Toyota Camry Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Camry model year (1997–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
8 recalls · 2400 complaints
132 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 2688
8 recalls · 825 complaints
54 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 967
5 recalls · 734 complaints
54 reported injuries
Top issue: VISIBILITY
Problem score: 857
Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy
2 recalls · 17 complaints
Main area: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 35
0 recalls · 36 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 36
1 recall · 33 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 48
Found the right year? Verify that specific Camry with a free VIN report.
Toyota Camry — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17 | 6 | — | 35 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 5 | 89 | 8 | — | 120 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 36 | — | — | 36 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 33 | 6 | — | 48 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 39 | 12 | — | 66 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 96 | 4 | 1 | 112 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 3 | 177 | 14 | — | 214 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 5 | 311 | 18 | — | 362 | Good |
| 2018 | 6 | 530 | 43 | — | 634 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 113 | 18 | — | 155 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 2 | 122 | 27 | — | 182 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 189 | 9 | — | 210 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 2 | 306 | 28 | 1 | 373 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 179 | 15 | 1 | 220 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 2 | 426 | 58 | — | 548 | Good |
| 2011 | 4 | 405 | 64 | — | 545 | Good |
| 2010 | 7 | 404 | 48 | — | 521 | Good |
| 2009 | 8 | 825 | 54 | 2 | 967 | Caution |
| 2008 | 5 | 734 | 54 | — | 857 | Good |
| 2007 | 8 | 2400 | 132 | — | 2688 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 2 | 244 | 120 | — | 490 | Good |
| 2005 | 4 | 518 | 101 | 15 | 807 | Good |
| 2004 | 2 | 488 | 109 | 3 | 727 | Good |
| 2003 | 0 | 486 | 78 | 3 | 657 | Good |
| 2002 | 2 | 625 | 78 | 5 | 812 | Good |
| 2001 | 4 | 216 | 40 | — | 308 | Good |
| 2000 | 4 | 324 | 60 | 2 | 466 | Good |
| 1999 | 3 | 399 | 78 | 2 | 574 | Good |
| 1998 | 4 | 397 | 21 | — | 451 | Good |
| 1997 | 3 | 378 | 44 | 3 | 490 | Good |
All 30 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Camry Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Camry models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 35 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Camry units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Camry models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Camry should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Toyota Camry if possible. It has 8 recalls, 2400 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 2688 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Camry to buy?+
The 2026 Toyota Camry is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 35. It has only 2 recalls and 17 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Camry has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Camry Research
Check a Specific Toyota Camry VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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