Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018 Toyota Camry has its share of recalls, particularly involving the fuel pump, brake vacuum, and engine components. With 751 owner complaints, issues mainly involve the powertrain, engine, and brakes. The recall and complaint data suggest some reliability concerns, so check these areas thoroughly during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Toyota Camry has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 754 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V028000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V890000 Possible Sudden Loss of Braking Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V682000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V012000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V503000 Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V211000 Brake Assist Vacuum Pump may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V200000 Engine may Stall due to Incorrectly-Sized Pistons NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V108000 Incorrectly Connected Fuel Lines may Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 200 complaints
- Engine 137 complaints
- Service Brakes 131 complaints
- Unknown or Other 97 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 75 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 75 complaints
Of the 754 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 754 complaints, owners report 45 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine stalling risk
How to check: Listen for rough idling or stalling during a test drive.
Powertrain complaints
How to check: Monitor for delayed shifting or abnormal noises.
Loss of brake assist
How to check: Test the brakes for consistent pedal pressure.
Various electrical complaints
How to check: Check all electrical systems and lights.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or engine noises.
Red flag: Rough idling or stalling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure dashboard warning lights turn off.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifting.
Red flag: Delayed or rough shifts
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud engine noises
- 06
Braking from 60 mph
What to check: Feel for brake pedal consistency and strength.
Red flag: Inconsistent or weak braking
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ensure all electrical components function smoothly.
Red flag: Non-functioning electronics
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the recall repairs been completed?
- Has the engine experienced any stalling?
- Are there any known transmission issues?
- Have there been any electrical problems?
- What maintenance has been recently performed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of recall repairs
- Recent maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Toyota Camry at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Toyota Camry? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.