Free used car buyer guide / XV70 / 2018-2024
Toyota Camry common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
3.6/10
5 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: denso low-pressure fuel pump stall recall. Score methodology.
The XV70 Camry is a safe used buy only after you separate late sorted cars from the first-year recall and calibration population. The expensive traps are the 2018-2020 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall, 2018/2019 brake vacuum-pump recalls, 2018 A25A piston-size engine recall, the 2020 2.5 engine casting-porosity coolant leak recall, early 8-speed harsh-shift flare, and the non-recall coolant bypass/flow valve warnings that can light up half the dashboard. The safest Camry is a 2021-2024 hybrid or 2.5 petrol with closed recalls, stable coolant level, and no cold 8-speed hesitation. A late V6 is good if the 2018 fuel-pipe recall does not apply and the car has not been neglected. Current owners should keep recall proof and coolant-system invoices, because those two folders decide whether an XV70 is a boring Toyota or an expensive argument.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Denso low-pressure fuel
Best years
2021-2024
Best buys
- 2021-2024 Camry Hybrid with clean hybrid scan, closed OCS recalls, and no coolant-valve warnings
- 2021-2024 2.5 petrol FWD or AWD with stable coolant level and smooth cold engagement
- Late V6 XSE/XLE/TRD with fuel-pump recall complete and no fuel smell after heat soak
Inspect hard
- 2018 launch-year cars: fuel pump, vacuum pump, piston recall, 8-speed calibration, and V6 fuel-pipe status
- 2020 2.5 petrol/hybrid: engine casting recall 20V064 and coolant/oil cross-contamination checks
- Any car with 'Engine Maintenance Required' or P26xx coolant-valve history
Avoid
- Any open brake-assist recall or hard brake pedal complaint
- 2020 2.5 with coolant loss, sweet exhaust, milky oil, or no proof of engine recall resolution
- First-year 8-speed cars with repeated harsh-shift visits and no calibration/hardware documentation
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Toyota Camry viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Toyota Camry should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.5 Dynamic Force petrol A25A-FKS
2018-2024
GOOD AFTER RECALL CHECK
This is the volume XV70 engine. It is efficient and generally strong, but the launch years carry piston, fuel-pump, and 2020 casting recall exposure. Later cars mainly need coolant-valve and 8-speed drivability checks rather than engine-internal worry.
2.5 hybrid A25A-FXS with Toyota Hybrid System
2018-2024
BEST DAILY DRIVER
The hybrid avoids the conventional 8-speed shift character and is the easiest Camry to recommend for commuting. The inspection focus becomes hybrid battery fan cleanliness, coolant-valve codes, fuel-pump recall status on affected years, and 2020 casting recall coverage.
3.5 V6 2GR-FKS
2018-2024 selected trims
BUY IF CLEAN
The V6 is the enthusiast Camry choice and the engine family is proven. The XV70-specific issue is not chronic engine weakness; it is first-year fuel-delivery pipe recall exposure, higher front tyre/brake wear, and owners skipping maintenance because the car still feels strong.
2.5 petrol AWD A25A-FKS / UA80F
2020-2024 North America
INSPECT DRIVELINE
AWD broadens the Camry's weather appeal but adds transfer/rear driveline service expectations. It is safer to buy as a 2021+ car; on a 2020 AWD, combine the engine casting recall check with tyre matching and cold engagement tests.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2018
XV70 launched on TNGA-K with A25A 2.5, A25A hybrid, and 2GR-FKS V6. This year carries the densest recall stack.
Buyer: A 2018 needs a full Toyota recall printout before price talk: fuel pump, brake vacuum pump, 2.5 piston, V6 fuel pipe, and 8-speed calibration all matter.
Owner: If you own a 2018, gather the dealer campaign invoices now. They are worth real money when selling because buyers know the first-year risk.
2019
Production stabilized, but vacuum-pump and OCS airbag recall exposure remains for some cars.
Buyer: This is often better value than a 2018, but do not skip SRS/OCS and brake-assist checks. A clean 2019 hybrid is a strong long-term buy.
Owner: Watch brake feel and passenger-airbag indicator behaviour. These are not "Toyota quirks"; they are safety checks.
2020
AWD became available on four-cylinder cars in North America, and certain 2.5 petrol/hybrid engines entered casting-porosity recall 20V064.
