Toyota’s Camry has been a best seller since 2002. Is the car’s reputation for reliability and value justified? We find out.
The Camry name is an evolution of Toyota’s long-running Crown nameplate. It is derived from the Japanese word for crown, kanmuri. Camrys have transverse engines and front-wheel drive, with four- or six-cylinder engines. Most are four-door, although two-door coupes were available until 2008.
In four decades of production, the Camry has been through eight different major redesigns. This review will focus on the sixth, seventh and eighth generations since these are the ones buyers are most likely to be considering.
Many earlier cars survived, especially in places where the roads are not salted in winters. These cars — many with more than 200,000 miles — often have much more life in them, a testament to Toyota’s remarkable build quality and the reason for their reputation for reliability.
Choosing between these $2000-$5000 cars is about judging the condition and the owner of that particular car. Many Camrys can be an extremely good value if they have been carefully looked after.
By looking closely at reviews, recalls, and by listening to experienced mechanics, this article will compare the sixth- through eighth-generation Camrys and their engines, transmissions, and trim levels.
Surprisingly, some combinations have not enjoyed anything like the reliability many people associate with Toyota, and this article will help you avoid these few models and years. Camrys may not be the most exciting cars on the road, but they certainly are long-lived.
The Camry is a midsized sedan, sitting in a niche once occupied by defunct domestic brands such as Pontiac or Mercury, leading not on low price, but on actual value: Camrys do everything well, have the latest and greatest equipment yet are available at a mid-price point.
The perennial rival to the Camry is the Honda Accord. Accords tend to have sharper driving dynamics than Camrys. The Hyundai Sonata, the Toyota Solara, the Toyota Avalon, and the Lexus 300ES are also similar to the Camry.
The Solara is a two-door Camry produced between 1998 and 2008, while the Avalon is a Camry with a slightly longer wheelbase, so offers back seat passengers more comfort. The 300ES might have a Lexus badge, but has Camry underpinnings, and can be thought of as a high trim Camry.
As America’s best selling car for almost twenty years, there are many Camrys to choose from when shopping for used examples. Even with older cars, patient buyers can pick the color, trim level, and engine option almost as easily as if they were shopping for a new car. Manual transmission Camrys have always been rare and were discontinued in 2011.
A range of four- five-, six- and eight-speed automatics were offered over the last fifteen years, and amongst these, there is one particular transmission to avoid: the eight-speed used from 2017 to the present.
Toyota Camry Sixth Generation (2007-2010)
The sixth-generation Camry was known internally at Toyota as the XV40. It was launched at the Detroit Motor Show in early 2006 and was on sale by the spring as a 2007 model year vehicle.
As was typical across the car and truck market at this time, Toyota differentiated Camrys destined for the U.S. market from those sold internationally: U.S. market versions were larger and better equipped.
The sixth generation was powered by the same engines as the fifth generation. The 3.5-liter V6 2GR-FE came with a new six-speed automatic and produced 268 hp. The four-cylinder was available with a five-speed manual and automatic transmissions. This 2.4-liter produced 158 hp and is called the 2AZ-FE.
These AZ motors have become notorious for burning oil due to faulty piston rings. There was a class-action suit, and Toyota increased the warranty on Camrys with the AZ motor, however that has most likely expired by now. The problem usually occurs as the Camry approaches 100,000 miles.
In itself, burning oil is not a big problem, however, if the oil level is not regularly topped up the lack of oil leads to damage to the engine.
Auto influencer Scotty Kilmer, a well-known YouTube mechanic and Toyota owner, warns of this issue in several of his videos, including one on four cars that will last 3000,000 miles or more. His family has a 2007 Camry daily driver which has this issue. It had 149,000 miles at the time of filming, showing how simply checking and topping up the oil is enough to keep Camrys going despite the piston ring issue.
A hybrid model was available from the launch of the sixth-generation Camry. It uses the second generation of Toyota’s hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 188 hp.
Sixth-generation Camrys were subject to several recalls. Model year 2007 and 2009 Camrys each had ten recalls, while 2012s and 2013s experienced only two. Some of these issues were quite trivial.
One was a problem with the air conditioning, and the other was a fault with some wiper motors. Judging by recalls, it would be worthwhile seeking out these later sixth-gen Camrys.
Many Toyotas of this era had recalls around incorrect labeling of load-carrying capacity and tire pressures. Basically, some of the stickers on the door jamb had the wrong information on them, and following this advice could lead to a crash due to being overloaded and/or having the wrong tire pressure.
The solution here is to use official documentation, from Toyota or the wheel/tire maker to work out exactly what the correct tire pressure and load ratings are for your Camry.
