My 2007 Camry warranty repairs so far.....

[ScottFern]

Most all extended warranty companies work this way. They don’t just write out checks. I worked for a few extended warranty companies as an inspector to go out to verify problems when shops would call in asking for authorization for repairs. Don’t get the idea that warranty companies are crooked (some are), but there appear to be even more dishonest owners and repair shops. I’ve seen some owners switch transmissions with their secondary similar car to get a transmission covered under warranty. I’ve seen shops turn in completely fraudulent claims on the basis to split the insurance money with a friend. This is why insurance companies paid me to go out and review and inspect the claim. I will say that over 90% of the claims were honest and fair, but you get those few customers that lost their job and are looking for a quick buck, or a garage that had a bad month and can’t make payroll. So, yes, extended warranties can be a blessing, but extended warranty companies often will prosecute for insurance fraud when it is obvious fraud.

I agree the warranty company needs to protect itself, but the shop has spent two days taking out the transmission and fully disassembling it? Are you serious? The thing that really doesn't add up is this Toyota dealership sells this aftermarket policy. Why would a dealer risk its profit from selling these aftermarket warranties for a faulty transmission?

Tomorrow the adjuster is coming in to look at this transmission. Hopefully I get a call and they cover it.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

What's the Lemon Law in your state?

 

[child of wonder]

Horrible luck, OP. My 2007 Camry hasn't had any issues yet and hopefully that stays true for the next 3-4 years we own it.

 

[PowerEngineer]

Horrible luck, OP. My 2007 Camry hasn't had any issues yet and hopefully that stays true for the next 3-4 years we own it.

Agreed!

I also have an early (8/2006) 2007 Camry, however mine is a hybrid (so the drivetrain is very different) and it was built in Japan (all early Camry hybrids were). The only mechanical problem I've had is a bad water pump, but that was covered by Toyota.

At the time of purchase, I thought long and hard about buying an extended warranty from Toyota because I was worried about the hybrid "unknowns". In the end I decided to roll the dice and it's worked out (so far).

What strikes me as odd is that after more than 60k miles my original brake pads still have over 50% left. That old Rabbit of mine used to chew through a set every 30k miles!

 

[PhoKingGuy]

My extended family had 2 2007 Camrys and both were POS's. One needed a new transmission at 30k and the others interior was falling apart and had a bunch of things replaced under warranty (water pump, struts, radio, etc).

Both were replaced during the toyota recall with Fusion Hybrids. No complaints since.

 

[Raizinman]

I agree the warranty company needs to protect itself, but the shop has spent two days taking out the transmission and fully disassembling it? Are you serious? The thing that really doesn't add up is this Toyota dealership sells this aftermarket policy. Why would a dealer risk its profit from selling these aftermarket warranties for a faulty transmission?

Tomorrow the adjuster is coming in to look at this transmission. Hopefully I get a call and they cover it.

Shops protect themselves by telling the customer: We will remove your transmission on the presumption that the extended warranty company will be paying the bill. If they do not, you will be responsible for the bill. Then when the insurance inspector comes out, if he sees a vehicle transmission that has been abused, swapped out, foreign material inside, or maintenance lacking, he has the authority to deny the claim. When I inspect a transmission, I inspect most all the internal components and then decide whether it is more economical to rebuild or swap it out for a rebuilt unit. It is always nice to have receipts for a transmission service or two when inspecting a transmission. Most extended warranties do not cover lack of maintenance. Often, owners will forgo doing the normal maintenance on their vehicle on the basis that their extended warranty will buy them a new component. Not true. Often, the people with numerous and continual claims are the people that abuse and fail to maintain their vehicle. Extended Insurance companies frequently terminate policies when it has been determined that an owner has committed insurance fraud.

 

[ScottFern]

Shops protect themselves by telling the customer: We will remove your transmission on the presumption that the extended warranty company will be paying the bill. If they do not, you will be responsible for the bill. Then when the insurance inspector comes out, if he sees a vehicle transmission that has been abused, swapped out, foreign material inside, or maintenance lacking, he has the authority to deny the claim. When I inspect a transmission, I inspect most all the internal components and then decide whether it is more economical to rebuild or swap it out for a rebuilt unit. It is always nice to have receipts for a transmission service or two when inspecting a transmission. Most extended warranties do not cover lack of maintenance. Often, owners will forgo doing the normal maintenance on their vehicle on the basis that their extended warranty will buy them a new component. Not true. Often, the people with numerous and continual claims are the people that abuse and fail to maintain their vehicle. Extended Insurance companies frequently terminate policies when it has been determined that an owner has committed insurance fraud.

