Toyota Camry years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Toyota Camry years

We weight NHTSA complaint volume and recall severity first, then CarComplaints problem categories (transmission, engine, brakes), and Consumer Reports reliability direction where a year is covered. When federal data and owner databases agree — as they do for 2007 and 2018 — we treat those years as clear avoids.

The sixth-generation Camry (2007–2011) dominates historical complaint totals: 2007 alone logged 3,616 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls (2007 complaints API). The eighth-generation redesign (2018–2024) spiked again on 2018 (751 complaints, eight recalls). Complaint volume eases on 2022–2024 (63–65 complaints each as of October 2026). 2025 and 2026 ninth-generation cars are on sale but too new to judge for long-term reliability.

Every Toyota Camry model year ranked

The table below covers eighth-generation years (2018–2026) where most used shoppers focus today. Sixth-generation peaks (2007–2009) are summarized in the avoid section.

Most common Toyota Camry problems

These problem themes show up most often across Camry generations in NHTSA complaints and CarComplaints owner reports.

1. Automatic transmission failure (2007–2009, 2002)

Sixth-generation Camrys concentrate transmission complaints: 2007 shows 3,616 NHTSA complaints (2007 API), with CarComplaints listing early failure and harsh shifting as top categories. 2008 (1,178 complaints) and 2009 (1,412 complaints) inherited many of the same issues. Fifth-generation 2002 (1,043 complaints) remains a used-market landmine for automatic gearbox failures.

2. Brake system and ABS faults (2007–2008)

Owners report mushy pedals, ABS warning lights that stay on, and in severe cases loss of braking assist on 2007–2008 Camrys. These complaints appear thousands of times in the federal database alongside transmission reports for 2007. Treat any sixth-generation Camry without documented brake and ABS service history as a safety risk.

3. Excessive oil consumption (2006–2011 2.4L / 2.5L)

Toyota extended coverage on certain four-cylinder engines with piston-ring issues that burn oil between changes. CarComplaints severity scores peak on 2008 and 2009 engine categories. Check oil consumption history and smoke at startup on any 2.4L or 2.5L Camry from this era.

4. Eighth-generation launch recalls (2018–2020)

2018 logged 751 NHTSA complaints and eight recalls (2018 recalls API), including fuel-pump, electric power-steering, and occupant-classification airbag campaigns shared with other Toyota sedans of this era. 2019 (400 complaints, six recalls) and 2020 (275 complaints, three recalls) still carry overlap from those launch campaigns. Confirm every open recall is closed before you buy.

5. Starter and charging failures (multiple generations)

Dead batteries, failed starters, and alternator faults appear across generations in owner forums and NHTSA filings. They are rarely generation-defining alone, but they cluster on high-complaint years like 2007 when other systems are also failing.

6. A/C odor and compressor issues (2012–2014)

Musty A/C smells and compressor failures generated owner lawsuits and steady NHTSA filings on seventh-generation cars. 2012 remains on our avoid list partly for this pattern (2012 complaints).

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid

Clear avoid list: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2018. Add 2019 as a caution year unless launch recalls on the VIN are documented complete.

Sixth-generation peak (2007–2009)

2007 is the statistical worst Camry year in NHTSA data: 3,616 complaints and 10 recalls. Transmission, brake, and engine themes stack on the same model year. 2008 and 2009 remain far above class norms (1,178 and 1,412 complaints). There are cheaper sixth-generation Camrys on the market — price alone is not a good reason to accept this risk.

Eighth-generation launch (2018–2019)

The redesigned 2018 Camry launched with 751 complaints and eight recalls in NHTSA — the highest recent spike before counts fell on 2022–2024. If your budget targets an eighth-generation car, skip 2018 and strongly prefer 2022 or later unless the seller provides full recall paperwork and a clean independent inspection.

What are the best Toyota Camry years to buy

Top recent picks: 2022, 2023, and 2024 eighth-generation Camrys (63, 65, and 52 NHTSA complaints respectively, each with one or two recalls on file). 2020 is a reasonable buy if recalls are closed (275 complaints, three recalls).

Proven older picks: 2001, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2017 combine lower CarComplaints totals with manageable federal complaint counts relative to their sales volume.

2022–2024 Toyota Camry

These three years mark where eighth-generation complaint volume drops to the lowest levels in NHTSA as of October 2026, while keeping the same TNGA platform and powertrain choices. None are recall-free — always run the VIN — but they avoid the stacked launch-recall load that defines 2018–2019.

2013 and 2016–2017 Toyota Camry

Seventh-generation 2013 earned strong owner scores with roughly 400 NHTSA complaints — modest for Camry sales volume. 2016 (189 complaints, two recalls) and 2017 (148 complaints, three recalls) are solid lower-price alternatives if you do not need the newest tech.

2025–2026 ninth-generation Camry

Toyota sells a redesigned Camry starting with 2025. Treat 2025 and 2026 as too new to judge — not as proven reliability leaders. Early adopters should still run recall checks and expect teething issues to surface in federal data over the next few years.

Toyota Camry pre-purchase checklist

Before you buy any used Toyota Camry:

• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and save the printout.
• On 2018–2020 cars, confirm fuel-pump, electric power-steering, and passenger OCS airbag campaigns are closed.
• On 2007–2009 cars, budget for transmission and brake inspection — walk away from slipping shifts or a soft brake pedal.
• Check oil level and consumption records on 2006–2011 four-cylinder models.
• Test the A/C for odor and cooling performance on 2012–2014 seventh-generation cars.
• On 2025+ ninth-generation models, treat long-term reliability as unproven even if the test drive feels fine.

Better alternatives to consider

If Camry years in your budget land on the avoid list, cross-shop these midsize sedans with their own year-by-year guides:

• Honda Accord — similar resale and size; different weak years (2003, 2018)
• Mazda 6 years to avoid — sharper driving feel with a smaller used pool
• Hyundai Sonata years to avoid — often cheaper; verify model year against our Sonata guide
• Subaru Legacy years to avoid — standard AWD on many trims