Toyota Camry Common Problems

POWER TRAIN

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 14 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Camry frequently report transmission issues, with symptoms including whining noises, rough shifting, and slipping gears. Many complaints describe these problems occurring around 60,000 to 110,000 miles, with some noting metal shavings in the transmission fluid. Safety implications are notable, as some owners experience unintended braking, failure to accelerate, and stalling in traffic, which may lead to loss of vehicle control. Buyers considering a used 2019 Camry should be aware of these potential transmission concerns and the associated repair costs, as multiple accounts mention the need for complete transmission replacement.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to the airbag system, with a significant number indicating that recall repairs are delayed due to unavailable parts. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating, and some mention specific malfunctions in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, which could affect airbag deployment. The issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some cases around 14,600 miles. There are reports of crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the potential for airbag system failures.

Severity signals: 9 crash, 0 fire, 12 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 2 fire, 5 injury reports

STEERING

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 1 fire, 12 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with battery drainage, particularly when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, such as 24-36 hours. Many describe replacing batteries multiple times without resolving the problem, with some indicating the need for a software update. Another common issue involves door locks malfunctioning, where doors fail to lock or unlock using the key fob or interior buttons, sometimes accompanied by unusual noises. Complaints also mention intermittent warning lights and system malfunctions, including pre-collision and engine warnings. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 18,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are directly mentioned, some owners express concern about being stranded due to these electrical failures. This information may be useful for potential buyers considering a used 2020 Camry.