Well the 2007 Camry had "lifetime" or 100k trans fluid in them per Toyota. So I am safe there.

 

[HarryLui]

I'd get rid of that car asap.

 

[ScottFern]

Received my car back yesterday from the dealer. So it sat there from 2/6 until 3/4, so almost a month. This warranty company has been a pain in the ass. The dealer claimed once they got through all the BS with the warranty company they sent them a transmission that would not go into 3rd gear. So they had to get them to send another transmission. So far this one has been fine.

On one hand I am grateful to the dealership to ensuring that this time everything was working as it should and even buffed my driver side doors because of the scratch from pulling over to the should when it initially broke down. But it did take almost 30 days and they practically emptied the gas tank. I didn't know if I should complain but decided to just take it home after all the battling and back and forth didn't want to squabble over the gas.

Should the dealer fill the gas back up after they used up nearly 2/3 of a tank? I am not sure what is standard protocol.

I know a lot of people say get rid of the car, but it kind of feels like new again. Rebuilt transmission and a rebuilt engine certainly feel smooth. We will see over the next month or so.

 

[Imdmn04]

If you own a Camry, you probably don't care much about driving dynamics and just want to get to from point A to point B reliably.

In your situation, have you though about leasing? A $300/month payment will always keep you in a new car before the warranty expires, and usually don't have to worry about big ticket wearable items such as tires, brakes, etc. unless you drive a lot (in which you shouldn't lease). There will be no surprise carfix costs or extended warranty to buy.

For those that just want to get from point A to point B reliably, think of leasing as a utility bill. You are guaranteed to get transportation service from a car in which there will be no surprise maintenance cost and mitigated shop time due to the fact that most new modern cars are fairly reliable while under the warranty period. For $3600/year, you get a guaranteed piece of mind on the 2nd most important aspect of life (after housing) - mobility.

 

[ScottFern]

Well, not so sure how lucky I am now. On Monday I had to bring my Camry into the dealer for loud vibrating noises coming from the engine bay. I assumed it was exhaust piping, or the A/C compressor, or a belt, but no. Looks like the mechanic wants to tear down the engine and also believes there is something wrong with the transmission as well.

Waiting for the warranty company to send an inspector out hopefully tomorrow. What a nightmare. Only silver lining to this whole debacle is that I get to drive a brand new Prius V with satellite radio.

 

[ScottFern]

Turns out its a spun bearing. Who knows if thats the end of this. Warranty inspector has to come back out probably next Wednesday. Ugh.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Holy crap...

My Dad's 04 was almost flawless all the way to 300k (was starting to burn oil at that point, blue smoke at startup). He got a 2010 to replace it. Hopefully it behaves itself. A friend of mine got an 08 and told me that I should do the same since Toyotas never break (he was rattling my chain since I'm a GM guy lol), hope his doesn't do stupid stuff either.

My brother's Sienna (07 or 08 I forget) snapped its timing belt randomly (yes it had been changed when it was supposed to be). That sucked, but timing belts all suck anyway.

Just further proof that all brands will have problems at one point or another.

 

[ScottFern]

2007 and 2008 were really bad years for the Camry. Just lucky I bought the extended warranty. Not really sure about 2009+ but I hope its better.

 

[debian0001]

I don't think my 2002 Dodge Neon had this many problems. It's only put me on the side of the road once... another time I was able to get it going again.

 

[power_hour]

Sorry but I have to call in the competence of the mechanics involved. After the tranny and engine are rebuilt you are still having issues? Seriously? WTF.

As soon as its fixed, dump that POS. Who the hell knows how they put that car back together again.

 

[wirednuts]

Sorry but I have to call in the competence of the mechanics involved. After the tranny and engine are rebuilt you are still having issues? Seriously? WTF.

As soon as its fixed, dump that POS. Who the hell knows how they put that car back together again.

i agree with this. plus, most shops dont make much money on warranty repairs so they tend to do a little lazier job.

that car is a lemon, no doubt. dump it as soon as you can and just buy the same model if you like, it will probably be great.

and op also admitted that he bought a new design model year, which he believed might be an issue- and it very well could be. i would stick with models that have been in production for at least 2 years.

my 99 ranger has had the same basic design since the early 90's and continues on today. ford knew they had it right and they stuck with it. parts are stupid easy to find cheap too. nothing wrong with wanting a flashy new model, just be prepared to pay for it. 230k miles on mine and no major engine work at all. its a dream machine honestly!

