The Toyota Camry has long been a favorite in the midsize sedan market, thanks to its legendary reliability, affordability, and reputation for longevity. The Camry has been the best-selling midsize sedan in the US for some time now, outselling the likes of the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. However, not all Camry model years are created equal. While some years have proven to be nearly bulletproof, others have faced their share of mechanical gremlins. In this article, we’ll dive into the best Toyota Camry model years, which years to avoid, and the key factors that make certain models more reliable than others.
Reliability data has been sourced from the NHTSA, J.D. Power, and Car Complaints. Recalls and complaints listed, as well as feedback from consumer surveys, have been taken into account. Authoritative sources are listed at the end of the article. Due to a lack of reliability data for older Camry generations, only models from 2000 to 2019 will be assessed. 2020 models and newer are also excluded as these have not been on sale for long enough to accurately gauge their reliability.
Toyota Camry History: A Favorite From The Start
The Toyota Camry has evolved significantly since its debut, transitioning from a compact sedan into the best-selling midsize sedan in the US. The early generations, such as the first (1983-1986) and second (1987-1991), focused on fuel efficiency and practicality, with engines ranging from a 2.0-liter inline-four to a 2.5-liter V6. By the third generation (1992-1996), the Camry adopted a more rounded design, adding safety features like anti-lock brakes and dual airbags, while the fourth generation (1997-2001) improved interior space and engine performance, solidifying its reputation as a reliable all-rounder.
From the fifth generation (2002-2006) onward, the Camry gained a bolder design and advanced safety features like side-curtain airbags, maintaining its bestseller status. The sixth generation (2007-2011) introduced a hybrid option and further refined its fuel economy and upscale appeal. The seventh generation (2012-2017) brought sportier styling and the Entune infotainment system, while the current eighth generation (2018-2024) saw the introduction of the TNGA platform, offering more dynamic handling and advanced safety technology like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Finally, Toyota introduced the ninth-gen Camry for the 2025 model year.
Toyota Camry: Generations And Key Specs
Generation
Model Years
Engine Options
Transmission
Key Features
1st Gen
1983 – 1986
1.8L I4 Diesel, 2.0L I4, 2.0L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Boxy design, fuel efficiency focus, front-wheel drive
2nd Gen
1987 – 1991
2.0L I4, 2.5L V6
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Larger size, improved comfort, midsize segment transition
3rd Gen
1992 – 1996
2.2L I4, 3.0L V6
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Rounded design, enhanced aerodynamics, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes
4th Gen
1997 – 2001
2.2L I4, 3.0L V6
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Larger interior, improved sound insulation, introduction of Camry Solara
5th Gen
2002 – 2006
2.4L I4, 3.0L V6, 3.3L V6
5-speed manual, 4- or 5-speed automatic
Bold redesign, side-curtain airbags, stability control
6th Gen
2007 – 2011
2.4L I4 Hybrid, 2.5L I4, 3.3L V6, 3.5L
5- or 6-speed automatic, 5- or 6-speed manual
Sharper lines, introduction of hybrid version, upscale interior
7th Gen
2012 – 2017
2.5L I4, 3.5L V6, 2.5L I4 Hybrid
6-speed automatic, CVT
Sportier design, Entune infotainment, improved safety features, no more manual
8th Gen
2018 – 2024
2.5L I4 Hybrid, 2.5L I4, 3.5L V6
8-speed automatic, CVT
TNGA platform, dynamic driving experience, standard advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control
9th Gen
2025-
2.5L inline-4 hybrid
eCVT
First Camry to feature exclusively hybrid powertrains
Related Discussion: Is the Toyota Camry still a relevant car in 2024?
While SUVs outsell sedans overall, the Toyota Camry is still hugely popular. In fact, it’s still the best-selling sedan in America halfway through 2024, and an all-new model has arrived. If you don’t need a massive trunk or off-road capabilities, a sedan like the Camry is a smart buy – and the 2025 model is vastly improved. Would you buy one?
