CarBrief

NHTSA has 778 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the 2018 Camry[1][2]. The largest complaint groups are power train and brakes, and several recalls involve the fuel pump[3][4][5][6][7].[3][4][5][6][7].

778owner complaints[1]
8recalls[2]
26–52MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 778 owner complaints for the 2018 Camry[1]. Of those, 48 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 45 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries Median miles at failure
Power train[3] 201 3 1 9,800
Brakes[4] 176 23 22 49,000
Engine[10] 144 4 0 20,000
Unknown or other[11] 100 6 6 5,250
Speed control[12] 77 7 3 5,600
Fuel/propulsion system[13] 76 1 0 18,800
Electrical system[14] 71 4 4 16,250
Steering[15] 64 4 12 47,000

Brakes have the highest crash and injury counts of the groups in this table[4].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the four largest named groups. It is not a count of all owners, but it shows what people describe.

So owners who write in describe the car as slow to respond and rough when shifting, and some find the brakes touchy at low speed. A test drive is the best way to find out whether a particular car does this.

Recalls

NHTSA lists eight recalls for the 2018 Camry[2]. Several cover many models, so the unit counts below are not all Camrys. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and version. The Camry Hybrid LE has the highest combined rating at 52 MPG[8], and the 3.5L six-cylinder has the lowest at 26 MPG[21].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Camry Hybrid LE, 2.5L, Automatic (AV-S6)[8] 51 / 53 / 52 $1,300
Camry Hybrid XLE/SE, 2.5L, Automatic (AV-S6)[22] 44 / 47 / 46 $1,450
Camry, 2.5L, Automatic (S8)[23] 29 / 41 / 34 $1,950
Camry LE/SE, 2.5L, Automatic (S8)[24] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
Camry XLE/XSE, 2.5L, Automatic (S8)[25] 28 / 39 / 32 $2,100
Camry, 3.5L, Automatic (S8)[21] 22 / 33 / 26 $2,600
Camry XSE, 3.5L, Automatic (S8)[26] 22 / 32 / 26 $2,600

All versions are front-wheel drive and take regular gasoline[23][21][26][24][25][8][22]. The EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2018 Camry 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in the frontal, side and rollover tests[9]. The rollover risk is listed at 9.9%[9]. The Camry Hybrid has the same ratings[27]. Both ratings are for the 4-door front-wheel-drive car[9].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows two gasoline engines. The 2.5L four-cylinder is rated 176 to 206 hp depending on version[28]. The 3.5L six-cylinder is rated 301 hp[29].

All versions share the same size: 193 inches long, 72 wide, 58 tall, with a 111 inch wheelbase[30]. Only the curb weight changes. These are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Version Curb weight
L/LE[30] 3,241 lb
SE/XSE/XLE[31] 3,351 lb
XSE V6/XLE V6[32] 3,549 lb
Hybrid LE[33] 3,472 lb
Hybrid SE/XLE[34] 3,549 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

1995: 303 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 417 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 555 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 600 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 585 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 520 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 325 complaints, 2 recalls2002: 1,013 complaints, 4 recalls2003: 806 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 799 complaints, 3 recalls2005: 813 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 435 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 3,616 complaints, 10 recalls20072008: 1,178 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 1,412 complaints, 10 recalls2010: 614 complaints, 9 recalls2011: 624 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 645 complaints, 2 recalls2013: 301 complaints, 2 recalls2014: 480 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 286 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 189 complaints, 3 recalls2017: 153 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 778 complaints, 8 recalls77820182019: 410 complaints, 7 recalls20192020: 284 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 165 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 65 complaints, 1 recalls2023: 66 complaints, 2 recalls20232024: 52 complaints, 1 recalls2025: 172 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 144 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Camry model year. The 2018 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953031
19964172
19975553
19986002
19995851
20005202
20013252
20021,0134
20038061
20047993
20058135
20064355
20073,61610
20081,1787
20091,41210
20106149
20116245
20126452
20133012
20144803
20152861
20161893
20171533
20187788
20194107
20202843
20211651
2022651
2023662
2024521
20251726
20261443

NHTSA has 778 complaints and 8 recalls for 2018[2]. Across the 32 Camry model years in our data, seven years have more complaints: 2007 (3,616), 2009 (1,412), 2008 (1,178), 2002 (1,013), 2005 (813), 2003 (806) and 2004 (799)[2]. For recalls, only 2007 (10), 2009 (10) and 2010 (9) have more than 2018[2].

Among the neighboring years, 2017 has 153 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2019 has 410 complaints and 7 recalls[2]. Of the years from 2010 on, 2018 has the most complaints[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where reports pile up and not how likely a problem is.

Should you buy a used 2018 Camry?

The 2018 Camry has a strong crash-test record, with 5 stars overall[9]. It also has a busier history than the years around it, with 778 complaints and 8 recalls[1][2]. Three recalls involve the fuel pump and two involve the brake vacuum pump, so ask a dealer to confirm that each one was completed on the exact car you are considering[5][16][6][7][18]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe slow response, rough shifting and touchy brakes at low speed, so spend time on a test drive in stop and go traffic and while parking[3][4]. If fuel cost matters, the hybrid versions are rated at 46 to 52 combined MPG, well above the gasoline versions[8][22][23].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA lists 778 complaints[1]. Power train has the highest count with 201, then brakes with 176 and engine with 144[1][3][4][10]. In the samples of complaint texts we read, owners describe slow response and rough shifting, and some describe grabby brakes at low speed[3][4].
Has the 2018 Toyota Camry been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls, including three for the fuel pump and two for the brake vacuum pump[2][5][6][7][16][18].
How many miles per gallon does the 2018 Camry get?
The EPA rates the 2.5L gasoline versions at 32 to 34 combined MPG and the 3.5L at 26 combined[23][24][21]. The Camry Hybrid LE is rated 52 combined and the Hybrid XLE/SE 46[8][22].
How safe is the 2018 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal, side and rollover tests[9].
Is 2018 a bad year for the Toyota Camry?
It has more complaints than most other years, but seven years have more, and 2018 ranks eighth of 32 by complaints[2]. Only three years have more recalls than its 8[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 778 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Camry (48 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 45 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Camry model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 201 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 176 complaints name the brakes component group (23 crashes, 1 fires, 22 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 25V028, filed January 22, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 20V682, filed November 4, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 20V012, filed January 13, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Camry Hybrid LE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 51 city / 53 highway / 52 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 144 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 100 complaints name the unknown or other component group (6 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 77 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 76 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 71 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 64 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Recall 21V890, filed November 17, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 19V503, filed June 28, 2019: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 18V211, filed April 3, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V200, filed March 28, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 18V108, filed February 14, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  21. EPA rating for Camry, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Camry Hybrid XLE/SE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 44 city / 47 highway / 46 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Camry, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Camry LE/SE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Camry XLE/XSE, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Camry XSE, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Toyota Camry with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 176 to 206 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Toyota Camry with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 301 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN L/LE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,241 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN SE/XSE/XLE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY 4DR SEDAN XSE V6/XLE V6: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY HYBRID 4DR SEDAN LE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,472 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAMRY HYBRID 4DR SEDAN SE/XLE: length 193 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.