Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota Camry

1 Toyota Camry Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Camry average of 77/100

The Toyota Camry years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 65/100. The best Toyota Camry year to buy is 2022 84/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Toyota Camry scores significantly below the model average of 77/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 65/100 due to power train (160) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 82/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Camry Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Camry average of 77/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201865/100Good8708Power Train (160)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Toyota Camry

The 2018 Toyota Camry has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 708 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Camry. Severity signals include 47 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (160), Service Brakes (91), Unknown Or Other (64).

8 recalls708 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (160), Service Brakes (91), Unknown Or Other (64), Steering (58), Electrical System (58), Engine (45)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Camry Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota Camry model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

291 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

189 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

174 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

162 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

150 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

108 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota Camry Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry has excellent reliability. There are 2 recalls and 144 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Camry. Severity signals include 20 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (78), Unknown Or Other (12), Power Train (8).

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)2 recalls144 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Toyota Camry Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota Camry Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Camry years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Toyota Camry years: 2018 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Toyota Camry average of 77/100.
What is the best year for the Toyota Camry?
The best year for the Toyota Camry is 2022, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 47 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota Camry have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota Camry has a total of 35 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota Camry worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 77/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota Camry problems?
The most common Toyota Camry problems are power train (291 complaints), air bags (189 complaints), service brakes (174 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota Camry reliable long-term?
The Toyota Camry has an average reliability score of 77/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota Camry generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Camry generation is the Eighth generation (XV70) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Camry?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Camry is $388 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2022 Toyota Camry a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Toyota Camry is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 47 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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