2018 Toyota Camry Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Camry, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)20220.2%
- Brakes16616.6%
- Engine14214.2%
- Driver assistance13513.5%
- Fuel system10510.5%
- Electrical686.8%
- Steering636.3%
- Visibility272.7%
- Airbags222.2%
- Other / unspecified171.7%
- Body & structure151.5%
- Seat belts101.0%
- Suspension101.0%
- Exterior lighting80.8%
- Tires & wheels50.5%
- Interior & seats30.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2018 Toyota Camry through Bowers Hill interstate interchange, where multiple major highways merge, my vehicle completely lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed despite pressing the accelerator pedal. The engine continued to rev and RPMs increased, but the vehicle would not respond with forward acceleration. At the time of the failure I was traveling in an area with heavy, fast moving interstate traffic. I was forced to maneuver across four lanes of moving traffic to reach the far right shoulder while my vehicle was rapidly losing speed and unable to accelerate. This created an extremely dangerous situation because I could not maintain the speed of surrounding traffic or accelerate to safely change lanes. I was at significant risk of being struck by another vehicle. The failure occurred very suddenly with very little time to react. There was no check engine light on and otherwise my car seemed to be operating normally prior to this incident with the exception of a few hard shifts between first and second gear. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to a repair facility. The mechanic informed me that the transmission was not functioning and that a replacement transmission may be necessary. I was also informed that Toyota transmissions were on national backorder and that a service bulletin existed concerning the transmission. The exact cause of the failure has not yet been confirmed. I am reporting this incident because the sudden and complete loss of acceleration at interstate speeds presents a serious safety hazard. Had I been unable to reach the shoulder, or had surrounding traffic been less accommodating, this failure could have resulted in a serious or potentially fatal collision. Me vehicle was purchased from a Toyota dealership used with 42,000 miles and has only 114,000 miles currently. It is available for inspection upon request.
The vehicle transmission became inoperable while driving and the car stalled. After towing to a local Toyota dealership, the service department noted that it failed the stall test. Code P0745F identified. Vehicle required entire transmission assembly replacement at 88K miles.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2018 Toyota Camry On October 26, 2026, the driver was operating a 2018 Toyota Camry on a public roadway at approximately 45 mph when the vehicle unexpectedly activated its automatic emergency braking system. The dashboard displayed a “BRAKE!” warning, immediately followed by extremely forceful braking, comparable to someone suddenly slamming their foot on the brake pedal. The vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 45 mph to a complete stop, despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstacles in front of or near the vehicle. The sudden braking caused the driver’s body to lurch forward. According to the driver, the seat belt did not noticeably tighten during the incident. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, the brakes released, and the car slowly began rolling forward without the driver pressing the accelerator. The driver did not intentionally initiate the emergency braking. This unexpected activation created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a rear-end collision, loss of vehicle control, or serious injury. The incident raises concerns about a possible malfunction of the vehicle’s Pre-Collision System (PCS), including its radar sensor, forward-facing camera, calibration, or associated software. A VIN search through the NHTSA database indicated zero outstanding safety recalls for this vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this incident as a potential safety defect involving unintended automatic emergency braking in the 2018 Toyota Camry.
The transmission quit moving the car forward in traffic which could have caused a collision. When the transmission started shifting weird and not accelerating normally, the ABS Sensor malfunction light came on. I towed the car to a toyota dealership in [XXX] and they said I needed the transmission replaced for $10000(new), which I could not afford. I was expecting it to be a sensor since that was the light that came on. I had the transmission rebuilt by an independent mechanic and during the first test drive, the car applied brakes and came to a complete stop. We took the car to the toyota dealership for a program update that the information we had said was needed. The dealership stated there was no update available. They also told me I could drive the car home. After going about three miles from the dealership the transmission stopped moving the car again in traffic which again could have caused a collision. There were codes being thrown that would not be there when the transmission was rebuilt and subsequent reevaluations. The car has been unusable since XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle is experiencing the same problems since 2022 despite multiple attempts to have the vehicle repaired. The fuel pump was part of the recall and it was replaced in 2020. When these problems started in 2022, I was told they need the codes to figure out what’s going on but yet they still couldn’t give me an answer. There was only one code that they addressed which was to replace an engine coil but the car continues breaking down. This most recent time, I fueled the vehicle and it would not start when I was finished. This had happened at least 3 times, all after fueling the vehicle. The car will also shut down while driving, and it is extremely dangerous when power steering fails and there is no acceleration even with the pedal pushed down all the way to the floor in the middle of traffic. I am terrified that I will not only hurt myself but others when this failure causes an accident. One time, the vehicle broke down on a major highway during rush hour, but I was able to get to safety. Other times I had to call a tow because the car was inoperable. The dash lights up with “check engine” and “ics malfunction visit your dealer” each time. I have called corporate and made 15+ trips to get the vehicle diagnosed/fixed but still do not have any answers.
