Here Are The Toyota Camry Years To Avoid
We've identified three Toyota Camry years to avoid. See which ones (and which Camry years you can count on) so you can make a smart preowned shopping decision.
Toyota is one of the most popular car brands around. Over the years, they’ve come out with some models that have changed the car game: the Toyota Camry. The Camry is one of the most popular Sedans and is renowned across the globe for its cost, durability, and sleek looks.
Still, there are Toyota Camry years to avoid, as they have had issues with recalls or other things that can cause a hassle. Below, we’ll look at the Camry over the years, noting which ones are worth it and which you should avoid at all costs.
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
From defects with the engine to recalls that resulted in massive headaches for both owners and makers, the Camry has seen some dark days. We’ve got the years that you should avoid and the reasons why coming up.
GET A CURATED LIST OF THE BEST TOYOTA CAMRY LISTINGS
The CoPilot app is the best way to find a Toyota Camry for sale. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll send you a curated list of the best used Toyota Camry listings in your area - no more scrolling through hundreds of listings looking for hidden gems.
2007 Toyota Camry
The 2007 model is on the top of the list for Toyota Camry years to avoid, simply because it has the most problems. One of the most significant complaints, according to RepairPal, is issues with the automatic transmission. The issue begins when the transmission starts to lag when trying to accelerate, which can heat it and may mean replacement sooner than drivers would like to see.
Other issues with the 2007 Camry include a faulty check engine light, missed shifting, and problems with the power steering. Though the complaints are not outstanding like other models, it’s still something that potential buyers should keep in mind.
2008 Toyota Camry
The 2008 Camry didn’t see much improvement, though the number of complaints was far fewer. Drivers noted similar transmission issues and noticed that the check engine light often caused problems. Some of the more prominent issues with the 2008 model came after the car reached 100,000 miles, where the ignition coil would start to fail.
2009 Toyota Camry
Though several issues were noted throughout the years, the 2009 model still had transmission and check engine light problems. Another small thing pointed out in the 2009 model was a buildup of sludge around the engine, coming directly from unchanged oil.
The Best Toyota Camry Years
While there are a few Camry years to avoid, there are also some that you should keep a close watch out for and buy when you can. Toyota has a reputation for durable vehicles, something that consumers love. Though they’ve slipped up here and there, some Camry years to look out for are:
2004 Toyota Camry
The 2004 Camry scored high regarding reliability, drivability, and even overall customer satisfaction. Though it’s a 2004 model, the Camry has a solid reputation and, if you find one with low miles, still has a lot of life left in it. Among those with more than 100,000 miles, things like the transmission may need replacing, but if it’s done, the car will last a few more years.
2013 -2015 Toyota Camry
As a part of the seventh generation, the 2013 – 2015 Camry seemed to have all the kinks worked out. According to many consumer reports, the car scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for reliability. In addition, it got praise for customer satisfaction and only had two recalls. The only issue noted is with the AC system, which started to blow hot air after 100,000 miles.
2021 Toyota Camry
The release of the 2021 Camry came with a bang, as the carmaker focused on build and style. The new 2021 line is filled with great potential, lasting way longer than 100,000 miles. The improved build quality and the increased safety features are two of the reasons this car is making waves, showing that the brand went back to the drawing board to tackle critical issues.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE TOYOTA CAMRY
With so many Camry generations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your used car options. Let’s investigate the most reliable years for the Toyota Camry so you can make the best decision on your purchasing journey.
Common Toyota Camry Issues
Overall, the Camry is a reliable car. There are not too many significant issues, especially those with fewer miles on them. Still, a few problems have been presented more than others, which include:
Excessive Oil Consumption
One of the significant issues spanned across the years is excessive oil consumption. In all reported cases, there hasn’t been a leak or anything else, meaning that it’s just the way the engine is built.
Transmission Issues
As you probably noted, one of the significant issues with the Toyota Camry is the transmission. It’s been known to slip out of gear, which could cause rough acceleration or deceleration. Also reported were random shifting and delayed engagement, which severely affected the performance.
