2018 Toyota Camry Reliability: What To Know

in Reliability

We address the 2018 Toyota Camry's reliability through the lens of consumer complaints, common issues, and known recalls.

White 2018 Toyota Camry
Source: Flickr

The iconic Toyota Camry has been a popular choice among sedan buyers for decades, and for good reason. Known for its reliability, comfort, and practicality, the Camry has consistently delivered a well-rounded driving experience. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and reputation for longevity have made it a favorite among families and commuters alike.

If you’re in the market for a reliable and modern sedan, the 2018 Toyota Camry is a compelling option. As a more recent model, it offers updated styling, advanced features, and improved performance compared to its predecessors. However, reliability is a crucial factor when considering a used car purchase.

Keep reading as we discuss the 2018 Toyota Camry reliability, examining factors such as owner feedback, expert assessments, and common issues.

How is the Toyota Camry’s Overall Reliability?

Based on consumer feedback and expert reviews, the Camry offers top-notch reliability. According to RepairPal, the Toyota Camry has an impressive reliability rating. RepairPal gives the Camry a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 3rd out of 24 midsize cars. Moreover, the Camry’s annual repair cost is estimated to be $388, which is lower than the average of $526 for midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports also highly rates the Camry’s reliability. In their 2021 Annual Auto Surveys, the Camry received a 5 out of 5 predicted reliability rating. This score is based on data collected from Consumer Reports members, who report on their experiences with over 300,000 vehicles. The Camry has consistently earned high marks for reliability from Consumer Reports over the years.

RepairPal and Consumer Reports indicate that the Toyota Camry, including the 2018 model, is a reliable vehicle with lower-than-average maintenance and repair costs.


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2018 Toyota Camry Reliability: How Is It?

The 2018 Camry is widely considered to be a highly reliable midsize car. According to J.D. Power, the 2018 Toyota Camry is an excellent midsize sedan with strong reliability ratings. In the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles over a year by original owners of three-year-old vehicles, the 2018 Camry ranked one of the highest in the midsize car segment.

On the other hand, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) praises the 2018 Toyota Camry for its reliability. KBB’s consumer rating for the 2018 Camry is 4.6 out of 5, with many owners citing the car’s dependability as a critical factor in their satisfaction. KBB’s expert review also highlights the Camry’s reputation for reliability, noting that it has been a strong point for the model over the years.

Despite the positive reviews of the 2018 Toyota Camry reliability, it’s not without its share of consumer complaints and common reliability woes.


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2018 Toyota Camry: Consumer Complaints and Common Issues

The 2018 Camry has been on the road for a few years, giving us a better understanding of its long-term dependability through owner complaints and known problems.

CarComplaints.com has documented 900+ complaints and seven recalls for the 2018 Camry. While that number seems high, you’ll have to consider the Camry, a fairly popular car, especially in the used car market. Below is a breakdown of the top complaints about this midsize sedan:

Rough Shifting

The 2018 Camry is plagued with transmission problems, but the most prevalent pain point is rough shifting. Based on submitted reports at CarComplaints, many owners have experienced jerky gear changes, hesitation during acceleration, and a sluggish response when trying to pick up speed. These problems seem most noticeable at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. 

Despite some dealerships attempting software updates, the issues persist for many drivers. The transmission’s unpredictable behavior has left owners frustrated and concerned about safety, with some even considering trading in their vehicles.

Faulty Service Brakes

The 2018 Toyota Camry has received many NHTSA complaints regarding its service brakes, leading to a potential safety hazard for drivers. Numerous owners have reported a “Low Braking Power” warning message on their dashboards, often accompanied by a significant reduction in braking performance. Sometimes, the brakes have failed to respond adequately, even when the pedal is fully depressed, resulting in collisions. Despite a recall addressing the brake assist problem, many vehicles face issues.

Engine Problems

If you’re concerned about engine-related problems, you may want to skip this version of the Camry. The 2018 Camry has been troubled by various engine-related issues, causing frustration and worry for many owners. Problems include stalling and hesitation during acceleration, rough idling, and excessive smoke, all of which have affected the vehicle’s performance and safety. Some owners have even experienced loss of power while driving, putting them at risk of accidents.

Fuel System Issues

Owners of the 2018 Camry have been grappling with a range of troubling fuel system problems. Picture this: you’re driving along when suddenly, your car loses power or stalls, leaving you vulnerable on the road. Or perhaps you’ll notice the pungent smell of fuel near the filler pipe, indicating potential leaks. These issues are more than just inconveniences; they are significant safety hazards that need immediate attention.


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2018 Toyota Camry Recalls

To wrap up this overview of the 2018 Toyota Camry reliability, here are several notable recalls for this model year:

  1. Fuel Pump Recall (Recall No. 20V-012): This recall addressed a potential issue with the low-pressure fuel pump, which could fail and cause the engine to run rough, leading to a possible stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
  2. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Recall (Recall No. 18V-684): This recall dealt with a problem in the ECU software that could cause the vehicle to stall under certain conditions, such as when coming to a stop.
  3. Power Brake Assist Recall (Recall No. 21V-890): This recall addressed a potential issue with the vacuum pump, which could cause a sudden loss of brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
  4. Occupant Classification System (OCS) Recall (Recall No. 18V-685): This recall involved the front passenger seat OCS, which could malfunction and prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in the event of a crash.
  5. Cabin Air Filter Recall (Recall No. 22V-619): Toyota issued a recall for the cabin air filter due to an incorrect installation guide, which could lead to improper filter installation and reduced air filtration.

Despite these issues and recalls, the 2018 Camry is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relatively new midsize sedan with solid reliability.



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