Toyota Camry Reliability by Year: Years to Avoid, Common Problems & Costs

Toyota Camry reliability is among the best of any midsize sedan, and a well-maintained Camry often passes 200,000 miles. The Camry years to avoid are 2007-2011 (heavy oil burning on the 2.4L four-cylinder), 2012-2015 (lingering oil use and 6-speed transmission hesitation) and 2018-2019 (early 8-speed transmission and infotainment problems). The best used Camry years are 2020-2022, and 2023 and newer models look good so far.

Reliable does not mean cheap to fix. Below are the known problems for each generation, what they cost to repair, and what to check before you buy or keep one.

Toyota Camry Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

Use this table as a quick guide. A car with full service records and a clean inspection can still be a good buy in a weaker year, and a neglected car can be a bad buy in a good one.

The details for each generation follow below.

2007-2011 Camry Problems: Oil Burning and Cracked Dashboards

The 2007-2011 Camry is the oil-burning generation. The problem sits in the 2AZ-FE 2.4L four-cylinder engine.

Oil Consumption on the 2.4L Four-Cylinder

Many owners had to add oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles instead of every 5,000, and some burned a quart every 500 miles. That is a design flaw, not normal wear, and it affected thousands of 2AZ-FE engines.

The root cause? Ring land erosion and piston ring issues allowed oil to slip past the combustion chamber and get burned off. Toyota didn't fully acknowledge this widespread problem until years into the engine's production run. By then, many owners were out of warranty and facing repair bills they shouldn't have had to pay.

Toyota eventually issued TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins), but many owners had to fight for warranty coverage or expensive engine rebuilds. Some took their cases to small claims court or pursued class-action alternatives. The "fix" that Toyota offered often involved oil analysis, extended intervals on oil changes, or at worst, a complete engine replacement.

If your 2007-2011 Camry is hitting 100,000+ miles, expect this issue to worsen or persist. Some owners discovered the problem early and used it as leverage to get Toyota to cover an engine rebuild. Others limped along, keeping oil bottles in their trunk and checking every few hundred miles. Either way, if you're buying one of these used, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically includes a borescope inspection of the cylinder walls and piston condition.

Cracked Dashboards

Here's another annoyance: the dashboard on these models is famously prone to cracking, especially if you park in the sun. It's cosmetic, sure, but replacing that dashboard runs $800 to $1,200. Not fun.

Typical repair range for this generation: $500 to $3,000 or more, mostly for oil consumption diagnosis and repair or a dashboard replacement.

2012-2017 Camry Problems: Oil Use, Transmission Hesitation and Water Pumps

The 2012-2017 Camry fixed some of the old problems and added new ones. Its 2.5L four-cylinder was meant to end the oil burning, but only partly did.

Oil Burning on 2012-2015 Models

2012-2015 models still burn more oil than they should, though less than the 2007-2011 cars. If you are looking at a 2012-2015 Camry with 80,000 miles or more, get a pre-purchase inspection and ask for its oil consumption history.

6-Speed Automatic Hesitation

The 6-speed automatic in these years developed a frustrating hesitation or delay when accelerating, especially from a stop or during merging. Some describe it as a "shudder." Owners reported needing transmission fluid flushes, software updates, or in worst-case scenarios, transmission replacement. Repair costs ranged from $150 (fluid service) to $3,500+ (transmission replacement).

Water Pump Failures (2012-2016)

2012-2016 models saw premature water pump failures around 80,000 to 120,000 miles. A water pump replacement runs $400 to $800 and is a job you can't ignore.

Typical repair range for this generation: from about $150 for a transmission fluid service to $3,500 or more for a transmission replacement.

2018-2022 Camry Problems: 8-Speed Transmission, Infotainment and Hybrid Battery

The 2018-2022 Camry brought a new 8-speed automatic and a new touchscreen system. Both had early problems, mostly on 2018-2019 cars.

8-Speed Transmission Issues

The new transmission has experienced shifting delays, hard shifts, and occasional complete limp-mode failures. This isn't your dad's "bang into gear" Camry transmission. It's a more complex system designed to improve fuel economy. Unfortunately, complexity sometimes means more things can go wrong.

Common complaints include jerky downshifts, hesitation when merging on the highway, and in some cases, the transmission dropping into limp mode (limiting you to a single gear). The issue appears to be a combination of torque converter problems, electronic control module glitches, and in some cases, internal transmission wear. Some owners reported the problem at 30,000 miles; others didn't see it until 80,000+.

Toyota released multiple software updates to address the issue, and early reports suggest the updates help, but they don't eliminate the problem entirely for everyone. Some owners reported that their transmission issues resolved after an update; others say the problems persist. The transmission also struggles a bit in stop-and-go traffic, which is ironic for a car marketed as a comfortable daily commuter.

