Has the Camry Mud Splash Issue Been Resolved?
3 Answers
Not completely resolved. Here is a detailed introduction to the Camry mud splash incident: Since March 2018, many Camry owners have reported that after driving 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, a large amount of muddy water enters the engine compartment due to poor sealing. This affects both aesthetics and the electrical system. Here is a specific introduction to how mud enters the engine compartment: Observations reveal that the 2018 Camry lacks a section of steel plate above the front wheel liners, resulting in poor sealing and allowing muddy water to splash into the engine compartment during driving.
I've driven a Camry, and the mud accumulation issue was indeed resolved in later models. The original problem mainly involved mud and water splashing into the engine bay, corroding wiring, especially during rainy days on rough roads, leading to short-circuit or rust risks. Toyota optimized the wheel arch design and added splash guards in the facelifted models after 2018, with virtually no similar issues reported in new vehicles. From my current observation, tenth-generation Camry owners rarely complain about mud intrusion. My suggestion is if you own an older model, regularly inspect the engine compartment or install additional protective panels yourself to enhance durability. When buying a used car, prioritize models from 2019 onward. Overall, automakers respond quite promptly to such defects.
As someone who frequently drives, I experienced the 'Camry Mud Issue' firsthand. Back then, the engine compartment would be completely covered in mud after highway driving, making cleanup a real hassle. However, Toyota has long since taken measures to optimize the wheel well covers, and you hardly see this issue in newer models. My friend's new Camry hasn't encountered anything similar in nearly two years of ownership. Older models might still have potential risks, but regular undercarriage washing or simple aftermarket modifications at dealerships can mitigate the problem. From a safety perspective, unaddressed mud accumulation could damage wiring and other components, so I recommend checking the manufacturing date when purchasing. Overall, the manufacturer's improvements have been quite effective – this issue rarely comes up in owner group discussions anymore.
