2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Camry Hybrid year — the 2018 model ranks #6 of 21 Camry Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2018 compare to other Camry Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 12 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE BRAKES ARE BEST DESCRIBED AS GRABBY AT LOW SPEEDS, E.G., COMING TO STOP SIGN OR PULLING INTO GARAGE. THE PROBLEM LEADS TO JERKY STOP/GO/STOP/GO/STOP SITUATIONS. VEHICLE ALSO HAS A TENDENCY TO BOLT FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN RELEASING BRAKES WHICH HAS LED TO RUNNING INTO GARAGE WHILE BACKING…”
“ISSUE #1 RADIO/BLUETOOTH FAILS TO SYNC WITH PHONE FORCING ME TO HAND HOLD THE PHONE IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW. ISSUE #2 RADIO/BLUETOOTH/MICROPHONE HAS SO MUCH BACKGROUND NOISE THAT IT'S DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO HEAR/UNDERSTAND ME. THIS IS AN ISSUE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER SITUATION WHEN…”
“MY DRIVER REAR TIRE STARTED WOBBLING AND I HAD A COMPLETE BLOW OUT WITHIN 3 SECONDS. I WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 7500 MILES. THE VEERED LEFT AND HAD TO REDIRECT IT RIGHT TO GET OFF FREEWAY.”
“THE STEERING STIFFENS UP TREMENDOUSLY AND THEN LOOSEN. TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD A STEERING SHAFT (BELIEVE THAT WAS WHAT HE CALLED IT) IS THE PROBLEM AND IT IS GOING TO BE $770. THE GENTLEMAN AT THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED ME THAT I AM THE 3RD PERSON IN A MONTH WITH A 2018 CAMRY…”
“WHEN I COME TO A FULL STOP AND ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SORT OF "STALLS" THEN EVENTUALLY THE GEARS CATCH AND IT STARTS TO DRIVE. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED IN A HIGHWAY OR SOMETHING. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, THE…”
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2018 model at #6 of 21 Camry Hybrid years. It is one of the Camry Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2018 Camry Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).
Does the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Is the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Camry Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry Hybrid years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2009, 2026, 2012, 2018, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Camry Hybrid years belongs to 2024.
How safe is the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.