Which Camry Model Has Engine Oil Emulsification?
4 Answers
Camry engine oil emulsification occurs in the eighth-generation Camry hybrid series. Here is some information about the Camry: 1. The Camry is a model under GAC Toyota. For 37 years, each generation of the Camry has consistently led its segment, earning the trust of 20 million car owners worldwide. 2. In terms of exterior design, the eighth-generation Camry features dual styling designs—Luxury and Sport—both inspired by Toyota's latest "Keen Look" design language. 3. The Luxury version adopts a large trapezoidal horizontal grille, with a streamlined body posture, a lower waistline, and an extended roof rear section that increases rear headroom. 4. The Sport version features a three-layer grille front face, debuting a two-tone body and an "all-black" cabin design, with a dual-sided quad-exhaust pipe layout at the rear. Additionally, the hybrid version is based on the Luxury model, with light blue front and rear lights highlighting its identity.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have heard many friends complain about the oil emulsification issue with the Camry, especially the hybrid versions produced between 2018 and 2019. At that time, the Toyota Camry Hybrid experienced this problem due to short-distance driving in cold climates, where the engine didn’t reach sufficient temperature, causing moisture inside the engine to mix with the oil and form a white, milky substance. This could damage engine performance and even lead to premature wear. I recall some owners reporting abnormal findings when checking the dipstick after parking, prompting the manufacturer to release a software update to adjust the fuel injection mode as a preventive measure. The newer models have largely resolved this issue, but if you own an older one, it’s best to regularly check the oil condition—long-distance driving can help evaporate the moisture. In short, while hybrid technology is eco-friendly, such minor issues should be addressed promptly to avoid costly major repairs.
As a new car owner, I just bought a used Camry and looked into this oil emulsification issue. Online sources indicate that the 2018-2019 hybrid models are particularly prone to this problem. The hybrid engine tends to accumulate moisture during short winter drives, causing the oil to turn milky and degrade, which compromises lubrication. A friend of mine had this happen to their car, costing over a thousand dollars in repairs. Toyota later issued a notice acknowledging the design flaw, but only for vehicles from those specific batches. If you own one of those models, it's advisable to avoid frequent short trips and to schedule regular maintenance for cleaning. Fortunately, the engine was improved after 2020, so newer models should be safer. The key is to pay attention to dashboard warnings and seek repairs immediately if anything seems off.
I've been helping my neighbors with car repairs for the past few years, and oil emulsification in the 2018-2019 Camry Hybrid is a common issue. Frequent short-distance driving makes it prone to water mixing into the oil, causing emulsification, mainly due to suboptimal engine design. After emulsification, engine noise increases, fuel consumption rises, and in severe cases, the entire system may need replacement. Toyota has recalled some models in North America, and while there's no official recall in China, free inspections are available. I recommend owners maintain long-distance driving habits and change the oil every 5,000 kilometers. Actually, all cars can experience emulsification, but this model is more prone to it. Newer models have been improved. Timely prevention can save both trouble and money.
