Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Toyota Camry Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Toyota Camry scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 708 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 is the first model year of the Eighth generation (XV70).
Recalls
8
Complaints
708
Complaint Rate
20.6
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$388
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
8 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Eighth generation (XV70).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- 8th generation Camry (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
Eighth generation (XV70)
Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota Camry?
The 2018 Toyota Camry scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 708 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (160). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Toyota Camry, which scored 5 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $138 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN: Frequent issues with the 2018 Toyota Camry's 8-speed automatic transmission,... (160 complaints)
- SERVICE BRAKES: Brake vacuum pump (128 complaints)
Compare 2018 Toyota Camry With
2018 Hyundai Sonata
Score: 61/100
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 62/100
2018 Honda Accord
Score: 63/100
2018 Nissan Altima
Score: 76/100
2018 Tesla Model 3
Score: 46/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (160)
- SERVICE BRAKES (128)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (64)
- STEERING (58)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58)
- ENGINE (45)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (33)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (30)
- FUEL SYSTEM (28)
- AIR BAGS (18)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (17)
- WHEELS (13)
- STRUCTURE (9)
- SUSPENSION (9)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8)
- TIRES (6)
- SEAT BELTS (6)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (6)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- CHILD SEAT (1)
- EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SEATS (1)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2018 Toyota Camry has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
20.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 25.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
47
Fires
4
Injuries
45
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Toyota Camry Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Camry. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Camry vehicles. The vane cap inside the vacuum pump may break, causing the pump to fail, which could result in a sudden loss of braking assist.
Consequence
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace the vacuum pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
2018 Toyota Camry NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Camry Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$388
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Toyota Camry
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for shuddering or hesitation during acceleration
- Inspect brake system for 'Low Braking Power' warning and vacuum pump function
- Check steering for stiffness or difficulty returning to center
- Verify electric water pump operation and check for overheating signs
- Inspect tires for sidewall bubbles or unusual wear
- Ensure all recall repairs have been completed, especially for fuel pump and brake issues
Check Any 2018 Toyota Camry's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Camry in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Camry with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Toyota Camry Common Problems by Component
708 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
160 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Toyota Camry's 8-speed automatic transmission, particularly the UB80E model. Common symptoms include shuddering at stop signs, hesitation or lag in acceleration, harsh shifting, and complete loss of power while driving, sometimes without warning. These problems often occur between 56,000 and 132,000 miles, with some reports of transmission failure requiring costly replacements. Safety implications are significant, with instances of loss of control in traffic, two crashes, and one injury reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues and the associated repair costs.
SERVICE BRAKES
128 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the brake vacuum pump. Complaints often describe symptoms such as a soft or unresponsive brake pedal, a "Low Braking Power" warning message, and in some cases, complete brake failure. These issues have been reported at various mileages, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 40,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, with 14 complaints involving crashes and five reporting injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring brake issues and verify whether any recall repairs have been completed on a prospective purchase.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
64 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to the transmission and unintended acceleration. Complaints often describe scenarios where the vehicle suddenly loses power, fails to accelerate, or unexpectedly accelerates, sometimes leading to crashes. Transmission problems are noted at around 130,000 miles, with symptoms like the inability to move forward or reverse without warning. Several reports involve the trunk lid opening rapidly, posing a risk of injury or potential damage to the rear window. Safety implications are significant, with some incidents involving crashes, fires, and injuries, indicating potential risks for used car buyers.
STEERING (58 complaints)
STEERING
58 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the power steering system, describing symptoms such as stiff steering, difficulty turning, and the steering wheel locking or becoming unresponsive. These problems often occur without warning lights, though some mention an electric power steering warning appearing intermittently. Complaints suggest these issues can begin around 42,000 to 110,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, including one involving a fire and another resulting in multiple injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering-related concerns and verify if any recalls or repairs have been addressed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (58 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
58 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical issues with the 2018 Toyota Camry, including malfunctioning door locks and remote key fobs, as well as problems with lighting systems such as tail lights and license plate lights failing simultaneously. Complaints frequently mention instrument panel malfunctions, affecting visibility of critical information like speed and warning lights. Multiple owners describe persistent battery and power steering issues, sometimes resulting in sudden loss of power steering. Safety concerns are evident, with two complaints involving crashes and one reporting a fire. These issues often appear around 50,000 to 90,000 miles, and buyers should be aware of potential repair costs and safety risks due to these electrical failures.