Buyer: Treat 2020 as two cars: excellent if the engine recall does not apply or is fully resolved, risky if coolant history is unclear.
Owner: Keep coolant level records. If you have AWD, replace tyres as a matched set and avoid making the driveline absorb size mismatch.
2021
Facelift brought infotainment and Toyota Safety Sense updates; early launch recalls mostly fade from the buying equation.
Buyer: A 2021 hybrid is the sweet spot if OCS recall status is clean and no coolant-valve message has been cleared recently.
Owner: Service the hybrid cooling intake and keep software updates current; this is the year range where prevention beats repair.
2022
XV70 continues with mature powertrains, but some OCS airbag recall exposure covers 2020-2022 cars.
Buyer: Focus on SRS/OCS recall proof, coolant-valve scan history, and accident repairs that could disturb radar/camera calibration.
Owner: Do not fit seat covers or modify passenger-seat wiring. OCS faults are expensive and safety-critical.
2023
Late-generation cars receive mostly trim/content changes; mechanical risk is lower than launch years.
Buyer: Pay more for a clean 2023 if you want a low-admin Camry. Still scan for P26xx coolant-valve codes because sellers can clear the message.
Owner: Keep maintenance receipts complete. Late XV70 resale depends on proving it is not an ex-rideshare or deferred-maintenance car.
2024
Final XV70 model year before the 2025 redesign in the US.
Buyer: The safest used buy in this guide is a 2024 hybrid with no crash history and clean hybrid/ADAS scan. The discount versus new is the only question.
Owner: Preserve the warranty value. Avoid non-OEM wiring and document every dealer update before the XV80 shape pushes prices down.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Denso low-pressure fuel pump stall recall
Affects
Certain 2018-2020 Camry petrol and hybrid vehicles under 20V012 / 20V682 expansions.
Symptoms
Extended crank, rough running, hesitation, stall, no-start, MIL.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 450-1,000 customer-pay pump.
Codes / scan clues
Lean, fuel-pressure, or misfire codes possible; recall status is primary.
Root cause: Denso in-tank pump impeller can deform and stop the low-pressure pump.
Quick check
- Run VIN through Toyota/NHTSA before appointment.
- Confirm dealer fuel-pump replacement invoice.
- Cold-start, hot-restart, and idle the car after road test.
- Scan for fuel pressure, lean, or misfire history.
Buyer note
An open fuel-pump recall is a stop sign, not a discount line. The repair is free when covered, so get it done before the sale.
Owner note
Keep the pump campaign receipt. Later drivability complaints are easier to diagnose when the recall history is clear.
Fault 2
Brake vacuum pump assist-loss recall
Affects
2018 Camry under 18V211 and 2018-2019 Camry under 21V890 populations.
Symptoms
Hard brake pedal, longer stopping distance, warning light, abnormal pump noise.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 700-1,600 vacuum pump/booster diagnosis outside recall.
Codes / scan clues
Brake/ECM vacuum-related codes possible.
Root cause: Vacuum pump manufacturing defect or vane-cap breakage can reduce brake booster vacuum.
Quick check
- VIN-check brake-assist recalls.
- With engine off, pump pedal, then start engine and confirm assist builds.
- Make repeated stops on road test for consistent pedal feel.
- Reject any hard-pedal story without a dealer invoice.
Buyer note
A hard brake pedal on a Camry is not normal ageing. Do not buy until Toyota campaign status and brake scan are clean.
Owner note
Brake-assist symptoms require immediate diagnosis. The car may still stop, but not with the margin Toyota designed.
Fault 3
2018 A25A piston oversize engine-stall recall
Affects
Certain 2018 Camry 2.5 A25A-FKS under 18V200.
Symptoms
Rough running, abnormal noise, stall, excessive oil use, active recall.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 4,000-8,000+ engine repair outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire/stall codes possible; VIN recall result is decisive.
Root cause: Pistons may be larger than specified, increasing engine-stall risk.
Quick check
- Confirm engine is 2.5 A25A-FKS.
- Run VIN for 18V200.
- Listen to cold start and hot idle.
- Ask for engine inspection/replacement records, not just oil-change history.
Buyer note
This is rare but high consequence. A 2018 2.5 without a clean campaign record is not ready to buy.
Owner note
Save the campaign record permanently. It protects resale against first-year Camry suspicion.