Some Toyota dealers offered aftermarket heated and cooled seats which later caused problems and recalls. Everyday use could cause a short circuit and hence a fire, leading to Camrys with these seats to be recalled and repaired.
According to Kelley Blue Book, this affected model year 2006 to 2011 Camrys.
Many of us remember the controversy a few years ago over crashes following “unintended acceleration” incidents in Toyota vehicles, as reported by Car and Driver.
Model years 2004-2010 Camrys were subject to recalls around this. Under some circumstances, it was somehow possible for the accelerator pedal to become stuck in the wide-open position.
The fix was for dealers to fit a reinforcement bar to the accelerator pedal, ensuring it could still move up and down smoothly.
Another recall coming out of the unintended acceleration controversy was the floor mat could become loose, and ride up on top of the accelerator pedal, pushing it down. When drivers tried to hit the brakes, the mat would be pushed down harder on the accelerator. By fitting different mats, the recall ensured the floor mat could not move onto the accelerator in this way.
Camrys were also subject to some recalls around airbags. If you are in the market for a Camry it is a good idea to research the individual recalls to which your year, model, and trim Camry was subject. For example, some of the airbags in 2007 models do not fill up properly with air if they deploy, making this less effective than they should be in a crash.
Model year 2007 to 2009 Camrys also have a recall for the power window master switch assembly. Incorrect lubrication of the switch could cause overheating, leading to a risk of fire. The fix is to inspect and replace any defective switches.
Generally speaking, sixth-generation Camrys are very reliable cars, however, there are a few other age and mileage-related issues for potential Camry buyers to be aware of. In higher mileage Camrys transmissions can wear out.
The usual symptom of this is the transmission slipping between third and fourth gears. A test drive with a run-down a freeway on-ramp should reveal this issue. Other known mechanical issues include failing water pumps and leaky power steering. Finally, interior plastics leave something to be desired in terms of quality, becoming sticky and cracking with age.
For the 2010 model year, the Camry was given a new fascia and taillight treatment. More importantly, the new 2.5-liter 2AR-FE inline four-cylinder engine replaced the oil-burning “AZ”. This 2.5-liter made 169 hp in the base, LE, XLE trims, and 179 hp in the SE. A six-speed manual was available, and a new six-speed automatic.
Model year 2010 Camrys got power locks, stability control, and traction control as standard.
Toyota Camry Seventh Generation (2011–2017)
The XV50 Camry went on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2011. The styling was derived from the XV40 model, but it was more angular, with a more aggressive snout and higher tail.
Commenting on the “claw-like” taillights, Motor Week pointed out that higher trim Camrys ramped up this visual language to attract younger customers.
The new Camry delivered improved gas mileage because it was lighter, and used new, low rolling-resistance tires. Three powertrains were offered, the 2.5-liter inline-four, the 3.5-liter V6, and the Hybrid, which also uses a 2.5-liter inline-four, but now rated at 200 hp, driving through a continually variable (CVT) transmission.
Not all Camry’s competitors still offered V6 engines. Manual transmissions were discontinued, and electro-hydraulic power steering was introduced across the range. Trim levels included the L, LE, SE, XLE, SE V6, XLE V6, Hybrid LE, and a Hybrid XLE.
To differentiate higher trim options, and to compete against premium European sedans, the SE models had a paddle-shifted transmission and stiffened suspension for better handling. Motor Week commented on the larger cabin and the improved quality and design of the interior. A backup camera became an available option for the first time.
The new car represented a significant improvement in terms of the numbers of recalls. From ten recalls in 2009 and nine in 2010, Camry improved to five in 2011, two in 2012, and 2013, and only one in 2015. Model year 2014 Camrys had three, including one for a leak in a fuel line and the chance of a fire. If you have a choice, perhaps 2014 is a year to avoid.
For Scotty Kilmer, this era of Camry is “the best used car you can buy” because it has the later 2AR-FE engine, which does not have the defective piston rings and oil consumption issues of the previous model, but it does not have the eight-speed transmission which caused many reliability issues in 2017 and later Camrys. He also likes how well designed it is under the hood, making it easy to change parts like the air filter and alternator.
Reliable as they are, seventh-generation Camrys do have some problems. The auto repair YouTube channel 1A Auto highlights an issue with the camshaft position sensor. Toyota has even acknowledged this issue in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), but did not issue a recall around the problem. The symptoms are a rattle at the front of the engine and in some cases a Check Engine Light.
In their YouTube video on 2011-2019 Camry problems, 1A Auto comments that frequent quality oil changes eliminate this problem. The pressure switch on the air conditioning can also stop working, and fixing it is difficult because the parts are hard to reach.
Other issues with ancillary parts are bad water pumps and injector or coil failures. One strange issue is that a fuse often blows if the Camry needs a jump start, giving a P2118 code.
