Toyota Camry Years to Avoid: Problems by Year (2018-2026)

The Camry’s trouble is front-loaded: 2018 alone logged 763 of the 1,443 NHTSA complaints filed across 2018-2020, driven by 8-speed transmission hesitation and a fuel-pump defect Toyota was still recalling cars for in 2025. From 2021 the numbers collapse to double digits a year — the boring dependability this nameplate is bought for.

The short version

2018-2020 — proceed with caution

The 2018-2020 Toyota Camry models come with a significant number of reported issues and recalls that warrant caution for potential buyers or owners. Over these three years, there were a total of 1,443 complaints filed at NHTSA, with power train problems leading the way at 338 reports (23.4% of all complaints). Engine issues followed closely behind with 273 reports (18.9%), and service brakes reported 233 cases (16.1%). Fuel/propulsion system defects also made up a notable portion, accounting for 174 complaints (12.1%).

Several recalls highlight the severity of these problems:

• Recall 25V028000 covered fuel pump issues in certain 2018 Camrys, indicating that even as late as January 2025, Toyota was still addressing potential stalling risks.
• Recall 23V865000 involved occupant classification sensors in the 2020 model year, affecting critical safety features like airbags and seat belt tensioners.
• Recall 21V890000 addressed vacuum pump failures impacting power-assisted brakes on 2018-2019 Camrys.

Owner complaints underscore these issues. For instance, a driver reported brake malfunctions leading to a serious accident on the freeway in August 2024:

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to slow the vehicle down. The contact mentioned that both feet were used to depress the brake pedal however the vehicle did not respond.”

These reports and recalls indicate ongoing reliability concerns with these models, particularly around critical systems like fuel delivery, engine performance, and braking assistance.

2021-2024 — the strong years

The 2021-2024 Toyota Camry models are generally reliable and have seen a significant drop in complaint volume compared to earlier years, with just 60, 63, and 47 reports for 2022 through 2024. The top complaints revolve around airbags, service brakes, forward collision avoidance systems, and the powertrain. Airbag issues account for nearly a third of all complaints, with 107 incidents reported across these years. A notable recall in this period is related to airbag occupant-sensor problems (recall 23V865000), which affects 2020-2021 models as well.

While the powertrain issues have decreased significantly, one owner report highlights a serious malfunction involving uncontrollable sudden acceleration and eventual vehicle total loss. This underscores that while overall reliability is high, individual incidents can still occur. The A25A engine is generally considered durable with no widespread defects in later years according to expert analysis.

2025-2026 — too new to judge

The 2025 and 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrids are too new to form a reliable judgment on their reliability issues based solely on current data. With 152 complaints in 2025 and 116 in 2026, the generation is still emerging from its early stages of ownership, making it difficult to pinpoint any significant mechanical failures or recurring problems.

The top components reported for these years include the Hybrid Propulsion System with 37 complaints (13.8% share), Electrical Systems with 36 complaints (13.4% share), Seats with 33 complaints (12.3% share), and Structure issues with 30 complaints (11.2% share). These figures indicate a range of concerns, but the small sample size means that these numbers are not yet indicative of widespread reliability problems.

Six recall campaigns already touch this generation. Three are worth knowing by name: 26V511000 addresses the hazard flashing warning lights; 25V869000 covers a bolt missing from the inverter, which can affect propulsion; and 25V744000 concerns the Panoramic View Monitor display. Each recall is a defect Toyota itself has acknowledged.

While early owner threads on forums like ToyotaNation have noted software-related annoyances such as infotainment connectivity issues and lane-assist behavior quirks, these are more about user experience than mechanical failures. The generation is too young to rank — check the open-recall status by VIN and treat everything else here as an early sketch, not a verdict.

If you’re shopping used

If you’re shopping for a used Camry between 2018 and 2020, be cautious due to reported transmission issues that can cause hesitation and gear hunting at low speeds. Some owners found relief with software updates, but results varied widely. Ensure the car has been updated if it falls into this category.

For all pre-2021 Camrys, verify that any fuel-pump recalls have been addressed. These failures can occur without warning, even while driving. Check service records for confirmation of recall completion and ask about any history of related issues or replacements.

When inspecting a 2018–2024 model, focus on the transmission’s smooth operation and absence of unusual noises during gear shifts. For pre-2021 models, also scrutinize electrical components under the hood for signs of replacement or repair due to fuel-pump recalls.