free), and then a metal version that you can purchase at full price for replacement. I highly recommend researching if this has been done, if it has failed, and getting the fully upgraded metal version installed ASAP.
KalapanaBlack, do you have a part number for this oil control tube, or the recall number? I can't find the part or anything about it.
This is the list for 2010 Camry's, 9 recalls, nothing about the engine.
https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-camry-2010/recalls/
https://toyotanews.pressroom.toyota.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1906
Perhaps it wasn't a full recall, but there was definitely a service campaign. Just google "2GRFE VVT Oil Line." TONS of information about which parts to use, what to check for to see if it's been replaced (original all-rubber tubes have no markings, replaced rubber ones have orange or yellow, upgraded metal have some sort of marking of their own). Not the worst job to do apparently, but it's pretty buried. Not much can be done on this engine easily, it's almost like a big block wedged into a small car.
A few other spotty issues I've seen have to do with the very complex, expensive belt tensioner assembly, which requires loosening/removing the alternator due to a hidden shared mounting bolt, the water pump (which is harder than average to get to), and the factory struts often leak (Toyota addressed widespread, low mileage strut leakage by calling it normal... Eh, they don't exactly pour out but I think there shouldn't be any leakage at 20, 30, 40k miles...).
I don't necessarily mean to make this sound like a bad buy. I'm a big Toyota fan, feeling they GENERALLY are some of the most reliable, ruggedly-designed vehicles out there. I generally think the Fat Toyota 1990s designs tend to be better overall, and the mid-00s to mid-10s were hit by some cost-cutting, and a concerted effort to reduce environmental impact in a "cradle to grave" sense that resulted in less longevity in many of the parts. I would still say that a Camry V6 of this generation would be in the top 10% most reliable vehicles ever made, and have seen many with 150k+ and even some with 300k still running well. It's not going to be maintenance free, depending on the mileage and previous care, but it's a good car.