Transmission defective.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2018 Toyota Camry through Bowers Hill interstate interchange, where multiple major highways merge, my vehicle completely lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed despite pressing the accelerator pedal. The engine continued to rev and RPMs increased, but the vehicle would not respond with forward acceleration. At the time of the failure I was traveling in an area with heavy, fast moving interstate traffic. I was forced to maneuver across four lanes of moving traffic to reach the far right shoulder while my vehicle was rapidly losing speed and unable to accelerate. This created an extremely dangerous situation because I could not maintain the speed of surrounding traffic or accelerate to safely change lanes. I was at significant risk of being struck by another vehicle. The failure occurred very suddenly with very little time to react. There was no check engine light on and otherwise my car seemed to be operating normally prior to this incident with the exception of a few hard shifts between first and second gear. After the incident, the vehicle was taken to a repair facility. The mechanic informed me that the transmission was not functioning and that a replacement transmission may be necessary. I was also informed that Toyota transmissions were on national backorder and that a service bulletin existed concerning the transmission. The exact cause of the failure has not yet been confirmed. I am reporting this incident because the sudden and complete loss of acceleration at interstate speeds presents a serious safety hazard. Had I been unable to reach the shoulder, or had surrounding traffic been less accommodating, this failure could have resulted in a serious or potentially fatal collision. Me vehicle was purchased from a Toyota dealership used with 42,000 miles and has only 114,000 miles currently. It is available for inspection upon request.
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2018 Toyota Camry On October 26, 2026, the driver was operating a 2018 Toyota Camry on a public roadway at approximately 45 mph when the vehicle unexpectedly activated its automatic emergency braking system. The dashboard displayed a “BRAKE!” warning, immediately followed by extremely forceful braking, comparable to someone suddenly slamming their foot on the brake pedal. The vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 45 mph to a complete stop, despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstacles in front of or near the vehicle. The sudden braking caused the driver’s body to lurch forward. According to the driver, the seat belt did not noticeably tighten during the incident. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, the brakes released, and the car slowly began rolling forward without the driver pressing the accelerator. The driver did not intentionally initiate the emergency braking. This unexpected activation created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a rear-end collision, loss of vehicle control, or serious injury. The incident raises concerns about a possible malfunction of the vehicle’s Pre-Collision System (PCS), including its radar sensor, forward-facing camera, calibration, or associated software. A VIN search through the NHTSA database indicated zero outstanding safety recalls for this vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this incident as a potential safety defect involving unintended automatic emergency braking in the 2018 Toyota Camry.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle is experiencing the same problems since 2022 despite multiple attempts to have the vehicle repaired. The fuel pump was part of the recall and it was replaced in 2020. When these problems started in 2022, I was told they need the codes to figure out what’s going on but yet they still couldn’t give me an answer. There was only one code that they addressed which was to replace an engine coil but the car continues breaking down. This most recent time, I fueled the vehicle and it would not start when I was finished. This had happened at least 3 times, all after fueling the vehicle. The car will also shut down while driving, and it is extremely dangerous when power steering fails and there is no acceleration even with the pedal pushed down all the way to the floor in the middle of traffic. I am terrified that I will not only hurt myself but others when this failure causes an accident. One time, the vehicle broke down on a major highway during rush hour, but I was able to get to safety. Other times I had to call a tow because the car was inoperable. The dash lights up with “check engine” and “ics malfunction visit your dealer” each time. I have called corporate and made 15+ trips to get the vehicle diagnosed/fixed but still do not have any answers.
Unknown
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle is experiencing the same problems since 2022 despite multiple attempts to have the vehicle repaired. The fuel pump was part of the recall and it was replaced in 2020. When these problems started in 2022, I was told they need the codes to figure out what’s going on but yet they still couldn’t give me an answer. There was only one code that they addressed which was to replace an engine coil but the car continues breaking down. This most recent time, I fueled the vehicle and it would not start when I was finished. This had happened at least 3 times, all after fueling the vehicle. The car will also shut down while driving, and it is extremely dangerous when power steering fails and there is no acceleration even with the pedal pushed down all the way to the floor in the middle of traffic. I am terrified that I will not only hurt myself but others when this failure causes an accident. One time, the vehicle broke down on a major highway during rush hour, but I was able to get to safety. Other times I had to call a tow because the car was inoperable. The dash lights up with “check engine” and “ics malfunction visit your dealer” each time. I have called corporate and made 15+ trips to get the vehicle diagnosed/fixed but still do not have any answers.
