The Toyota Camry has an excellent reputation for reliability, but some years have shown to be quite the opposite, with recalls aplenty. But most model years have done very well, scoring excellent reliability ratings while offering more standard features, from power driver seats to 10 airbags.
Key Points
- Toyota Camry’s worst model years have several reliability concerns and multiple safety recalls. It’s best to avoid 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2018 if you’re shopping for a used Camry.
- Problems with airbag malfunctions and excessive oil consumption are not uncommon. Reports of the dashboard melting and fuel leaks are also available.
- With minimal complaints, years 2013-2017 are among the Toyota Camry’s best models. Reliability ratings are excellent, and they come loaded with features including keyless entry, cruise control, and advanced driver assistance tech.
- Although certain model years have shown to be problematic, there’s no denying the Toyota Camry’s market dominance. It remains one of the best-selling cars in the United States, averaging over 350,000 units every year.
2007-2011 are Among Toyota Camry’s Worst Years, with Multiple Safety Recalls and Several Reliability Concerns
When it comes to reliability, the Camry is among the best. However, some years have shown to be slightly less dependable.
Those years include 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2018. If you’re shopping for a used Toyota Camry, perhaps it’s best to avoid these models. The NHTSA has multiple safety recalls and far too many complaints on record.
2007 Toyota Camry Registers Over 3,500 Complaints Over Problems that Include Melting Dashboards and Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2007 Toyota Camry has 11 recalls and over 3,500 complaints, the most ever for a Toyota Camry. The majority of the issues are regarding excessive oil consumption. Per the NHTSA, several owners have experienced oil burning issues, having to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.
Additionally, the 2007 Toyota Camry has dashboard material that tends to melt when exposed to hot temperatures.
There are a few safety risks too. Airbag malfunction have caused several injuries, while a potential fire risk led to Toyota issuing multiple recalls.
2009, 2010, and 2011 Toyota Camry Owners Report Unintended Acceleration, Total Engine Failure, and Airbag Malfunctions
The 2009 Toyota Camry reportedly suffered from a defective exterior paint job. And the 2007 model’s oil burning issues carried over to 2009.
A decent number of owners reported total engine failure, too, on top of airbag malfunctions and unintended acceleration.
As for the 2010 model, there are nine recalls and nearly 600 complaints on record. The car’s first two recalls were for a stuck accelerator pedal.
Another set of recalls dealt with an electrical short in the seat heater, causing a fire risk. Other problems include oil consumption, brake fluid leaks, and airbags not deploying.
The 2011 Toyota Camry carried over a lot of the issues from previous years. Per the NHTSA, there are over 500 complaints and five safety recalls on file. Unintended acceleration is not uncommon, as are oil burning issues, melting dashboards, and airbag failures.
2018’s Facelifted Camry Comes with Fuel Leaks and Possible Brake Failure, Multiple Recalls Issued
The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry came with its fair share of problems, with the NHTSA reporting seven recalls and hundreds of complaints. Nearly a quarter of a million Camrys were recalled for a faulty vacuum pump. Which, if not repaired, can result in a sudden loss of braking assist.
Other worrying recalls address fuel leaks, potentially affecting nearly 12,000 V6-equipped units. The 2.5L models get a recall as well. Per the NHTSA, pistons in these inline-four Camrys may be larger than specified, causing the engine to stall.
Best Years for the Camry are 2014 and 2016 for their Exceptional Reliability Ratings and Great Amenities
Although the Camry had a few rough years, that’s not to say all models are problematic. If you’re in the market for a used Toyota Camry, look for years 2013-2017. These models have fewer complaints and scored excellent reliability ratings.
2013 and 2014 Toyota Camrys have Very Few Complaints, are More Reliable Than Predecessors
Belonging to the seventh generation, the 2013 and 2014 Toyota Camry have shown to be more reliable than its predecessors. Per J.D Power, the 2013 model scores 84 in reliability, while 2014 gets an overall rating of 89, with a reliability score of 92.
On top of that, the NHTSA reports very few complaints against these models. 2013 gets a little over 250 complaints, while the 2014 Camry has 370. That’s nothing when you compare it to the Camry’s sales figures.
Additionally, these model years come with a lot standard features. These include keyless entry, cruise control, a backup camera, and a host of safety equipment. Used cars are expensive, with the 2013 Camry starting around $11,000 and the 2014 model demanding $2,000 more.
Model Years 2015, 2016, and 2017 Offer More Amenities, Score Excellent Reliability Ratings
Perhaps the best Camry models are 2015, 2016, and 2017. Not only do they offer great reliability, but they also prove to be far less problematic. For instance, the NHTSA has just 200 complaints against the 2015 Camry, while the 2016 model has 140, and 2017 gets around 100 complaints. Again, negligible figures.
As for reliability ratings, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Camry scores 90, 89, and 86, respectively. In terms of features, the 2015 model gets powered driver seats, climate control, heated mirrors, and ten airbags. 2016 and 2017 models come with pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. The 2015 Camry starts from $16,000, while later models get a noticeable price premium.
Despite 2007-2011 Models’ Oil Consumption and Airbag Problems, the Camry is Still One of the Best-selling Cars in the World
Toyota churns several hundred thousand Camrys every year, and frankly, we’re not surprised. It’s dependable and offers more value per dollar than many of its competitors.
Despite the problems affecting certain model years, most owners are happy and find the Camry to be a safe and reliable commuter.
If you’re shopping for a used example, look out for the years mentioned above. Also, have a mechanic check the car to make sure it’s in good shape.
Photos: Toyota