Transmission replacement can cost $3,500 to $4,500 if you're out of warranty. A transmission fluid flush and software update runs $300 to $500 and should be the first line of defense. If you own a 2018-2019 Camry with this transmission and you're approaching 80,000 miles, get a pre-purchase inspection of the transmission's condition or, if you already own one, track your warranty and transmission service history closely.

Infotainment Bugs

The touchscreen system has been criticized for lag, freezing, and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most fixes require software updates or full unit replacement ($1,200 to $2,000).

Hybrid Battery Wear (2018-2022 Camry Hybrid)

If you own a 2018-2022 Camry Hybrid, plan for the battery to lose efficiency from around 100,000 miles. Fuel economy can drop by 5 to 10 MPG, and some owners have needed a new pack as early as 90,000 miles, especially in hot climates or with mostly short trips.

A new OEM battery from a Toyota dealer costs $2,500 to $4,500. A remanufactured pack costs $1,500 to $2,500, but often comes with a shorter warranty, and some owners report compatibility problems.

Check the battery warranty before you buy. Toyota covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles on 2020 and newer models, but only 8 years or 100,000 miles on 2018-2019 models, so a 2019 battery that fails at 105,000 miles is not covered. For the other parts that wear out at this point, see what happens to your car at 100,000 miles.

Engine Mount Wear

Some owners reported worn or failing engine mounts as early as 80,000 miles, causing vibration and a clunky feeling during acceleration. Engine mount replacement: $200 to $500.

Typical repair range for this generation: from about $150 for a software or minor fix to $4,500 or more for a transmission or hybrid battery.

2023-2026 Camry Reliability: Early Reports

It's still early, but the newest generation (2023+) is showing some interesting trends worth monitoring:

• Infotainment glitches continue to plague the system, though Toyota appears to be getting better at releasing fixes over-the-air.
• Hybrid battery performance remains a question mark for newer hybrid models.

It is too early to judge long-term reliability, but early reports suggest these cars are more refined than the 2018-2022 models. If you buy one, keep every service record and have software updates done at each dealer visit.

Toyota Camry Repair Costs by Problem

Here is what the most common Camry problems cost to fix outside the factory warranty.

Low end: the first fix, such as a software update, a fluid service or a remanufactured part. High end: a full replacement at a dealer.

Protect this repair. Every CoverageX plan covers the transmission, and Signature and higher plans add electrical systems. If your Camry is out of factory warranty and has no existing problems, get a quote or call Sales 24/7 at 1-800-258-3413.

Is the Toyota Camry Expensive to Maintain?

Not for routine care. Toyota builds solid cars, and most Camrys reach 200,000 miles. Routine maintenance on a 2015-2018 Camry runs about $400 to $600 a year, plus about $800 to $1,200 for minor repairs.

The risk is the big, unplanned bill. A transmission problem at 90,000 miles or a hybrid battery replacement at 100,000 miles costs thousands, and many owners do not budget for it. Honda owners face the same high-mileage repairs, as our Toyota vs Honda reliability comparison shows.

Real Cost Example: A Used 2012 Camry

Here's a scenario: You buy a 2012 Camry with 80,000 miles for $14,000. The previous owner didn't disclose transmission hesitation. You drive it another 15,000 miles, and the transmission starts stuttering. You get a fluid flush for $400. It helps for a while but doesn't fully resolve it. At 110,000 miles, the transmission needs a software update ($300) and a full fluid service ($600). At 125,000 miles, the transmission fails completely, and you're looking at a $4,000 replacement. Total unplanned repair costs: $5,300. That's 38% of what you paid for the car.

This isn't a worst-case disaster scenario. It's a realistic outcome for a 2012-2015 Camry with transmission issues.

The Toyota reputation tends to make owners complacent. You buy a Camry, assume you'll never need extended protection, and then bam: you're at the dealer counter looking at a $4,000 repair bill that your factory warranty doesn't cover.

Before You Buy or Keep a Camry: What to Check

Buying a Used Camry

Get a pre-purchase inspection from a Toyota specialist, not a generic mechanic.

• Oil consumption history (any quart additions between services?)
• Transmission behavior (smooth shifts, any hesitation or shuddering?)
• Battery health for hybrids (check the battery's capacity and diagnostic codes)
• Water pump condition (signs of leaks or corrosion?)
• Dashboard cracks or infotainment issues

A pre-purchase inspection usually costs $100 to $200 and can save you thousands in hidden repairs. Our pre-purchase inspection checklist lists what the mechanic should check. If the car is past 100,000 miles, read should you buy a used car with 100,000 miles first, and compare it with other reliable used cars under $20,000.

If You Already Own a Camry

Stay on top of maintenance and consider your options if you're out of warranty. Don't ignore oil top-offs or transmission hesitation. These are early warning signs. Keep detailed maintenance records, including any TSB work Toyota performs. If you're approaching a known problem year/mileage (like 100,000 miles on a 2018-2022 hybrid), budget for a diagnostic check or proactive service.

