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)19620.1%
- Brakes16516.9%
- Engine13814.1%
- Driver assistance13013.3%
- Fuel system10210.5%
- Electrical676.9%
- Steering616.3%
- Visibility272.8%
- Airbags222.3%
- 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
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)
My regularly serviced 2018 Toyota Camry is now in need of a $10,000 transmission replacement. Based on research, it is not normal for a modern Toyota Camry to need a new transmission at 125k miles. Toyota has DOCUMENTED complaints that the 2018 Camry's 8-speed automatic transmission has a known history of premature failures and is the subject of thousands of owner complaints. A recall needs to be enforced as Toyota has sold DEFECTED 2018 vehicles! I purchased this vehicle in 2018. Anyone who bought the 2018 Camry in 2018 should be a part of a recall & not charged for Toyota’s defect with this being a WELL KNOWN issue.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
After taking the car on a short drive: Pre-collision malfunction; parking brake malf; ICS malf; chk eng reduced power; secondary collision brake malf; rough idle and driving; sometimes won't accelerate (revs only); cruise control won't work; battery drained when off (12.5 v to 10.5 in one day; battery just under 3 years old); after replacing battery: OBD 2:P0302
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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 !
After taking the car on a short drive: Pre-collision malfunction; parking brake malf; ICS malf; chk eng reduced power; secondary collision brake malf; rough idle and driving; sometimes won't accelerate (revs only); cruise control won't work; battery drained when off (12.5 v to 10.5 in one day; battery just under 3 years old); after replacing battery: OBD 2:P0302
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
When driving, the car would go into limp mode and wouldn’t get out of 2nd gear. it was super jerky as well. when taken to a mechanic, it was diagnosed with malfunctioning transmission among some other things such as brakes and tires. we take fairly great care of our vehicles and get them seen for regular maintenance. once the car started acting up, the check engine light came on. it is now unsafe to drive and two mechanics have confirmed an issue with the transmission, which is now also in a class action lawsuit for transmission failures. it’s had hiccups before over the past two years (started around 85000 miles) but never to that extreme and every time we took it into a mechanic they never saw the issue before until now. the hiccups we just delayed shifting and simultaneous RPM increase but stoped after a few seconds and letting off the gas, and then would correct itself. mechanics chocked it up to just needing a tune up and never saw the issue themselves, it happened randomly and just every once in a while.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Reduce power and break power malfunction
Toyota has recognized a problem with the low pressure fuel pump on some 2018 Camry cars which causes a hesitation when driving from a stop creating a rear danger of a rear-end collision. It has been happening intermitantly everysince car was new.. Toyota claimed that my vin was not one of the ones recalled even though I experienced the e3xact same problem. There appears to be an additional recall for the same issue in 2025, but here again my camry is not included. I only have 40,000 miles on my camry and I would like to keep it but am worried about the hesitation. The engine actually cuts off very briefly.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
Hazard lights turn on by there self once turned off they will turn back on. When I try to use a turn signal the hazard lights will turn on instead of my turn signal
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The steering has become hard. There are no lights showing on my dashboard. The steering is hitching, catching, and hard to return to the center during slow and fast speeds. I feel it is very unsafe to drive. I have called the toyota service and they said there is an active warranty/recall for this specific issue (customer service program 22TE02) with other cars, but not my vin number.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving, especially at slower speeds, the steering when is difficult to returned back to the center. The vehicle was taken to an independent, mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the steering shaft was sprayed with WD-40. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
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 .