The Toyota Camry enjoys widespread popularity as a sedan celebrated worldwide for its affordability, resilience, and stylish design. Yet, there are certain Toyota Camry years to avoid due to recall concerns or other potential inconveniences. Although many Camry models prove reliable, the following six years stand out for the highest volume of reported critical issues by owners: 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2018.
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
2002 Toyota Camry
The 2002 Toyota Camry has issues with its engine and transmission, with nearly 500 NHTSA owner complaints. One frequent issue is stripped head bolts, often needing machining or an engine replacement.
That said, a pre owned 2002 Toyota Camry can run for 200,000 to 300,000 miles with the right care and upkeep, as indicated by iSeeCars’ longevity research. Based on iSeeCars’ statistics, a used Camry could potentially last 223,249 miles, and the vehicles in the study were noted to be “still going strong.”
2007 Toyota Camry
The 2007 model is the top year to avoid for the Toyota Camry, as it has the most issues. A major complaint, per RepairPal, is trouble with the automatic transmission. The problem starts with the transmission lagging during acceleration (just like the Toyota C-HR Hybrid problems), which can overheat it and might require a sooner-than-expected replacement.
Additional concerns with the 2007 Camry involve a malfunctioning check engine light, erratic shifting, and issues with the power steering. While these complaints aren’t as prominent as those in other models, potential buyers should still be aware of them.
2008 Toyota Camry
The 2008 Toyota Camry, with over 258 NHTSA complaints about engine issues, is considered one of the model’s worst years. Similar to the 2007 version, the 2008 Camry experiences high oil consumption at approximately 107,350 miles. Additionally, Toyota transmission failure is a common problem with this model.
Additionally, the 2008 Camry has a higher annual repair cost compared to the previous model. The yearly repair expenses could be around $357. Nevertheless, it remains affordable, making the 2008 Camry cheaper than the average used sedan in its class.
2009 Toyota Camry
The 2009 Toyota Camry was known for its flawed exterior paint job. The 2007 model’s oil consumption problem persisted in the 2009 version.
Several owners also experienced complete engine failure, along with airbag issues and unexpected acceleration.
2011 Toyota Camry
The 2011 Toyota Camry boasts a tranquil experience, unlike its predecessors, with typical grievances limited to warped dashboards and sporadic door lock issues, which can be resolved with a replacement actuator.
Despite being among the models with numerous owner grievances, the 2011 Camry received a positive rating from CarComplaints. This underscores the reliability of Toyota vehicles. However, despite being reasonable at $388 per year on average for repairs, the 2011 model is more expensive to maintain compared to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Camry.
2018 Toyota Camry
The fresh 2018 Toyota Camry encountered numerous issues, as per NHTSA, tallying seven recalls and numerous grievances. Approximately 250,000 Camrys faced recall due to a problematic vacuum pump, potentially leading to abrupt braking assist failure if left unaddressed.
Concerns have arisen regarding recalls related to fuel leakage, impacting approximately 12,000 vehicles equipped with V6 engines. Additionally, there is a recall for 2.5L models. According to the NHTSA, the pistons in these inline-four Camrys may exceed the specified size, leading to engine stalling.
The Best Toyota Camry Years
While the Camry has faced challenges in recent years, not all versions have issues. When considering a pre-owned Toyota Camry, focus on the 2013-2017 models, which have received fewer complaints and boast strong reliability ratings.
2013 and 2014 Toyota Camry Models
From the seventh lineage, the Toyota Camry editions of 2013 and 2014 exhibit superior reliability compared to their predecessors. Complaints lodged with the NHTSA are scarce; just a tad over 250 for the 2013 model and 370 for its 2014 counterpart. These numbers pale in comparison to the Camry’s robust sales figures.
Furthermore, these vehicle editions boast a plethora of built-in amenities such as remote entry, automated speed control, a rearview camera, and an array of safety apparatus. Pre-owned automobiles carry a hefty price tag, with the 2013 Camry kicking off at approximately $11,000 and its 2014 counterpart commanding an extra $2,000.
2015, 2016, and 2017 Toyota Camry Models
The top-notch Camry editions would likely be those from 2015, 2016, and 2017. They excel in reliability and encounter notably fewer issues. Case in point, the 2015 Camry has a mere 200 complaints reported by the NHTSA, the 2016 model has 140, and the 2017 version hovers around 100 complaints. Once again, these are minimal numbers.
2021 Toyota Camry
The 2021 Camry made quite an entrance, emphasizing craftsmanship and design. Packed with longevity, surpassing 100,000 miles effortlessly. Enhanced durability and safety enhancements are driving its popularity, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to addressing key concerns.
Final Words
There you have it; the Toyota Camry years to avoid and some of the best models you can put your money on with peace of mind. Let us know if your Toyota Camry is acting weirdly lately.