Toyota Models to Avoid
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- Known for excessive oil consumption, water pump failures, and multiple safety recalls (e.g., airbag disconnection, pedal entrapment, power window risks)
- Surprisingly high recall volume for the Corolla overall: the 2009 and 2010 models alone account for over 24% of all Corolla recalls
- 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Reported issues such as hesitation/lurching early on (within ~3,000 miles), leaking roof racks, and recalls related to fuel pump, coolant, and suspension faults
- 2007 Toyota Camry
- Frequently cited for oil consumption problems, engine knocking, dash warping, and low owner satisfaction scores
- 2012–2015 Toyota Avalon
- Risk of unintended emergency braking caused by false radar detection of roadway joints; only ~84% of recalled vehicles have been fixed
- 2007 Toyota Sienna
- Known for sluggish or failing transmission, recall issues including faulty shifter assembly (can shift out of park without brake), and corrosion risking spare tire detachment
- Vehicles with the 2AZ-FE engine (e.g., many 2006–2014 Camry, Corolla, Prius, Matrix variants)
- Notorious for burning oil over time unless expensive piston ring replacements are made
- Highlander and Sienna (2017–2018+) with UA80E/F 8-speed transmission
- Known for harsh or delayed shifting, whining, jerking, and transmission failures. Toyota's limited “ZJC Support Program” only covered some early cases, but issues persist beyond that
- Older Models (2003–2005 Corolla, Matrix, RAV4)
- Subject to a “do not drive” advisory in the U.S. due to dangerous Takata airbag inflators that could explode and cause injury
- Recent Toyota Models with Multiple Recalls
- Many 2023–2024 Corollas (including hybrid variants) have been affected by recall campaigns for steering shaft cracks, stiff brake pedals, and fuel vapor leak detection issues
- About 69,000 hybrids (Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Kluger) in Australia impacted by a catastrophic dashboard display failure; this can obscure critical driving information
Lexus Models to Avoid
- Lexus IS250 (Second Gen, 2007–2012)
- Prone to carbon buildup from its direct injection engine, leading to rough idle, misfires, and other issues.
- Subject to serious safety recalls, such as accelerator interference from floor mats and degrading dashboard/dimming mirror issues
- Others Flagged by Enthusiasts
- On Reddit, users advise caution with 2007–2009 IS250 due to frequent recalls, and some GS300 (2006) models because of excessive oil consumption and reliability concerns
Summary Table
| Brand/Model | Issues to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla (2009–2010) | Oil burn, recalls, water pump failure |
| Toyota RAV4 (2019) | Hesitation, leaks, multiple recalls |
| Toyota Camry (2007) | Oil consumption, engine/dash issues |
| Toyota Avalon (2012–2015) | Unintended braking due to radar errors |
| Toyota Sienna (2007) | Transmission failure, safety recalls, corrosion |
| Toyota with 2AZ-FE engine | High oil consumption, costly fixes |
| Highlander/Sienna (2017–) | Transmission problems with 8-speed |
| Corolla/Matrix/RAV4 (2003–05) | Explosive Takata airbags, urgent recall |
| Recent Corollas/Hybrids | Steering, braking, dashboard, and fuel system recalls |
| Lexus IS250 (2007–2012) | Carbon buildup, accelerator recall, interior degradation |
| Some Lexus GS300 | Oil consumption, recall history |
** Final Thoughts:**
While Toyota and Lexus overall have strong reliability reputations, certain model years and components carry elevated risks. I recommend:
- Checking the VIN on the NHTSA website to confirm recall status and remedy completion.
- Having a trusted mechanic inspect suspect areas—transmissions, engine oil consumption, brake systems, and electronics.