I brought my 2018 Camry in because of check engine light and was told it was due to the vsv purge valve ($372) and the coolant bypass valve ($1100)- *note I later found out due to my own research that Toyota has an National Warranty Extensions on this part due to failure on 2018-2023 models! After agreeing to replace the costly bypass valve I was called and told the light was still on so they ran ANOTHER diagnostic test that now shows a "new" code that I need a new computer ($1400). The faulty part causes computer damage and I was advised online to speak to the service manager and ask for "consequential damage review" as well as have them cover the part since the warranty covers 10 years or 100k miles. Well of course I was denied because my car is over 100k (what 2018 wouldnt be) and told to reach out to Corporate who also said the same thing. What is interesting is this faulty part extension was just established December 2024 which would not help those of us who were already at the 100k mark when they found this error out. I just paid over $1000 today (not to mention all the times I brought it in before for diagnostic test) and my car runs EXACTLY THE SAME- BAD! AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON!!!!!! I will not give them another $1500 for a new computer. I am now looking for a specialized automotive electronics repair company to repair my computer for likely less than $200! Toyota's service department is a SCAM and I would not recommend buying their cars to anyone going further. My family has 3 Toyotas in our driveway now! I am very disappointed and need someone at Toyota to make this error better!
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The steering wheel has become extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making it very difficult to steer the vehicle in either direction (left or right). This occurs while the engine is running and the vehicle is in operation. The steering issue makes it extremely difficult to control the vehicle, especially when making turns. This creates a serious safety hazard and significantly increases the risk of an accident. I believe this is a potentially dangerous steering system defect that needs immediate investigation.
TSB-0028-22 - CAR DIAGNOSED AT DEALERSHIP WITH ISSUE STATED WITHIN THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND AS NOTED IN THE CIVIL ACTION SUIT. HOWEVER, SPECIFIC VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COVERED LIST BY MANUFACTURER. CUSTOMER WILL ESCALATE UNTIL RESOLUTION *INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSY
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2018 Toyota Camry XSE with a sunroof that is currently stuvck in tilt/ open position and will not close. Multiple independent mechanics have refused to attempt repair due to the high likelihood of the glass or mechanism breaking, and have advised that only Toyota dealership should handle the issue due to liability concerns. This appears to be a common issue reported by other Toyota Camry owners with similar model years, suggesting a potential defect in the sunroof mechanism or design. The failure creates a safety concern because the vehicle is exposed to water intrusion, which can lead to electrical damage, mold, and reduced visibility while driving in rain. Additionally, the inability to secure the sunroof compromises the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle. The estimated repair cost exceeds $8,500 for parts alone, which is unreasonable for a sunroof failure and suggests a larger design issue rather than normal wear and tear. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a potential defect and that Toyota be held responsible if a pattern is confirmed.
The panoramic roof on the 2018 Camry XSE is stuck in the vented position and will not close. This is a known issue with this car and year, as well as other years. Window makes loud noises when trying to close and just remains open with no other way to manually close it.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "SRS Airbag System Malfunction - Visit Your Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the passenger’s seat belt sensor light remained illuminated while the seat was unoccupied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
On [XXX], I was involved in an accident in my Toyota Camry while the vehicle was stopped on the freeway [XXX]. The car suffered an impact at approximately 20 MPH or less. My friend [XXX] was driving with my permission while I was a passenger, and our two dogs were also in the vehicle. We were rear-ended by another driver, which pushed us into the vehicle in front of us, causing both rear and front impacts. The vehicle was totaled. During the collision, the airbags did not deploy. Immediately after the accident, the vehicle displayed an “SRS Airbag Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer” warning message. I suffered whiplash and nerve-related injuries. I am concerned the airbag/SRS system did not operate properly and may have failed during the accident, potentially increasing the severity of injuries. I am requesting an investigation into the failure of the SRS/airbag system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Toyota of Orlando is held RESPONSIBLE for tearing an piece off my car and they are failing to fix the issue after being addressed to it an day after till I noticed my car feels loose while driving and it wasn't like that and Im facing shaking issues and suspension issues after being taken after an simple inspection.
The contact owns a Chicco car seat, Model Name: Fit 4, Model Number: 05079645320070, Manufactured Date: (Unknown) being used in a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the child was exiting the car seat, the shell, and back rest of the seat detached from the base. The plastic had started to deteriorate. The styrofoam was also falling out of the headrest. The manufacturer was not contacted. The car seat was not replaced
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My panoramic sunroof has a defect , my sunroof stopped working only a few months after having my car , I’ve Spoke with many other people with the same car and it’s common. I had a warranty on my car but they wouldn’t cover the cables for the setup to the roof , and it’s $10,000 at Toyota to get it fixed and I’m having transmission problems . I keep my maintenance up to date on my car , I’ve also done my research and transmission failure is also common on this vehicle ! My car is barely over 100,000 miles . I’m very disappointed in Toyota and I won’t be purchasing another ! Can honestly say this is the worse car I’ve had !
