Camry is practically the second most popular Toyota sedan, coming right behind the infamous Toyota Corolla. Well, just like the Corolla, Toyota Camry spans multiple generations as it has been around since 1982. The sedan isn’t just a good car to buy, it is very reliable and comes standard with impressive features and techs.
But, notwithstanding, even with all the hype Toyota cars have in terms of reliability, there are still some Toyota Camry years to avoid because they’d give you a lot of “expensive” problems. Yes, some Toyota Camry model years have a lot of engine and interior accessories problems you definitely won’t want to deal with.
In this article, we will discuss some of the worst Toyota Camry years you should never buy. After listing the years to avoid, we will talk about the core Toyota Camry problems and the years associated with them. And finally, we’ll tell you the best Toyota Camry models to buy!
Toyota Camry Overview
The Toyota Camry is a series of high-standard sedans produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 1982. It comes standard with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, depending on the model year and trim you’re getting.
Toyota Camry trim levels include L, LE, SE, XLE, SE V6, XLE V6, Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, and Hybrid SE (2014).
There have been several Toyota Camry models, but the latest model is the eighth-gen XV70, which the company started producing in 2017.
Engine options available for newer Toyota Camry sedans are a standard 2.5L I4 203 hp engine and a 3.5L V6 301 hp engine – available with a four-wheel or front-wheel drive drivetrain.
See Also: Top Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid
Toyota Camry Years To Avoid and Why
Certainly, you won’t be planning to buy a 1988 or 1995 Toyota Camry in times like now. While those old Toyota Camrys aren’t bad anyways, they are “too old” to be driven in this modern time. Thus, here, we’re considering Toyota Camrys produced from 2005 upwards.
The worst Toyota Camry years avoid starting from the 2005 model year include 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Toyota Camrys. These Toyota Camry model years are considered “worst” because they receive a high number of complaints from people who previously owned and currently own them.
However, this does imply that Toyota Camrys are not reliable; the Toyota Camry sedan is one of the sturdiest sedans ever produced by the company. But it would be best to skip these “flagged” model years, especially when buying a used Camry.
Hereunder is the list of Toyota Camry years to avoid:
- 2007 Toyota Camry
- 2008 Toyota Camry
- 2009 Toyota Camry
- 2010 Toyota Camry
- 2011 Toyota Camry
- 2012 Toyota Camry
Common Toyota Camry Problems
These problems were reported by people who own/drive Toyota Camry models produced across various years. The reports were gathered by notable websites like CarComplaints and Consumer Reports.
1. Engine Problems
- Affected Models: 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Camry model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,500 – $3,000
The most common engine-related issue with the Toyota Camry models produced in the indicated years above is excessive oil consumption. It is alleged that the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Camrys typically consume much oil and also burn oil after 90k miles.
Other reported problems include engine blowing up while driving, engine knocking, and unintended surge while braking. A few other reports indicate that the check engine light comes on and stays on after fueling the car. Fixing most of these Toyota Camry engine problems costs an average of $1,500.
2. Interior Accessories Problems
- Affected Models: Mostly reported 2007 to 2012 Toyota Camry model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $500
Several interior accessories problems were reported for the Toyota Camry sedans produced between 2007 and 2012. The common problems include melting dashboard, broken sun visor, erratic meter/gauge readings, locks malfunctioning, and problematic infotainment/radio/audio system.
Well, the dashboard problems typically occur above 100k mileage, while the door locks malfunctioning has no specific mileage range when it occurs.
The average cost of fixing Toyota Camry interior accessories problems ranges from $500 – $2,000, depending on the accessory you need to fix.
3. Transmission Faults
- Affected Models: Mostly reported in the 2007, 2011, 2012, and 2018 model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $3,000 – $5,000
Transmission problems are expensive to fix – just as critical engine problems. The transmission system installed in the above-indicated Toyota Camry model years seems to fail or give critical failure signs at low mileage (before 100k miles).
Commonly reported Toyota Camry transmission faults are complete transmission failure, slipping out of gear, hesitation, fluid leakage, hard/rough shifting, and jerking while changing gears. The average repair cost for these problems is $3,000.
4. Brakes and Wheels Problems
- Affected Models: 2007 and 2009 model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $800 – $3,500
The 2007 and 2009 Toyota Camry allegedly exhibits a number of brakes and wheels failure signs after 85,000 miles.
Commonly reported problems included warped brake rotors, unresponsive brake booster, ABS/brake lights coming on and staying on, serious vibrations, premature tire tear, and wheel bearing failure.
5. Body and Paint Issues
- Affected Models: Mostly reported on 2007, 2009, and 2011 Toyota Camry models
- Estimated Repair Cost: It varies
Although paint and body panel rusting complaints were recorded on other Toyota Camry model years, the numbers were higher on the above-indicated model years.
Most of the owners allege that the paint on their Toyota Camry started peeling off at some point, exposing the body panel and leading to other body panel defaults.
The most common solution to these problems is to have a paint job done for you, which costs from $500 upwards, depending on the magnitude of the affected surface. There are also a few complaints about water leaking into the interior through rusted body panel areas.
Best Toyota Camry Years To Buy
The 2010 to 2021 Toyota Camry models are actually a great consideration; they are not as problematic as the model years mentioned earlier in this article.
Also, these newer Toyota Camry models look classier, with much better in-car features for optimal comfort and a great driving experience. Hereunder is the list of the best Toyota Camry years to buy.
- 2010 Toyota Camry
- 2011 Toyota Camry
- 2012 to 2014 Toyota Camry
- 2015 Toyota Camry
- 2016 Toyota Camry
- 2017 to 2020 Toyota Camry
- 2022 Toyota Camry
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyota Camry a Luxury Car?
No, the Toyota Camry is not primarily a luxury car; Toyota actually has a luxury auto line, Lexus. However, the Toyota Camry is a stylish, premium, reliable, and above all – reliable. The interior finish is decent and appealing; anyone can easily love the Toyota Camry.
Is Toyota Camry a Good Car?
From all indications, the Toyota Camry is a good car with good fuel economy. The base 4-cylinder engine saves you a lot of fuel. The sedan typically comes with premium in-car technologies, making it an enjoyable, comfortable ride you can take anywhere.
How Long Does Toyota Camry Last?
A Toyota Camry can last up to 20 years of service life or 250,000 miles if properly taken care of. Toyota Camrys do not break down easily; if you keep up with the maintenance, you will ride your Camry for a very long time before going for major repairs due to high mileage.
Summary
Summarily, this article has explained the worst Toyota Camry years to avoid and why you should do so. Also, we have listed the best Toyota Camry years to buy, as well as answered the crucial questions you may want to ask about the sedan.
Hopefully, this article answered your search questions!