Skip to main content

For those looking for a reliable midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry is a leading choice. Like other Toyota models, it has a long history of high-level reliability. However, it’s not completely free from problems. Issues can arise, resulting in necessary repairs. View the three most common Toyota Camry problems reported by many real owners.

What are the most common Toyota Camry problems?

Front angle view of 2023 Toyota Camry midsize sedan, showing most common problems, how reliable it is, and repair costs
2023 Toyota Camry | Toyota

To find out the most frequent issues for the Toyota Camry, we looked at reliability analysis from RepairPal. The automotive site receives input from real owners of the midsize sedan, identifying the frequency, cost, and severity of repairs. 

Here are the four most common Toyota Camry problems reported by real owners:

  1. Hesitation from the transmission while accelerating
  2. Malfunctioning oxygen sensor causes the check engine light to illuminate
  3. Improper shifting from transmission for high mileage models
  4. Leak in the power steering pump or hose

Most common Toyota Camry problem is hesitation from the transmission while accelerating

The most common Toyota Camry problem reported by owners is hesitation from the automatic transmission while accelerating — according to RepairPal. Resolving this issue usually requires revised software in the in-vehicle computer system. This revision makes a bigger difference for newer models of the midsize sedan. However, for older models, the hesitation issue is more likely due to a worn part. 

Malfunctioning oxygen sensor causes the check engine light to illuminate

Orange seats in 2023 Toyota Camry midsize sedan, showing most common problems, how reliable it is, and repair costs
2023 Toyota Camry | Toyota

The second most frequent issue for the Toyota Camry is an illuminated check engine light caused by a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. A part of the oxygen sensor ceases operating. This adversely affects the in-vehicle computer, for it can’t regulate the required air-to-fuel ratio for the engine. Rectifying this issue typically requires the replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor. 

Improper shifting from transmission for high mileage models

The third most common Toyota Camry problem reported by owners is another transmission issue. For this issue, the automatic transmission in the midsize sedan doesn’t properly shift for high-mileage vehicles (125,000 miles and above).

Fortunately, this issue usually doesn’t require a major overhaul for the transmission. Resolving it can typically be accomplished by either of two things: replacement of the shift solenoid or re-adjusting the throttle position sensor. 

Leak in the power steering pump or hose

The other frequent issue for the Toyota Camry is a leak from the power steering pump or hose. This leak especially affects models with a V-6 engine. For resolution, the replacement of either or both of these components is needed. 

How reliable is the Toyota Camry — and is it expensive to repair?

Despite these problems, overall, the Toyota Camry is a reliable vehicle. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of four out of five, which ranks it 3rd out of the 24 midsize car models that the automotive site evaluated. Also, J.D. Power gives the most recent iteration of the midsize sedan — the 2023 Camry — a “great” reliability rating of 84/100.

Furthermore, the repair costs for the Camry are relatively low. The average yearly cost to repair it is $388, compared to the $526 average for the midsize car segment — and $652 for all model types.

Related

How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2023 Toyota Camry Cost?