Toyota Camry Roadworthy - The One Weak Point on an Otherwise Excellent Car
I inspected this Toyota Camry in Chambers Flat today. It passed, but only after the owner had already replaced the top engine mount before booking. He knew about this issue because it’s the second Camry he’s owned and both had the same problem.
After over 10,000 inspections, I can confidently say that Toyotas are among the most reliable cars I inspect. They generally come through roadworthy inspections with very few issues. Well built, well engineered, and if they’ve been serviced regularly, they’re usually straightforward passes.
But there’s one weak point that comes up over and over again on Camrys and other Toyota models.
The top engine mount
The top right engine mount on the Camry (right side from the driver’s perspective) has a rubber bush that cracks and deteriorates. It happens on nearly every Camry I inspect if the car has done enough kilometres. I also see it on Corollas, RAV4s, and other Toyota models, but the Camry is the most common.
You can see it clearly in the photos. The rubber separates and cracks around the mounting point. Once the crack is significant, the mount can no longer hold the engine securely, and it fails the roadworthy.
How to check it yourself
This is one of the easiest things to check before booking your roadworthy. Open the bonnet and look at the right side of the engine bay (right side as if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat). You’ll see the engine mount sitting on top – a round rubber bush bolted between the engine and the chassis.
Look at the rubber. If it’s smooth with no visible cracks, it’s fine. Minor surface cracks from age are usually acceptable. But if you see deep cracks, separation between the rubber and the metal, or the rubber is visibly pulling apart – it needs replacing before the inspection.
The third photo shows me pointing at the cracked rubber. That’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Cheap and easy to fix
The good news is that this is one of the cheapest and easiest engine mount repairs you can get. The part is usually under $50 for an aftermarket mount, and the labour is straightforward because it’s right there on top of the engine – no need to lift the car or remove anything complex. Most mechanics can do it in under an hour.
If you’re handy with basic tools, it’s even a job you could do yourself. Unbolt the old one, support the engine with a jack or a block of wood, bolt in the new one. There are plenty of guides online for specific Camry models.
Don’t let a $50 engine mount result in a failed roadworthy and a call-out fee for a re-inspection. Check it before you book.
Toyotas in general - excellent for roadworthys
I want to be clear that this one engine mount issue doesn’t reflect badly on Toyota overall. From my inspection experience, Toyotas are consistently among the best cars that come through. Camrys, Corollas, HiLuxes, RAV4s – they’re well built and if the owner has done basic maintenance, they usually pass without drama.
If you’re buying a used Toyota, you’re generally making a solid choice from a roadworthy perspective. Just check that top engine mount on the Camry before you book.