ENGINE (45 complaints)
ENGINE
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to engine stalling and overheating, often linked to electric water pump failures and coolant intrusion. Typical symptoms include sudden loss of power, check engine lights, and overheating warnings, with some reports of engine and transmission damage necessitating replacement. These issues commonly occur across a range of mileages, but several complaints mention occurrences around 38,000 to 75,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with two reports involving crashes due to unintended acceleration and loss of control. For potential buyers, awareness of these patterns, especially concerning the water pump and potential engine stalling, is advisable when considering a used 2018 Camry.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (33 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving delayed acceleration and unintended braking. Complaints often describe a noticeable lag or hesitation when accelerating, particularly from a stop or when merging onto highways, with some reports indicating delays of up to 3-5 seconds. Additionally, the pre-collision system is mentioned as activating unexpectedly, causing sudden braking even without obstructions, which has reportedly led to two crashes. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. The safety implications include potential rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking and increased risk during merging or crossing busy intersections due to acceleration delays.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (30 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
30 complaintsOwners report persistent issues with the 2018 Toyota Camry's fuel propulsion system, primarily involving fuel pump failures and fuel leakage. Complaints frequently mention difficulties such as stalling, loss of power while driving, and the engine shutting down unexpectedly. Symptoms often include the check engine light turning on, fuel odors, and visible fuel leaks, especially in hot weather. Many owners note these problems occur both before and after recall repairs, with some issues appearing shortly after vehicle purchase or around specific mileage points like 30,000 miles. Safety implications include increased risk of stalling in traffic and potential fire hazards due to fuel leaks, which used car buyers should consider.
FUEL SYSTEM (28 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
28 complaintsOwners report that the 2018 Toyota Camry frequently experiences issues related to fuel pump failures, both low and high pressure, which can lead to stalling or loss of power while driving. Common symptoms include the vehicle hesitating, decelerating unexpectedly, and warning lights illuminating. These issues are often noted at mileages ranging from approximately 46,000 to 123,000 miles. Several complaints mention safety implications such as sudden loss of braking functionality and independent acceleration, although no crashes or fires are reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially given the delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts.
AIR BAGS (18 complaints)
AIR BAGS
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the airbag systems in the 2018 Toyota Camry, particularly involving non-deployment during crashes. Complaints often describe scenarios where airbags fail to deploy in high-impact collisions, resulting in injuries such as concussions and burns. Several reports indicate that airbag warning lights illuminate intermittently, with some owners noting electrical shorts as a possible cause. These issues typically arise at various mileages, with some vehicles having over 130,000 miles and others much lower. Safety implications are significant, with 14 out of 18 complaints involving crashes and a total of 18 injuries reported, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.
When Do 2018 Toyota Camry Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Camry Years
Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy
The best Toyota Camry year is 2022 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (83/100) and 2021 (82/100).
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Camry year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to power train (160) issues.
2018(this page)
8 recalls · 708 complaints
Toyota Camry Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Camry reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 81/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Toyota Camry Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 79/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 76/100 | -7 | Good | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 | 83/100 | +4 | Excellent | 2 | 35 |
| 2023 | 79/100 | -5 | Good | 4 | 47 |
| 2022 | 84/100 | +2 | Excellent | 2 | 47 |
| 2021 | 82/100 | +7 | Excellent | 2 | 144 |
| 2020 | 75/100 | +5 | Good | 5 | 253 |
| 2019 | 70/100 | +5 | Good | 8 | 364 |
| 2018(selected) | 65/100 | — | Good | 8 | 708 |
2018 Toyota Camry Reliability by Powertrain
The 2018 Toyota Camry is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 680 | 8 | 49 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 28 | 0 | 2 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 708 | 8 | 51 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Camry reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Camry?
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Camry have?
Is the 2018 Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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