Toyota Camrys are great cars. They just need to be treated like the 150,000+ mile investment they are, and that sometimes means planning ahead for repairs, even reliable cars can't avoid.

Is an Extended Warranty Worth It for a Camry?

It depends on the year, the mileage and your budget. A new or nearly new Camry is still under Toyota's factory warranty, and for a brand this reliable, an extended warranty bought on day one is often overpriced peace of mind. See when not to buy an extended warranty.

It is worth a closer look if your Camry is out of factory warranty, is a 2012-2019 model with known transmission risk, or is a hybrid near the end of its battery warranty, and a $3,500 to $4,500 repair would strain your savings.

How CoverageX coverage works for a Camry:

• Essential: engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals and gaskets.
• Signature: adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension.
• Premium: near-comprehensive mechanical coverage, including advanced technology components.
• Executive: exclusionary coverage. Everything is covered unless the contract lists it as excluded.

Coverage starts 30 days after purchase and once the car has been driven 1,000 miles past its starting odometer reading. Problems that exist before you buy are not covered, so an engine that already burns oil or a transmission that already hesitates will not qualify. Maintenance such as oil changes, brake pads and tires is not covered either. You can use any licensed repair facility, and CoverageX pays the shop directly once the claim is approved.

Hybrid battery coverage is not named on the plan pages, so ask about it before you buy and check the sample policy for your plan. To compare prices, see what an extended car warranty costs, or compare CoverageX auto protection plans.

Toyota Camry Reliability FAQ

What Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Avoid 2007-2011, 2012-2015 and 2018-2019 Camrys unless the car has full records and passes an inspection. The 2007-2011 2.4L engine can burn a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. 2012-2015 cars still burn some oil and their 6-speed automatic can hesitate. 2018-2019 cars had the early 8-speed shifting and infotainment problems.

Which Camry years are best to buy used?

The best used Camry years are 2020-2022. By then software updates had improved the 8-speed automatic, the infotainment was more refined, and hybrids carry a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty. 2023 and newer models look good so far, and a clean 2002-2006 Camry is a solid older pick if you can find one.

Are Toyota Camrys reliable?

Yes. The Camry is one of the most reliable midsize sedans, and a well-maintained one often passes 200,000 miles. Its weak spots are oil burning on 2007-2015 engines, transmission behavior on 2012-2019 cars and hybrid battery wear after about 100,000 miles. For Toyota's best-selling SUV, see Toyota RAV4 problems by year.

Which Camry Hybrid years should you avoid?

Be most careful with 2018-2019 Camry Hybrids and older, high-mileage hybrids. 2018-2019 models have an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty, while 2020 and newer models get 10 years or 150,000 miles. On 2018-2022 hybrids the battery starts losing efficiency around 100,000 miles, and a dealer replacement costs $2,500 to $4,500. On 2012-2015 Camry Hybrids, a new battery between 100,000 and 150,000 miles is not uncommon.

Is the Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?

No. Routine maintenance on a 2015-2018 Camry runs about $400 to $600 a year, plus about $800 to $1,200 for minor repairs. The cost risk is in the big repairs: an out-of-warranty transmission replacement costs $3,500 to $4,500, and a dealer hybrid battery costs about the same.

Should I buy a Camry with over 100,000 miles?

Yes, if it has been maintained and passes an inspection. Ask for the oil consumption history, test the transmission for hesitation or shudder, check the water pump for leaks and, on a hybrid, have the battery health checked. Read buying a used car with 100,000 miles before you commit.

How many miles will a Toyota Camry last?

A well-maintained Camry often reaches 200,000 miles or more. Expect bigger repairs from around 100,000 miles, such as hybrid battery or transmission work, and budget for more at 150,000 miles and beyond.

Is the Camry more reliable than the Honda Accord?

Usually, yes. Our Toyota vs Honda reliability comparison rates the Camry lower risk overall, mainly because its 2015 and newer engines have fewer problems. Both cars face similar high-mileage repairs, so compare the exact year you are looking at with Honda Accord common problems by year.

Does an extended warranty cover Camry transmission problems?

Yes, if the problem starts after your coverage begins. Every CoverageX plan covers the transmission, starting with Essential. Coverage begins 30 days after purchase and after 1,000 miles, and a transmission that already hesitates when you buy is a pre-existing problem and is not covered. See what a transmission replacement costs.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Camry?

The most common Toyota Camry problem depends on the year: oil burning on 2007 to 2015 models, transmission hesitation or rough shifting on 2012 to 2019 models and hybrid battery wear after about 100,000 miles. The best-known is oil burning on the 2007 to 2011 2.4L four-cylinder, a design flaw that can use a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Early water pump failures on 2012 to 2016 models and cracked dashboards on 2007 to 2011 models are also common.

Want to protect your Camry from the next big repair bill? Compare the four auto protection plans, then get your quote or call Sales 24/7 at 1-800-258-3413. Plans are paid monthly, include 24/7 roadside assistance, and you can cancel anytime.