The Toyota Camry is a household name in the automotive world. Whether you're ready to pick out the latest model or you already own one of these sedans from a few years back, it's helpful to know some of the top problems to keep your eyes open for. These vehicles continue to be some of the highest-selling compact sedans in the United States each year. Here's what you need to know about the Camry's reliability.

How Dependable Is the Toyota Camry?

When you drive a Toyota Camry, you get the satisfaction of knowing you're behind the wheel of an automobile millions of people trust for commuting and family trips. Newer Camry models are engineered with cutting-edge technology inside the engine compartments and cabins.

The Camry is one of the top competitors in the compact sedan market. The 2023 Toyota Camry earned an 82/100 score from J.D. Power based on ratings from actual Camry owners. Recent models also earned an 84/100 in the reliability sector as well as an 83/100 for their resale value. Drivers of all ages appreciate the Camry for the perfect balance of luxury and practicality at an economical price point.

6 Prevalent Problems With the Toyota Camry

Take our Toyota Camry issues list with a grain of salt. There is no guarantee you will encounter the following complications, but they're some of the most common ones reported within the Toyota community.

These cars have been on the market in the U.S. since 1983 and span eight generations. Monitor your daily driver for these problems seen with the Toyota Camry.

1. Heavy Oil Consumption

Like many other vehicles, the Toyota Camry is far from immune from oil issues. The late-2000s Camry models are known to burn through oil at alarming rates, which can lead to engines overheating.

Heavy oil consumption can be the result of a few problems. The most common is a malfunctioning engine block followed by worn piston rings.

Note that oil consumption issues are widespread in the 2006-2011 Camry models. Ignoring the problem for an extended period of time may result in you having to complete a full engine swap.

2. Faulty Oxygen Sensors

Seeing a check engine light pop up on the dash can be alarming. For many Toyota Camry owners, this light comes on unexpectedly with no indicator as to what the problem is. After running a diagnostics test, there's a chance you'll find an error code pointing you toward the oxygen sensor.

Replacing a Camry oxygen sensor is straightforward. It's crucial to get to the bottom of this issue and repair your vehicle sooner than later. The oxygen sensor on your daily driver is integral in ensuring your Camry's engine control unit (ECU) lets enough air into the air-fuel mixture.

3. Transmission Unable to Shift Correctly

You need your Camry's transmission system to operate correctly for smooth shifting. Some of the 2000s automatic Camry models experience an issue where the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) transmission system slips while driving in higher gears. This is a safety problem for you and others on the road because the cars can suddenly drop in speed, potentially resulting in a collision.

Transmission failures mostly happen when Camrys log over 100,000 miles. The most common solution to get your vehicle back on the road is to inspect the condition of the torque converter and surrounding connections. If you have experience working on cars, you may be able to save on labor costs by swapping out the torque converter yourself when it's time for a change.

4. Lack of Heating and Air Conditioning

Temperature control is a well-known issue with the HVAC systems in 2012, 2013 and 2014 Toyota Camrys. You could be driving and notice that the heating or air conditioning stops blowing warm or cool air through the cabin vents. Most of the time, this issue occurs due to a faulty blower motor or air conditioning compressor — both are inexpensive to repair independently. Just make sure you get replacement parts made for your model year.

5. Unresponsive Door Locks

Automatic door locks are standard on Camrys today. Models from the early 2010s are famous for having unresponsive locks after a few years. If this is the case for you, the door locks will stay in one position when you go to lock or unlock the doors with your key fob or interior buttons.

Door lock problems are an inconvenience when you're trying to get in and out of your vehicle or you need to secure your Toyota Camry when parking it for an extended period. Typically, all you'll need to resolve the complication is a new door lock actuator. You'll have to access the door latch assembly to replace this component behind the door panels.

6. Loss of Power Steering

Some eighth-generation (2018-present) Toyota Camry owners mention reliability problems with the power steering systems. Those with power steering obstacles are likely to see leaks forming at the power steering pump or hose. The loss of power steering is associated with the V6-engine Camry models.

If you find it hard to turn the wheel when your car is running, check how much power steering fluid is present below the hood. Swapping out the power steering pump and hose is a proactive way to stay in control of your vehicle when driving at all speeds.

Complete Your DIY Repair With Camry Parts From StockWise Auto

StockWise Auto sells the parts you need to fix common Toyota Camry problems at some of the most competitive prices online. Whether your DIY repair calls for OEM or high-quality replacement components, you can count on us to supply you with user-friendly solutions. We offer dedicated customer service, meaning you can reach us via live chat, phone or email and we'll work with you to decide on the best approach for the job.

You can browse our collection of Toyota Camry parts online. Engage with the search tools on-screen to see solutions for your model and year. Signing up for our loyalty program helps you save even more. Check out with us today to start your project!