2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018 Toyota Camry marked the first year of its eighth generation, a significant redesign praised for its improved styling, handling, and technology. Available engine options included a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While owners generally appreciate the Camry’s reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, some common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, excessive road noise, and certain engine/transmission quirks.
Engine
2.5L Inline-4 Cylinder
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This issue seems to be more prevalent in earlier production models of the 2018 Camry.
- Solution: In some cases, Toyota dealerships have performed oil consumption tests and replaced piston rings or even the entire engine under warranty. For out-of-warranty vehicles, piston ring replacement is the common solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
- Recalls: None Found
- Engine Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: A few owners have reported stalling issues while driving.
- Solution: Dealerships have addressed this by reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU) or replacing faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component)
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6
- No Issues Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop is also a common complaint.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can alleviate the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500 (Software Update), $800-$1,500+ (Valve Body), $4,000 - $6,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Suspension Noise
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noticed a clunking or rattling noise coming from the rear suspension, especially when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Replacing the rear sway bar bushings or end links often resolves the noise.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Entune Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The Entune infotainment system, especially on models without Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, can be prone to freezing, crashing, or failing to respond to user input.
- Solution: Updating the software version of the Entune system can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, replacing the head unit is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update - if available), $500 - $1500+ (Head Unit Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Backup Camera Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The backup camera image may become distorted, flicker, or fail to display altogether.
- Solution: Replacing the camera unit is the typical fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners in warmer climates have reported cracking or warping of the dashboard material, particularly along the seams and edges.
- Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 Toyota Camry is generally a reliable vehicle. The most prevalent issues involve the infotainment system and transmission, with the 2.5L engine sometimes experiencing excessive oil consumption. The severity and cost of these issues vary. Software updates can often resolve infotainment and transmission problems, while more serious engine or transmission issues can lead to significant repair costs.