6 Toyota Camry Years To Avoid In 2025

Having been around for over 4 decades, the Toyota Camry has carved its own niche for family sedans. That said, these models are not without flaws. Some model years fall short of others, with numerous owner complaints and recalls. If you want to invest in this popular sedan, it’s best to check out our list of the worst years for the Toyota Camry before making a decision.

In This Article:

6 Camry Years To Avoid

The least reliable Toyota Camrys you should avoid are the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 models. Safety is the biggest concern, with issues in airbags, VSC systems, brakes, and visibility. Besides, the transmission and suspension systems are also prone to mechanical problems.

2002 – Airbag & Vehicle Speed Control Problems

1,041 is the number of complaints that the NHTSA has recorded for the 2002 Toyota Camry, as of 2025. Over 100 complaints are related to airbag problems, which explains why three out of four recalls of this model are related to airbags.

Many owners complained about the detached bottom part of the airbag cover when activated. In some models, the front airbags on the passenger side might not fully inflate during deployment.

But that was not the worst problem with this safety feature. In 2004, over 128,000 2002 Camrys were recalled because of the lackluster curtain shield airbags. They failed to deploy promptly during a side crash, increasing the risk of head injuries.

The remaining recall was about incompatible tires that could lead to tire failure if drivers exceed the speed rating. Speaking of speed, the 2002 Toyota Camrys were also plagued with speed control issues, contributing to nearly 300 complaints. Unintended acceleration became one of the biggest concerns. During our test drive, we noticed the car speed up on its own, though we didn’t even put our feet on the pedal. The problem was more evident during turns.

2007 – Vehicle Speed Control, Equipment & Airbag Problems

The sixth-gen Toyota Camrys didn’t have a good start with the 2007 models. With a whopping 3,598 complaints and 11 recalls on NHTSA up to now, 2007 Toyota Camrys are a true red flag for sedan drivers. Owners’ concerns mostly revolve around these notable problems: speed control, structure, service brakes, electrical systems, and airbags.

There were 681 cases reported about their speedometer either blacking out or going down to zero (and increasing to 60 back and forth). They couldn’t trust the speed reading, which was dangerous, and might fail to comply with the speed limit. Toyota has conducted two recalls to address the problems with stuck accelerator pedals. However, unintended acceleration remains a pain point.

Reliability issues also stem from the brake system. This is evident in over 600 complaints about the faulty brakes and multiple warning lights, including ABS, VSC, and Check Engine, turning on at once.

We’ve experienced this first-hand. As we applied the brake when approaching a turn, the pedal first felt stiff and then soft, so the car failed to stop at will. And the moment we turned off the engine, both the VSC and the Anti-lock Brake warning lights flickered. We brought it to the nearest Toyota dealer and were told that it was due to the malfunctioning brake actuator.

2008 – Brake, High Oil Consumption & Dashboard Problems

The 2008 Camry saw a slight improvement from its predecessors but still couldn’t shake its status as one of the worst Toyota Camry years. As of this writing, the NHTSA has recorded 1168 complaints about these 6th-gen models (both gas and hybrid options). Eight recalls were issued, mostly related to equipment, like floor mats and modification labels, vehicle speed control, seats, and visibility.

These recalls only partly reflected user experience, though. Owners were concerned about the floppy sun visor that blocked their vision and unintended acceleration. There were two recalls regarding VSC and one recall regarding visibility. Many drivers described this car as an oil guzzler, burning oil excessively and reducing the gas mileage. Until now, we haven’t seen Toyota’s attempt to respond to this.

Like the 2007 models, the 2008 Camrys are also plagued by problems with ABS and VSC warning lights. Another notable issue lies in the dashboard, which is said to melt and become sticky to the touch. Worse yet, it reflects sunlight and causes glare, obstructing drivers’ vision. Ironically, in the visibility-related recall, Toyota claimed that the power window master switch could overheat and melt without addressing the dashboard issue.

2009 – Sticky Dashboard, VSC, Brake & Seat Heater Problems

The vehicle speed control problem still haunts the 2009 Toyota Camrys, with 285 out of 1395 complaints on NHTSA as of 2025. The gas pedals get stuck, unintended acceleration, and the VSC light constantly flickering are some common symptoms.

We’ve been there, too. While we maintained the car at 40 MPH, we noticed a sudden speed-up in an uncontrolled manner. The reason? The gas pedal remained in the depressed position all the time! Fortunately, the brake was still working, and we could stop the car then.

This issue is the recipe for dangerous crashes and collisions, especially on highways. Toyota has issued two recalls to fix this problem yet has not completely put an end to it.

The poor-quality dashboard is again in the spotlight, in a bad way. Owners were worried that the dashboard was likely to melt and was sticky to the touch. Then, the glossy surface reflected the sunlight, resulting in dazzling glare and affecting visibility.

Another considerable problem is malfunctioned service brakes. Some drivers reported that the brake was hard to press or didn’t work at all, and the ABS and the Check Brake System warning lights were illuminated.

There are also two recalls about faulty seat heaters. When the seat cushion is compressed, the electrical wiring—a copper strand—can be damaged and potentially catch a fire.

2010 – Visibility, Airbag, Transmission, Suspension Problems

The 2010 models are a step up from previous ones, with 602 complaints on NHTSA as of this writing—much fewer than the problematic 2007-2009 trio. That said, the number of complaints, along with 9 recalls, still place the car among the years to avoid regarding Toyota Camry.

This model still inherits the flaws of its predecessors, including vehicle speed control, sticky dashboard, and seat heater issues. Also, the 2010 Toyota Camry has its fair share of other mechanical problems.

First, the defective airbag system, especially on the passenger side, raised a safety concern. Numerous drivers reported that the airbag failed to deploy, while some complained about the illuminated airbag warning indicator.

Besides melting dashboards, drivers’ visibility is also obstructed by the fallen sun visor. This visor was installed on the driver’s side window, but it fractured and fell out of place, blocking the view. The only solution was to replace the visor.

During our test drive, we drove a used 2010 Toyota Camry, which clocked in around 68k miles. Feeling the car bounce clearly on bumpy roads, we checked around and spotted leaks on the front struts. And we had to replace all four struts at $1,400 for OEM parts.

In fact, many owners also complain about the poor-quality struts that need premature replacements. Additionally, slipping transmission and early automatic transmission replacements are other common issues.

2011 – Steering, Suspension Problems

The 2011 model year marks Toyota’s attempt to shake off its bad rep from the 2007-2009 Camrys. But it still falls short in terms of reliability. Up to now, the NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls and 599 complaints about this model. It shares some reliability issues with earlier models in all engine options:

Airbag: Airbag not deploying.
Vehicle speed control: unintended acceleration, stuck accelerator pedal.
Visibility: Fallen sun visor, melting dashboards that cause glares.

Due to these problems, the 2011 Toyota Camry only receives a 3/5 safety rating.

Additionally, a search through NHTSA complaints revealed other major issues originating from the steering, transmission, and suspension systems. In particular, some reported hard shifting and slipping transmission, while others were concerned about the seized or noisy steering.

Like the 2010 model, the 2011 Camrys also experienced problems with the suspension system. But this time, it was the faulty ball joints to blame, leading to excessive vibration and grinding noise.

10 Common Problems On Toyota Camry

Airbag malfunctions: Numerous Camry models, especially 2002, 2007, and 2010, suffered from airbag deployment failures or warning light issues. In some cases, curtain shield airbags didn’t deploy during side impacts, posing serious safety risks.
Unintended acceleration & speed control issues: A recurring and dangerous issue from 2002 to 2011 involves unintended acceleration, often due to stuck gas pedals or malfunctioning throttle systems. This led to unpredictable speed changes, particularly during turns or while maintaining constant speed.
Defective brake systems: Models from 2007 to 2009 especially were reported to have stiff or unresponsive brakes, along with ABS and VSC warning lights activating erratically. Malfunctioning brake actuators and poor brake feel during emergency situations compromised stopping power.
Sticky or melting dashboards: Notably in the 2007-2010 models, Camrys frequently exhibited dashboards that melted under heat, becoming sticky and glossy. This not only felt unpleasant but also caused windshield glare, impairing driver visibility.
Faulty Sun Visors: In 2008–2011 models, fallen or floppy sun visors were commonly reported. These defects obstructed the driver’s view, especially when the visors broke loose and couldn’t be repositioned properly.
Excessive oil consumption: The 2008 Camry, in particular, was flagged for burning oil at unusually high rates. Many owners noted that this engine issue led to reduced fuel efficiency, with little response from Toyota in terms of recalls or fixes.
Transmission issues: Slipping gears, hard shifts, and early transmission failures were noted in 2010–2011 models. Drivers reported noticeable jerks and delays while shifting, sometimes requiring full transmission replacement.
Suspension failures: Models from 2010 and 2011 experienced premature wear in suspension components like struts and ball joints. These issues resulted in bouncing, excessive vibration, and grinding noises on uneven roads.
Steering issues: The 2011 Camry was particularly affected by seized or noisy steering. This could make handling unpredictable, especially at lower speeds or during turns.
Seat heater hazards: The 2009 model had two recalls related to faulty seat heaters. Compressed seat cushions could damage internal wiring, raising the risk of electrical fires.

FAQs

Are Toyota Camrys Reliable?

Yes, Toyota Camrys are generally considered very reliable in the midsize sedan market, especially models from well-rated years like 2013, 2017, and 2021. While some model years had known issues, most Camrys deliver long-term durability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper care.

So, What Is The Best Toyota Camry To Buy?

The best Toyota Camry models to buy include the 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022 versions. These years received high praise for reliability, safety features, comfort, and minimal complaints.

How Much Does A Used Toyota Camry Cost?

Used Toyota Camry prices vary by year and condition, but as of recent data, a 2010 model averages around $10,000, while newer models like the 2020 Camry can go for about $26,000. The post-pandemic market has pushed prices higher, especially for low-mileage and late-year models.