Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
We analyzed 3285 owner complaints and 34 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota Camry model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2018 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota Camry Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 645 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota Camry | 301 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota Camry | 14 | 3 | 21/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota Camry | 271 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 189 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 148 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 754 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 400 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 275 | 3 | 89/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 158 | 1 | 76/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 65 | 1 | 46/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | 65 | 2 | 49/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota Camry: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota Camry years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota Camry model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota Camry?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota Camry is 2014 (as well as 2014), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Camry?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota Camry are Powertrain & Transmission, Unknown Or Other, Airbags & Restraints. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota Camry?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 34 safety recall campaigns and recorded 3285 official owner complaints for the Toyota Camry.