Seventh generation Camrys had very few recalls, both in comparison to other Camrys, and in comparison to other vehicles. Model year 2012s have two recalls, one for a badly calibrated airbag sensor, which might not deploy when needed, and affects model years from 2009, and another around corrosion and a possible short circuit in the airbag preventing deployment. This affects 2012 and 2013s. Model year 2013s are also affected by a recall around a short circuit which stops the wiper motor from operating.
Model year 2014s also suffer from the wiper motor issues, mentioned above, and two more serious problems. Some 2014s have an issue with part of the suspension coming apart, and some have an underhood fuel line which can leak, and cause a fire. Due to these last two issues, and the fact that only 2014s have these issues, this is perhaps a year to avoid.
There is only one recall on 2015 Camrys, to do with a fault in the manufacturing process of the power steering system. The power steering can fail, making the car hard to control, and two on 2016s, the incorrect tire and load labeling issues mentioned above, and an airbag sensor issue.
Toyota Camry Eighth Generation (2017-Date)
The eighth-generation Camry was launched in 2017 and was known internally at Toyota as the XV70. The base engine remained a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder now making 203 hp and 208 hp with the optional four branch exhaust.
The hybrid uses the same 2.5-liter engine and makes 208 hp. Motor Week commented that it felt slow, but were impressed by the 41 miles per gallon they recorded on the highway. The hybrid achieved a combined cycle of 52mpg. The 3.5-liter V6 was retained, making 301 hp.
The new model is very distinctively a Camry, retaining much of the design language of the seventh generation while making the shape fresher and sharper. Given the family resemblance, it is surprising that the only major part carried over are the Toyota badges in the grille and trunk. Lower trim models such as the L and LE resemble older Camrys, while higher trim ones have Lexus-like fascias.
In addition to Accord and Sonata, the new wave of cross-over vehicles threatens Camry’s market share. To compete, the Camry drives better than ever before, with a lower center of gravity than previous generations and fully independent rear suspension.
In 2020 Toyota capitalized upon the Camry’s success in NASCAR racing, by launching a TRD (Toyota Racing Developments) special. This Camry had the standard 301 hp V6, but wider 19-inch wheels, firmer shocks, a lower stance, and underbody bracing. Its electronics suite includes Active Cornering Assist, and the package was reported to be the best handling Camry ever.
Looking at recalls and reliability, the 2017 Camry had a new eight-speed transmission which has experienced issues, and has led to a class-action lawsuit for owners of Toyota Highlanders and Siennas with this transmission. Camry drivers have reported similar symptoms of jerky, lurching operation in Camrys.
Although Toyota has not issued a recall, this does seem to be a serious issue affecting recent Camrys, and something to consider if you are thinking of buying a late-model Camry, especially one with higher miles.
Model year 2017 Camrys experienced three recalls, but for fairly trivial things: the incorrect tire and load labels, a knee airbag which was not fitted properly, and incorrect pressure in the spare tire.
Model year 2018 Camrys have had six recalls. One is to replace fuel pumps which can fail prematurely, and this issue affects 2019s and 2020s too. Some 2018 V6s also had problems with leaking fuel lines and an incorrectly manufactured brake booster, which can affect the performance of the brakes. Some four-cylinder 2018s have had over-sized pistons being fitted, and the recall inspects the Camry to ensure it is not affected. If it is, the fix is to replace the pistons.
Model year 2019 Camrys have had five recalls, to do with labeling, airbag sensors, and fuel delivery. Model year 2020s have one very worrying recall. Some engine blocks were not cast correctly, leading to coolant leaks and causing the engine to overheat and damage itself.
Is the Toyota Camry a Reliable Car?
Camrys are amongst the most solid, reliable cars you can buy, combining space for family and friends with good gas mileage and strong resale values. Camrys can easily last twenty or thirty years, covering more than a quarter of a million miles.
Choosing a good early Camry is about carefully judging the owner and care that particular car has received. A thorough service history adds value. A well-looked after twenty-year-old 200,000 mile Camry still has plenty of life left in it if it has been properly maintained.
Looking at eighth-generation models, the issues with the eight-speed transmission, and the recall around the wrong size pistons means that unless the features and design of the eighth generation are very important to you, a seventh-generation 2016 or 2015 might offer more reliability.
Model year 2014 did experience more recalls than other seventh-generation Camrys, and this might be a good reason to look at other years. Model year 2015s received only one recall, while model years 2012, 2015, and 2016 received only two, making these years of Camry particularly attractive.
With a few more recalls each year, and more miles and years under their wheels, sixth-generation Camrys still represent an excellent second-hand buy, especially since they are not worth as much as the later seventh-generation cars.
Photos: Toyota