My Camry has received two professional transmission services as per the manufacturer recommendation, within suggested timeframes as it is now 176k. The transmission ( surely this is not something new to hear) Has FAILED. No prior sign or code. THIS VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY! It stopped automatically shifting and would not accelerate. There have been other owners of this same car, year ect. THAT HAVE LOST TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING!!!! Want to get to the bottom? HOW MANY 18CAMRYS MAKE IT TO 300k or even 200k without a new transmission. Most die 65k !! Lemon Come on. Toyota mechanics, YouTube, Toyota nation, dealerships, it is a well known fact that the 18 Camrys being that they cheaper out on so many parts, and added this new transmission, they’re known for failure! [XXX]. This company is [XXX] people. With jobs, kids, and now you’ve got to fork out minimum 6k and wait for 3-6 months to have car back??? How many people have been homeless due to this? 👋 I had a job and a home, boss wouldn’t let me work from home! I’ve rode a bicycle to work, in Florida to the next town over. Even with a loan, I’m out a car for months, so how many loans offer a no pay for 6 months? I’m hungry. Most people trans died in the 65k This is a rip off. The car can give back its safety award. The brakes gave out on me. The oil pan The brakes The trans The fuel pump. And the NOTORIOUS front bumpers. They come un snapped in every newer body style Carolla and Camry. Wing out beside fenders. And collision syste I’ve had people beside me in the same model car take a pic of my quick release snaps that I used to safely secure the bumper. This car is a lemon! Mine is a unicorn with trans failure despite the maintained by a local aamco owner (transmission specialist) trans dying at 178k “wow that is impressive!” Are you guys going to do anything? Or has Toyota paid you off? No one gives a heck about consumers. We’re the modern day native Americans . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "SRS Airbag System Malfunction - Visit Your Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the passenger’s seat belt sensor light remained illuminated while the seat was unoccupied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
A complaint was filed on 08/07/2025 with NO response from NHTSA (complaint #116789863) about the part which Toyota is still not able to provide to ensure the safety of individuals in the car if an accident were to occur. This has been an ongoing issue since March 19,2025. Toyota just sent another update stating the part will possibly be available LATE September. We need a resolution as to when or if the part will be available so our car can be safely driven.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a transmission leak and ball joint failure. The vehicle was repaired. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I have a 2018 Toyota Camry XSE with 67,000 miles. The car started making a clinking noise when driving over small bumps, increasingly getting louder over the course of a few days. I took it in to a mechanic and both the left and right strut mounts and coils were rusted and fully cracked . When lifted, both front tires fell to the sides. This could have resulted in significant car damage had I driven over a large bump,. The mechanic stated that he had never experienced this in a newer car with so few miles.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Couple days ago I notice both my tailights weren’t working also my license plates lights and parking lights weren’t working and also my headlights parking light don’t work anymore they all went bad at the same time. At night time nobody can’t barely see me besides my reflectors so nobody can’t see my at night time. The only thing tht works is mine brake light turn signal and brake light.
Some times car will not accelerate no matter how much stepping on the gas pedal, car will slow down like its going to stop or no power to the car while car is moving/driving. All lights on the dash board lights up, one of them that is known is the "brake malfunction" light.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry equipped with Nokian Tires, Tire Line: Encompass AW01, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 03B431937. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered upon inspection that all four tires had experienced tread separation. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tires were taken to a local dealer, where it was confirmed that all four tires had failed due to tread separation and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the tires could not be immediately replaced and that replacement tires needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tires were replacement tires. The vehicle failure mileage was 100,000. The tire failure mileage was 25,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Kinergy GT, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 5MN91BH. The contact stated that during a routine tire rotation, the tire technician advised the contact that she needed to replace all four tires due to premature treadwear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where replacement tires were purchased. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 95,000. The tire failure mileage was 33,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that there would be a sudden loss of power steering functionality and just as sudden, the power steering function would return. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and the Air Bag Malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The starter had suddenly failed due to a loss of battery power. The contact purchased a jump box to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the key fob failed to unlock the doors, causing the contact to have to manually open the doors with the keys. The windows could not be controlled from the control panel near the driver's seat. Each window could only be controlled by the window switch on the door where the window was located. The TPMS warning light as illuminated, despite the tire pressure being at the correct levels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change, at which time the failures were stated, but the dealer only diagnosed that the battery charge was low. The dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the battery. After having the repair completed, the SRS warning light remained illuminated, with the Service Vehicle warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
WHENEVER I HAVE 1 OR 2 BACKSEAT PASSENGERS, THE SEATS THAT AREN'T OCCUPIED IN THE BACK THE SENSORS GO OFF AS IF SOMEONE'S IN THE SEAT AND NEEDS TO PUT ON THEIR SEATBELT. SO I JUST PUT THE SEATBELT CONNECTED SO IT STOPPED SENSORING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .