Excessive Oil Consumption
medium- Typically appears
- 40–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $300
Popular pick
2019 Toyota
CamrySedan
2.5L I4 A25A-FKS DOHC · Sedan
The 2019 Toyota Camry represents the second model year of the eighth-generation (XV70) platform — a significant redesign that finally gave the Camry sharper styling, a more engaging chassis, and a genuinely modern interior. Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, this generation shed its reputation for blandness without sacrificing the dependability Toyota owners expect. The base 2.5L four-cylinder produces a class-competitive 203 hp while returning 32 mpg combined, making it a strong daily driver for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their car. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 — including pre-collision braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control — comes standard on every 2019 Camry trim. That's a meaningful safety advantage over some competitors that still charge extra for these features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard for 2019, an upgrade from the prior year's Apple CarPlay–only setup. The A25A-FKS engine uses a high 13.0:1 compression ratio and Toyota's dual variable valve timing (VVT-iE intake + VVT-i exhaust), which contributes to efficiency but also demands 0W-20 full synthetic oil and clean oil to protect the VVT system. Owners who stretch oil changes or ignore oil level between changes are the ones who run into trouble with this engine.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Camry LE/SE — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
4x2
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined
Seats
2
Doors
4
Body
Sedan
MSRP
$24,395
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2019 Toyota Camry represents the second model year of the eighth-generation (XV70) platform — a significant redesign that finally gave the Camry sharper styling, a more engaging chassis, and a genuinely modern interior. Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, this generation shed its reputation for blandness without sacrificing the dependability Toyota owners expect. The base 2.5L four-cylinder produces a class-competitive 203 hp while returning 32 mpg combined, making it a strong daily driver for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their car. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 — including pre-collision braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control — comes standard on every 2019 Camry trim. That's a meaningful safety advantage over some competitors that still charge extra for these features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard for 2019, an upgrade from the prior year's Apple CarPlay–only setup. The A25A-FKS engine uses a high 13.0:1 compression ratio and Toyota's dual variable valve timing (VVT-iE intake + VVT-i exhaust), which contributes to efficiency but also demands 0W-20 full synthetic oil and clean oil to protect the VVT system. Owners who stretch oil changes or ignore oil level between changes are the ones who run into trouble with this engine.
Known for
- Outstanding long-term reliability when properly maintained
- Best-in-class resale value in the midsize sedan segment
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 across all trims
- Smooth, fuel-efficient 2.5L four-cylinder with strong highway MPG
Best for
- High-mileage commuters who want a low-drama daily driver
- Buyers prioritizing resale value and low depreciation
- Families needing a safe, comfortable, tech-equipped sedan
- Anyone transitioning from a reliable older Camry to a modern one
Watch for
- Oil consumption on the 2.5L A25A engine — check the dipstick every 3,000–5,000 miles
- Infotainment system freezing and Bluetooth dropouts (TSB available, software update often fixes it)
- VVT solenoid codes (P0012, P0015) triggered by dirty oil or stretched oil change intervals
- Brake pad life shorter than expected in city/stop-and-go driving
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT / Camshaft Timing Codes (Oil-Related)
medium- Typically appears
- 50–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $600
Infotainment System Freezing / Bluetooth Glitches
high- Typically appears
- 0–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $200
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire
low- Typically appears
- 50–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Premature Brake Pad Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 25–50k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $350
Cold-Weather Battery Drain
medium- Typically appears
- 30–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $220
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Tire Rotation
FWD layout puts most wear on the front tires. Rotating on schedule evens wear and extends tire life significantly — especially important before Wisconsin winters when even tread depth is critical for traction.
- 2 Every 10,000 miles or 12 months Oil & Filter Change — 0W-20 Full Synthetic
Toyota's stated interval is 10,000 miles, but given the documented oil consumption tendency on the A25A-FKS, we recommend checking the dipstick every 3,000–4,000 miles between changes. Never let it drop more than a quart low. The VVT system is first to suffer from low or dirty oil.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles or 36 months Air Filter & Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Wisconsin gravel roads and fall leaf debris clog air filters faster than purely highway driving. A dirty cabin filter also strains the HVAC blower motor. Both are easy DIY jobs.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles or 36 months Brake Fluid Flush — DOT 3
Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point. With Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles, fresh fluid also reduces the risk of moisture-related caliper corrosion.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles or 72 months Transmission Fluid Change — Toyota WS ATF
Toyota marks WS fluid as 'lifetime,' but in real-world use — especially stop-and-go traffic — fluid degrades and dark fluid has been linked to the rougher shifts reported by some owners. Use only Toyota WS ATF; other fluids can cause shift quality issues.
- 6 Every 100,000 miles or 10 years Coolant Flush — Toyota Super Long Life (Pink)
Toyota's pink SLLC is a long-life formula, but it still degrades. Using the correct pink coolant matters — mixing with standard green coolant degrades both and can cause water pump seal issues.
- 7 Every 120,000 miles Spark Plug Replacement — Iridium
The A25A-FKS uses long-life iridium plugs. If oil consumption is present, inspect plugs earlier (around 80–90k) for carbon fouling, which can cause misfires before the scheduled replacement interval.
- 8 Every fall (October recommended in Lake Geneva) Winter Prep: Battery Load Test, Wiper Blades, Wiper Fluid Top-Off
Sub-zero temps can kill a marginal battery overnight. Swap to winter-rated wiper blades before the first freeze and fill washer fluid with a -20°F or colder rated formula — Lake Geneva regularly sees temps where standard fluid will freeze solid on the windshield.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$400 – $800
Fuel
At 32 mpg combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,800/year in fuel at current Midwest gas prices. Highway-heavy drivers will do better; city-heavy commuters closer to the higher end.
Insurance
Midsize sedans in this price range typically run $900–$1,400/year for full coverage in southern Wisconsin depending on driver profile and coverage limits. The Camry's strong safety scores and low theft rate help keep premiums reasonable.
The 2019 Camry is one of the cheaper midsize sedans to own over time. Parts are widely available, independent shops are very familiar with the platform, and nothing on it is exotic or expensive to source. The main budget wildcard is oil consumption — if your example burns oil, add $50–$100/year in top-up oil costs and consider slightly shorter oil change intervals. Brake pads are a more frequent expense than advertised if you drive in town. Outside of those two items, annual maintenance costs are modest and predictable.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Load-test the battery every October — the OEM battery typically has a 3–4 year life in Wisconsin winters. A battery below 75% capacity is a roadside risk at -10°F.
- Switch to winter-rated wiper blades before the first freeze and fill washer fluid reservoir with fluid rated for -20°F or colder. Standard summer fluid will freeze on contact with a cold windshield.
- Rinse the undercarriage and wheel wells at a touchless car wash every 2–3 weeks during active salting season. The Camry's unibody and brake components corrode faster than the engine will ever wear out.
- Check tire pressure after the first cold snap — pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature. Underinflated tires reduce winter traction and wear unevenly.
- Allow 30–60 seconds of idle time on sub-zero mornings before driving away. The A25A's VVT system needs oil to circulate before high RPM use.
- If the car sits outdoors for extended periods in deep cold, consider a battery maintainer/trickle charger to avoid a no-start situation.
Summer
- Check tire pressure in the morning before driving — summer heat causes pressure to rise, and tires inflated to spec cold can read 3–4 PSI over in afternoon heat.
- Inspect the A/C system performance in May before peak heat — the compressor and cabin filter are the first things to check if cooling is weak. Replace cabin filter if it wasn't done in fall.
- Check coolant level and condition at the start of summer. The pink Toyota SLLC should look clean; brown or rusty coolant means the system needs attention before hot-weather driving stresses the cooling system.
- After a winter of salt exposure, inspect brake rotors for deep pitting or uneven surface rust that didn't clear up after driving. Surface rust is normal; deep pitting means rotors should be replaced before summer road trips.
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