The Best Toyota Camry Models
Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Car Complaints, the following Toyota Camry models have earned praise for their lack of recalls, minimal complaints, and excellent reliability records. If you’re looking for a used Toyota Camry, these model years offer the best reliability.
2001 Toyota Camry
Toyota
The 2001 Toyota Camry remains one of the most reliable Camry models to date, with very few recalls according to the NHTSA. This model, part of the fourth generation, offered a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.0-liter V6, both known for their durability and smooth performance. The 2001 Camry is well-regarded for its simple yet effective design, providing years of trouble-free driving. Many owners report surpassing 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, making it a fantastic choice for buyers seeking reliability on a budget.
2013 Toyota Camry
Toyota
The 2013 Toyota Camry is another top performer in terms of reliability, again boasting minimal recalls and complaints on the NHTSA database. As part of the seventh generation, this model continued to improve on safety and interior features. It came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a more powerful 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid option. The 2013 Camry excels in fuel efficiency and boasts a quiet, comfortable ride, making it an ideal midsize sedan for families and commuters alike. Its reputation for reliability makes it one of the best years for the Toyota Camry.
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2020 Toyota Camry
Toyota USA
The 2020 Toyota Camry is a modern example of Toyota’s dedication to quality and reliability. According to the NHTSA, the 2020 Camry has only five recalls across all models, further solidifying its reputation as a top choice for reliability. Built on Toyota’s TNGA platform, the 2020 Camry offers improved handling, a more refined driving experience, and a host of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. With available engine options ranging from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a powerful 3.5-liter V6, the 2020 Camry caters to drivers looking for performance without compromising on reliability.
Toyota Camry Years To Avoid
Although the Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, some model years have had recurring issues, making them worth avoiding. Based on data from Car Complaints and the NHTSA, the following Camry years have been associated with significant mechanical problems, high recall rates, and frequent complaints.
2007 Toyota Camry
Toyota
The 2007 Toyota Camry is notorious for excessive oil consumption, a problem that has led to engine damage in severe cases. According to Car Complaints, many owners reported that their engines consumed oil at an alarming rate, sometimes even leading to engine failure. Despite its initial popularity, the 2007 Camry has a long track record of issues that earned it a poor reputation for reliability. If you’re in the market for a used Toyota Camry, this is a model year to avoid.
2008 Toyota Camry
Toyota
The 2008 Toyota Camry shares the same excessive oil consumption issue as the 2007 and 2009 models. This problem resulted in a high number of complaints and several recalls, making it another unreliable year for the Camry. If you’re looking for a dependable used Toyota Camry, it’s best to steer clear of the 2008 model unless the engine has been well-maintained or replaced.
Although the 2007 Toyota Camry has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2008 model year as worse because of other possible factors such as higher repair cost or more problems at lower mileage.
2009 Toyota Camry
Toyota
Similar to the 2007 model, the 2009 gasoline-powered Camry faced significant issues with excessive oil consumption. This problem often resulted in engine failure, with many complaints logged on both Car Complaints and the NHTSA database. While the 2009 Camry Hybrid is surprisingly reliable, the gasoline version should be avoided unless its oil consumption issue has been addressed by the previous owner.
Camry Model Years With The Most Complaints
Model Year
NHTSA Complaints
2007
3,588
2009
1,387
2008
1,165
2002
1,041
2003
812
2004
797
2005
715
Summary: Avoid Early Sixth-Gen Models
If you’re in the market for a used Toyota Camry, it’s best to focus on model years with strong reliability ratings and minimal issues. The 2001, 2014, and 2020 models are top choices due to their track records of zero recalls and complaints. These models offer the perfect blend of performance, safety, and long-term dependability. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid the 2007, 2008, and 2009 gasoline models, which have been known to suffer from excessive oil consumption and other engine-related issues.
Sources:
J.D. Power
,
NHTSA
,
CarComplaints