AC and Heater Issues
Owners of 2012, 2013, and 2014 Camry models complained about a musty smell coming from the air conditioning vents. Most owners had to get their AC serviced to solve the issue. This issue became so prevalent that a class-action lawsuit was filed against Toyota, claiming that the Camry air conditioning systems were prone to mold growth.
In addition, Camry owners claimed that their vehicle’s AC compressor has stopped working or the heater has stopped blowing hot air. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix of simply replacing the component.
Malfunctioning Door Locks
Many reports indicated a common issue with the 2011 Camry; many reports suggested that the door locks malfunctioned at around 85,000 miles. Out of nowhere, the door would not lock or unlock, which is a huge safety issue. The most common fix is to replace the door lock actuator, which, fortunately, doesn’t cost much.
Apart from the faulty door locks, some owners have reported issues with the Camry’s interior parts and accessories. Some of the more noteworthy ones are melting dashboards and faulty sun visors. While annoying, these are easily fixed by replacing the parts.
Brakes
Last but not least, another issue noted throughout the years has been the braking system. In most cases, this was due to brakes that weren’t responding well, which led to collisions. Another instance where the braking system wasn’t working correctly was the brake light, which kept coming on randomly.
Though these are the common issues, those looking for a Toyota should note that they are reliable cars and, though these are issues, the number of cases is very low, especially when put up against their competitors.
AI-ASSISTED CAR SHOPPING
Never miss out on the best car, never overpay, and never get taken advantage of. Download the CoPilot app to see the magic of AI-assisted car shopping.
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid: Wrapping Up
When looking at pre-owned cars, it’s always a good idea to go for those with a solid reputation. The Camry definitely has that, though there are issues here and there that potential buyers should be aware of. It’s always a good idea to go with models with little to no incidents and go for those with less than 50,000 miles.
You don’t have to go at it alone when you have doubts. Here at CoPilot, we gather all of the best finds in your area and put them together in one easy-to-browse place. Our picks have low miles and don’t come with sponsorships so that you can get a fair and honest look at your potential next car.
Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
Q: Which Toyota Camry years should be on my avoid list?
A: You should avoid the Toyota Camry models from the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. These years have been identified as having various issues, from transmission problems to excessive oil consumption, which have led to significant owner complaints and repairs.
Q: Did the 2008 Toyota Camry improve over the previous year?
A: While the 2008 Toyota Camry saw a decrease in the number of complaints, it continued to experience similar transmission issues. Additional problems for this year’s model included a troublesome check engine light and ignition coil failures after reaching 100,000 miles.
Q: Which Toyota Camry models are considered the best regarding reliability and owner satisfaction?
A: Toyota Camry models from 2004, 2013, 2015, and 2021 are highly regarded for their reliability, drivability, and overall customer satisfaction. These models have fewer complaints and are known for their solid performance and longevity.
Q: What common issues should potential Toyota Camry buyers be aware of?
A: Potential buyers should be aware of issues such as excessive oil consumption across several model years, transmission problems leading to rough acceleration or deceleration, AC and heater issues, malfunctioning door locks, and complaints about the braking system, including non-responsive brakes and randomly illuminating brake lights.
Are Toyota Camrys typically reliable?
Ask anyone to name a few reliable cars, and chances are one of the models mentioned will be a Toyota Camry. This vehicle and the Corolla have helped propel Toyota to a dominating position in the auto industry. But no company is perfect, including Toyota. That means avoiding some Camry model years.
How much does a used Toyota Camry typically cost?
Today’s used car market is dynamic and priced higher than in pre-pandemic times. Finding a “cheap” Camry is getting harder and harder. For example, CoPilot Price Pulse reports that the average asking price for a 2010 Toyota Camry is $10,142, a whopping 51% higher than it would sell for in normal conditions. A 2020 Camry goes for $26,340, a 29% market premium.
Is the Toyota Camry a good car to purchase?
The Toyota Camry should be on anyone’s list who’s searching for a dependable car that’s reasonable to buy and repair. Although Camrys have been sold for over 40 years, you don’t want one that old. Look for examples within the past two-and-a-half decades, then focus on the most reliable years of the Toyota Camry.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