 

[ScottFern]

.......
and op also admitted that he bought a new design model year, which he believed might be an issue- and it very well could be. i would stick with models that have been in production for at least 2 years.............

DING DING DING! This is the biggest lesson I am taking away from this nightmare. If I ever did consider another Camry it would be a 2009 - 2011, but I have had my eye on the new Altimas. Here I go again picking another new design model!!

 

[wirednuts]

2007 and 2008 were really bad years for most cars

fixed. the american economy was so bad they had to sell cars at near cost, which means they tried to recoup the losses through various ways.. mainly lower quality parts. with engineers being strained likely too.. and probably a lot of new hires to save money.

this happened to many manufacturers. even ford. i have heard from numerous people that 2007-2009 years are not good years to buy. the late 90's are some of the best. you will likely see late 90's vehicles on the road until they rust through.

 

[wirednuts]

DING DING DING! This is the biggest lesson I am taking away from this nightmare. If I ever did consider another Camry it would be a 2009 - 2011, but I have had my eye on the new Altimas. Here I go again picking another new design model!!

well its not easy because every model can still produce a lemon. and even harder because many manufacturers seem to redesign about every 3 years.

for me, i try to look at whats under the hood. dual over head cams might sound cool and technically produce more power, but a traditional pushrod motor never dies. likewise, it might seem cool to have fancy traction control, but its just another feature that can break possibly causing other issues.

you just need to know what you need. if its a vehicle for transportation, then buy something modest and proven. if its more recreational, then buy whatever you think is fun and be prepared to pay for any potential problems.

 

[unokitty]

Another question: When is it good to pick up an extended warranty? ...

"You might be tempted to buy an extended warranty on your next laptop or dishwasher or a service contract for your new car. But chances are what you spend will be money down the drain."


"Are extended warranties a good buy? Companies selling them insist that they are, claiming they save consumers hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in costly repairs. But consumers filing complaints with ConsumerAffairs.com tell a different story."


Everyone has a different risk tolerance. Speaking for myself, the best time to buy an extended warranty would be never.

Uno

 

[Zor Prime]

Lots of subtle changes can occur between the 1st and 2nd year of a generation run. Undocumented stuff too, companies aren't usually happy to announce they've changed things unless they have to.

Sometimes the engineers had time to get everything sorted out to a 'T,' or Company X or Y had a crack-team working on a project, but sadly that's not always the case.

However, it's not unknown for newer year models within a generation to have problems.

Take the Honda Insight (2) for example ...

2010: 1st year, roof weather stripping comes off in car washes.
2011: 2nd year iteration, pretty much perfection.
2012: windshield can make a howling noise at highway speed.
2013: ?

Just an example. In Honda's case with their Insight's the major issues revolve around glue. Better than mechanical, sure.

If you can, it's usually worth it to wait for the 2nd year model if possible as owners report issues so things can be hammered out.

 

[ScottFern]

Lots of subtle changes can occur between the 1st and 2nd year of a generation run. Undocumented stuff too, companies aren't usually happy to announce they've changed things unless they have to.

Sometimes the engineers had time to get everything sorted out to a 'T,' or Company X or Y had a crack-team working on a project, but sadly that's not always the case.

However, it's not unknown for newer year models within a generation to have problems.

Take the Honda Insight (2) for example ...

2010: 1st year, roof weather stripping comes off in car washes.
2011: 2nd year iteration, pretty much perfection.
2012: windshield can make a howling noise at highway speed.
2013: ?

Just an example. In Honda's case with their Insight's the major issues revolve around glue. Better than mechanical, sure.

If you can, it's usually worth it to wait for the 2nd year model if possible as owners report issues so things can be hammered out.

2007-2008 Camry had the following well known issues:

leaking struts
faulty water pump
transmission flares
(I4) faulty pistons and piston rings design burned oil
fit and finish issues with interior

And I had all of them happen to me!

 

[BUTCH1]

This.

Every company has lemons, even on good models that are usually reliable. If you really do want to keep a car long-term, a good deal on an extended warranty isn't too bad.

What kind of mileage are we talking about here?, perhaps the ride to work with a malfunctioning water pump raised the system temp and basted your transmission fluid causing the problems...

 

[7window]

This is bad and scary but not surprised. I have a 2000 camry with 104k and its still running good. I used to have a 94 accord and I had so many problems with it when I bought it new. I think its just the luck of the draw. Although chances are when you get a toyota you can depend on it, but occasionally this weird things happen like the OP car.

I also had a friend who bought a gm car brand new and it was a lemon out of the box.