2022 Toyota Camry Excel VVT-I HEV CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric · MK22 NLO

The 2022 Toyota Camry Excel VVT-I HEV CVT has presented a pattern of intermittent roadworthiness challenges over its four-year ownership period, beginning with a failed assessment in April 2022, recovering to a clean pass by April 2023, then encountering another failure in April 2024 before achieving a satisfactory result in April 2025. This sequence of passes and fails indicates that underlying mechanical issues were present but were successfully resolved prior to the most recent test, though the dual-failure history suggests the vehicle has undergone significant corrective intervention. While the latest assessment is positive, the historical record of two separate failed MOTs warrants careful consideration rather than an assumption of pristine condition. With 181,588 miles recorded on a vehicle of this age, the annual mileage accumulates at approximately 45,400 miles per year, a rate considerably higher than typical for a model introduced in 2022. Such rapid mileage progression places accelerated strain on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems compared to vehicles with moderate usage profiles. The interval between the April 2022 failure and the subsequent April 2023 pass demonstrates notable improvement, whereas the 2024 failure occurred during sustained operational demand, confirming that prolonged exposure contributes to compounding component wear across all major systems. Given the high mileage and documented instances of failing assessments, the CVT transmission system merits particular scrutiny as it is integral to this hybrid powertrain and prone to wear-related failures at elevated mileage levels. During a test drive, pay close attention to gear engagement for any grinding or irregularity, particularly under hard acceleration, and examine the transmission casing for visible wear or leakage indicators. Additionally, the suspension control arm bushings and lower mounts should be inspected for signs of excess play or noise, as these components commonly degrade with extensive kilometres and can produce audible knocks over rough terrain. The brake system also warrants thorough examination due to the vehicle's substantial mileage, as high-use vehicles tend to experience faster pad and rotor degradation even when individual parts initially appear functional. Test the braking performance by applying steady pressure through various driving conditions to detect any pulsation or uneven deceleration. Finally, while the specific failure categories from the earlier MOTs are not itemised in the available records, the overall pattern of two separate failures preceding the current pass underscores the value of conducting a professional pre-purchase inspection focused on the above systems to confirm that no residual issues persist beyond the reported clean status.