Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,178 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota Camry, and it carries 8 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 189 | 16% |
| Structure | 131 | 11% |
| Engine | 121 | 10% |
| Vehicle speed control | 102 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 83 | 7% |
| Visibility/wiper | 68 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 61 | 5% |
| Air bags | 34 | 3% |
| Suspension | 32 | 3% |
| Power train | 28 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The dashboard has melted and makes it unsafe and hazardous to drive. The on the front windshield glare, the stickiness of dash board..makes me unsure if the dashboard will hold up or eventually collapse. This is clearly
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact received a warranty-enhanced program related to the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the repair was performed, but the vehicle experienced the failure a
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The dashboard in my 2008 Toyota Camry LE has deteriorated over time and has melted, becoming sticky and glossy. This condition causes sunlight to reflect off the dashboard onto the windshield, creating a strong glare. T
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The dashboard hasbeen cracking for some time. I have use leather oils & other products to reduce. has slowly worsened
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Power Steering, Service Vehicle, Traction Control, and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the speedometer failed to display t
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Issue Description: Melting Dashboard Creating Driving Hazard I am reporting a serious safety hazard involving my 2008 Toyota Camry, which has developed a melting/sticky dashboard condition that significantly affects dri
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
I was recently informed about a previous recall on a dashboard issue I've been dealing with for years. I have a sticky cracking dashboard that imitates a smell in warm to hot temperatures. I have own this vehicle since 2
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Solara. The contact stated that upon inspection, the interior dashboard was sticky and had started to deteriorate. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the failure was linked to an
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2008 Toyota Camry. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affec
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Priu
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less preci
Risk: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners th
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THES
| Reliability | 55 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 86 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 81 | excellent |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,178 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and visibility is the most reported area with 189 of them (16%). There are 8 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 55/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.