Even the famously reliable Toyota Camry has had some bad years. If you are shopping used, three years stand out as risky: 2007 (oil sludge), 2009 (transmission complaints), and 2018 (engine recalls). Here is what to avoid - and which years deliver the legendary Camry reliability.
Worst Camry years to avoid: 2007 (2AZ-FE engine sludge), 2009 (transmission concerns), and 2018 (multiple recalls and early A25A engine issues).
The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine had a known oil sludge issue that led to a class-action settlement and engine replacements. Many 2007 Camrys had engines replaced under warranty - verify before buying.
View P0011 Diagnosis →Multiple owner complaints about delayed engagement and harsh shifts on the U660E 6-speed automatic. Not a class-action issue, but a noted weak year.
View P0700 Diagnosis →First year of the XV70 generation had multiple recalls: brake booster, fuel pump, and software. The new A25A engine also had early oil consumption complaints. Verify all recalls have been performed.
Run free diagnosis →The 2AZ-FE sludge concern continued into 2008 on some VINs. Toyota addressed it but maintenance history is critical on any 2007-2009 Camry.
Run free diagnosis →The A25A 2.5L engine had documented oil consumption complaints in early production. Toyota issued software updates and ring revisions. Many 2019s have had the fix applied.
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2007 (engine sludge), 2009 (transmission), 2018 (multiple recalls + early A25A oil consumption). 2008 and 2019 also warrant extra inspection.
2012-2017 (XV50 generation) is the gold standard - widely considered the most reliable Camry ever. 2020-2024 are also excellent now that A25A issues are resolved. 2015 specifically is a sweet spot.
Best years (2012-2017): $400-650/year routine, $3,000-4,500 lifetime non-routine. Worst years (2007, 2018): unpredictable, potentially $6,000-10,000+ in non-routine repair.
If your Camry is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
The 2007 Camry is widely considered the worst due to the 2AZ-FE engine sludge issue, which led to a class-action settlement. 2018 is a close second due to multiple recalls and early A25A engine complaints.
The 2015-2017 XV50 generation Camry. Mature 2.5L 2AR-FE engine, refined interior, strong safety, and the cleanest reliability record of any Camry generation.
Be cautious. The 2018 had multiple recalls (brake, fuel pump, software) and the new A25A engine had early oil consumption reports. If buying, verify all recalls completed and watch oil level closely.
Only if you can verify the engine has been replaced or maintenance has been impeccable. The sludge issue is real and costly. Many were replaced under warranty - ask for documentation.
A non-problematic Camry routinely reaches 250,000-300,000 miles. The 2012-2017 generation especially has shown exceptional longevity.