The Camry year with the most problems
The first year of the current Camry drew about 2.5 times the model's average complaints: hesitant or rough shifting, brake vacuum pump failures that can leave a hard pedal, and fuel pump recalls. A 2017 or a 2020 or later is a better pick.
Updated November 2026 · based on 782 owner complaints and 8 recalls
228 2.5x the Camry average
8 free to fix at a dealer
Every Camry year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Camry
Top problems and what they cost
Hesitation and rough shifting
The 8-speed automatic can hesitate when pulling out, shift harshly or, at higher mileage, fail.
Fix: Software update often free; a transmission is $3,500 to $5,500.
Transmission
Low braking power warning
The vacuum pump that helps the brakes can fail, leaving a hard pedal. Covered by recalls 18V211 and 21V890.
Fix: Free under recall.
Brakes
Fuel pump failure
The low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Covered by recalls 20V012 and 20V682.
Fix: Free under recall.
Fuel system
Recalls
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The improperly connected hoses may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 8 recalls
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Toyota Camry
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially both brake vacuum pump and both fuel pump recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Camry has 8 recalls on record, listed below.
- Pull out from a stop briskly several times and feel for hesitation.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.140 of the 782 owner complaints about the 2018 Camry involve the engine (18%).
- Check for a 'low braking power' message and a firm, consistent brake pedal.The brake booster makes the pedal easy to press. A pedal that goes hard, sinks or a hissing sound means the assist is failing, so stopping takes much more effort.177 of the 782 owner complaints about the 2018 Camry involve the brakes (23%).
- Ask for transmission fluid service records past 60,000 miles.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 88 complaints about transmission hesitation and rough shifting on the 2018 Camry, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Camry reliable?
The Camry year with the most problems. The first year of the current Camry drew about 2.5 times the model's average complaints: hesitant or rough shifting, brake vacuum pump failures that can leave a hard pedal, and fuel pump recalls. A 2017 or a 2020 or later is a better pick.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Camry have?
8 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Camry problems?
Hesitation and rough shifting; Low braking power warning; Fuel pump failure.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Toyota Camry 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.