The Toyota Camry, like the Honda Accord, is one of the names that pop into drivers’ minds when they contemplate sensible, dependable vehicles. However, the Camry’s nearly 40 years of cruising the U.S. market means plenty of models to consider and a few to reconsider. Check out five of the most problematic model years according to drivers, like the 2007, 2009, and 2011 Toyota Camry.

What Toyota Camry model years have the most problems?

While many Camry model years are dependable, these five have the most significant number of catastrophic issues reported by owners: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2002, and 2011. 

Worryingly, the most frequent reports on Car Complaints about these model years pertain to engine issues. Specifically, the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011 models from the model’s sixth generation exhibit excessive oil consumption, an issue that earned most of them Car Complaints’ “beware-of-the-clunker” badge. However, the 2007 Camry’s tidal wave of owner complaints earns an “avoid-it-like-the-plague” label.  

What is the common problem with the 2007 Toyota Camry?

The most common problem that 2007 Camry owners complain about is engine issues, specifically a voracious appetite for oil. Over 1,000 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints are on file regarding the model year’s engine follies. 

Moreover, the Toyota model may overindulge in oil at an average of 97,500 miles. In many cases, owners dealt with the added oil consumption, although some instances required an expensive engine or piston assembly replacement. Furthermore, RepairPal reports that the 2007 Camry has an annual repair cost of just $329, around $59 less than the segment average.

One of the most expensive issues owners may have to contend with is replacing a catalytic converter. Due to the frequency of catalytic converter theft and the precious metals within, replacement often costs more than $1,600.

Is 2008 a good year for the Toyota Camry?

With over 258 NHTSA complaints of engine problems, the 2008 Toyota Camry is one of the worst years for the model. Like the 2007 model, the 2008 Camry exhibits excessive oil consumption at around 107,350 miles. Reports of transmission failure also affect the model. 

Still, the 2008 model has a higher annual repair cost than its predecessor. It could cost around $357 for yearly repairs. However, it’s affordable enough to make the 2008 Camry cheaper than the typical used sedan from the segment.

Are there any recalls on a 2009 Toyota Camry?

According to the NHTSA, the 2009 Toyota Camry has 10 recalls on file. The most recent recalls include a fire risk from seat heater wiring, an overheating power window master switch, and a faulty occupant sensing system.

In addition to the recalls, the 2009 model has nearly 500 NHTSA complaints of engine problems, including (you guessed it) excessive oil consumption. However, the 2009 Camry’s annual average repair costs, around $376, make it an affordable car to repair and run, per RepairPal.

What’s wrong with the 2002 Toyota Camry?

The 2002 Toyota Camry exhibits engine and transmission problems, with nearly 500 NHTSA owner complaints. Specifically, the 2002 Camry’s most common problem is stripped head bolts, which could require machine work or a replacement engine.

Still, a used 2002 Toyota Camry has the potential to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance, per iSeeCars’ lifespan study. According to iSeeCars’ data, a used Camry has a potential lifespan of 223,249 miles, although the cars in the study were “still going strong.”

Are there any problems with the 2011 Camry?

The 2011 Toyota Camry is drama-free compared to older models, considering its most common owner complaints pertain to warped dashboards and the occasional door lock malfunction. Regarding the door lock malfunctions, a replacement actuator could fix the problem.

Although the 2011 Camry made the list of models with the most significant number of owner complaints, Car Complaints gave the 2011 model a “seal of pretty good.” If anything, it’s a testament to the overall dependability of the Toyota model. Still, while the 2011 model’s $388 average annual repair cost is affordable, it’s pricier than the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Toyota Camry.

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