Toyota Camrys are popular choices for drivers that want a comfortable and reliable ride. However, despite its reputation for reliability, the Toyota Camry is prone to its own set of recurring problems. Some of them can be quite costly to repair.
If your vehicle is constantly sending you to the mechanic’s, it may be time to consider selling it instead. Find out what common problems plague the Toyota Camry and what to do when your repair bills start adding up.
Engine problems. The vehicle has a problem with excess oil consumption, which means drivers have to refill the oil far more frequently than they need to. The cost of doing this adds up over time.
Toyota performed a recall on 2007-2009 Toyota Camrys for this issue, but it was limited in scope. There was a class action lawsuit against Toyota for this problem that is now closed to new applicants.
Dashboard problems. For whatever reason, the dashboard material may melt after a few years and too much time in the sun. Drivers complain that this makes driving difficult as it affects their view of the road.
Toyota briefly extended their warranty to address it, but no 2007 models are still in their warranty for this. It can cost $2,000 or more to replace the dashboard.
Brake problems. Both the brake actuator and the brake boosters may suddenly fail, leading to major hazards on the road. The brake actuator’s failure is typically marked by the ABS and Brake lights coming on, followed by the odometer going haywire.
For the brake booster, drivers will notice that the pedal will depress all the way to the floor and may hear a hissing sound. It can cost $2,000 to fix the actuator, and between $1,000 and $1,500 for the brake boosters.
AC problems. Many Camry owners complain that the AC has an incredibly unpleasant, musty odor. Some have compared it to animal urine, while others have described it as smelling like mold. This doesn’t appear to affect the safety of the vehicle, but it can be a supremely unpleasant experience for drivers.
Transmission problems. Several drivers have reported that the 2012 Toyota Camry has transmission problems. Most significantly, drivers have reported that the transmission may unexpectedly fail while the vehicle is still relatively new.
Average failure rate is below 45,000 miles. This can be a major unexpected expense when transmissions are typically expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Replacing the transmission can cost around $5000.
Engine problems. Like the 2007-2009 Toyota Camrys, many drivers have reported that the 2012 model consumes oil excessively. It is important to check the oil continuously, as driving a vehicle without oil can seriously damage the engine.
Although the 2014 Camry is generally considered a reliable model, it too has some problems that have been commonly reported:
AC problems. Unfortunately, the 2014 model of the Camry seems to have the same appalling odor as the 2012 model. Drivers that have taken it to their mechanics have been largely unsuccessful in fixing the problem. Consider investing heavily in car air fresheners.
Luckily, this is a cosmetic issue and not a driving problem. Unfortunately, if you care about the appearance of your car, you could be shelling out $2,000 or more to repaint it.
Engine problems. A few drivers have reported sudden unexpected acceleration while driving. The vehicle may hesitate to respond before suddenly lurching much faster than expected.
This creates a major safety hazard on the road. The apparent cause hasn’t been identified yet. Be cautious when driving and always leave adequate space between you and the car in front of you.
The 2018 Toyota is relatively new enough that it shouldn’t have too many complaints. However, there are a few that have come in so far:
Transmission problems. Drivers have complained that the 2018 Toyota Camry has transmission problems. The vehicle shifts roughly while driving, may hesitate to shift gears and may respond suddenly after a delay.
Toyota issued a technical service bulletin to address it, but a few drivers have complained that the bulletin did not solve the problem. This is a relatively brand new vehicle. Transmission problems this early could be a sign of trouble.
Brake problems. A few drivers have reported that on occasion, the brakes can become unresponsive. The cause is unknown, but the risk is obvious.
How much money have you spent repairing your car so far?
Is your car likely to need additional repairs in the future?
How much will the repair job cost?
How long will it take to repair the car?
Will you need to rent a vehicle while the car is repaired?
If you need to rent a vehicle, how much will it cost?
Only after considering all the above can you decide whether selling it or fixing it is right for you.
If you decide that you’d rather sell it, there are plenty of options to do so. You can sell it to a private individual, which might earn you the most money depending on your car. However, it can take a long time.
You can also sell it to a junkyard or scrap yard for a quick sale. Keep in mind that yards generally pay for the scrap metal value of your car, so you might not necessarily get the best price.
Another option is to sell your car online. Many online car buyers will offer quotes in minutes. They also generally include free towing, so you don’t have to worry about transportation costs.
However, not all online car buyers are equal. Learn why CarBrain is the best choice to sell your car fast and for a fair price.
Getting a quote from CarBrain takes less than 90 seconds. Our quotes always include FREE towing and FREE title transfer, and they’re guaranteed for seven days, giving you time to think it over. If you like our offer, we can help you schedule your free pickup in under 48 business hours.
You get paid when we get the car. Our service is the fast, safe and modern way to sell a less-than-perfect car for a fair payment.
Selling to CarBrain is easy. All you have to do is:
Click “get an offer.”
Fill out the form.
Get your quote!
You can get a guaranteed offer by uploading current photos of your vehicle and its VIN. If you like our price, we can help you schedule a pickup at a time convenient for you.
The tow truck driver will arrive with a check in hand. All you have to do is sign the title and hand over the keys. You’ll be paid on the spot.
It’s that simple. Why wait? Get a quote from CarBrain and find out how much you can get for your damaged car today.
In general, Toyota Camrys made between 2001 and 2005 are most likely to have issues. If you are looking to purchase a used Toyota Camry, it makes sense to avoid these model years.
Toyota Camrys are known as reliable vehicles. If well-maintained, many can reach 300,000 miles or more. However, poor maintenance can significantly shorten the lifespan of your Camry.
Certain model years, like the 2012 Camry, are known for having more transmission problems than other years. However, in general, Toyota Camrys are not known for frequent transmission problems. Instead, they're likely to develop other issues, such as problems with the engine and excess oil consumption.