Fault 4
2020 2.5 engine casting porosity coolant/oil leak
Affects
Certain 2020 Camry/Camry Hybrid 2.5 under NHTSA 20V064.
Symptoms
Coolant loss, sweet exhaust, overheating, milky oil, misfire, pink residue.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 4,000-9,000+ if customer-pay engine work.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire, coolant-temperature, overheat history possible.
Root cause: Manufacturing porosity/cracking in engine casting may allow coolant/oil leaks.
Quick check
- VIN-check every 2020 2.5 petrol or hybrid for 20V064.
- Inspect cold coolant level and oil cap/dipstick.
- Road test until hot, then smell for coolant.
- Pressure-test before buying if coolant is low.
Buyer note
A cheap 2020 with coolant loss is not a normal Toyota opportunity. It is potentially an engine campaign car without the campaign safety net.
Owner note
Track coolant level and escalate early. Repeated topping-up without documentation can weaken any later goodwill case.
Fault 5
UA80 8-speed harsh shift or flare after calibration mismatch
Affects
Mainly 2018 8-speed automatic Camry, especially after transaxle or ECM work.
Symptoms
Harsh engagement, 1-2/2-3 flare, delayed D/R, shift complaint after software or hardware replacement.
Typical repair cost
EUR 100-250 software/diagnosis; EUR 500-1,500 valve-body/service; EUR 2,500-5,000 transaxle.
Codes / scan clues
Often none; check calibration ID and adaption data.
Root cause: Toyota T-SB-0010-18 addresses correct ECM/PCM software matching with transaxle hardware.
Quick check
- Cold shift from P-R-D before the seller warms the car.
- Road test light and medium throttle through first four gears.
- Ask if ECM or transaxle has been replaced or reprogrammed.
- Scan calibration ID and transmission history.
Buyer note
A first-year 8-speed that shifts badly is not redeemed by the Camry badge. Documentation decides whether it is calibration or hardware.
Owner note
If shift flare appears after dealer work, return with the bulletin reference and the exact symptom while the repair history is fresh.
Fault 6
Coolant bypass / flow-control valve P26xx warnings
Affects
Mostly 2018-2023 Dynamic Force 2.5 petrol/hybrid Toyota applications including Camry.
Symptoms
Engine Maintenance Required, check-engine light, poor heater output, multiple ADAS/brake secondary warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 350-900 valve replacement; EUR 1,000-1,500 if dealer replaces extra cooling components.
Codes / scan clues
P26A3, P26A6, P26AD, P26AE, P2681 depending valve/circuit.
Root cause: Electric coolant bypass/flow valve position or circuit failure, sometimes worsened by coolant intrusion at connector.
Quick check
- Scan for current, pending, and history P26xx codes.
- Test cabin heat after full warm-up.
- Inspect coolant level and valve/connector area for pink residue.
- Check OBD readiness; a recently cleared code is a price problem.
Buyer note
This is not an engine-failure fault, but it is common enough on Dynamic Force cars that a cleared warning should reduce the price.
Owner note
Replace the failed valve before chasing every secondary warning. One coolant-valve fault can trigger several dashboard systems.
Fault 7
V6 fuel delivery pipe / hose connection recall
Affects
Certain 2018 Camry V6 2GR-FKS under NHTSA 18V108.
Symptoms
Fuel smell, seepage in engine bay, rough running, active recall.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 250-900 hose/pipe work outside recall.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-trim codes possible but smell/visual recall check matters more.
Root cause: Fuel delivery pipes may not be properly connected to fuel hoses in the engine compartment.
Quick check
- Confirm V6 engine and VIN-check 18V108.
- Smell the engine bay before start and after heat soak.
- Inspect for fuel staining or replaced clamps.
- Walk away from any petrol smell.
Buyer note
The V6 is desirable, but a fuel smell on a 2018 is a hard stop until the recall record and leak test are clean.
Owner note
After recall work, keep the invoice and monitor for fuel smell after hot parking, not just at cold start.
Fault 8
Occupant Classification System passenger-airbag recall
Affects
Certain 2019 Camry plus 2020-2022 Camry/Camry Hybrid under OCS recall campaigns.
Symptoms
Passenger airbag indicator wrong, SRS light, active recall.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 500-1,400 OCS/seat sensor repair outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/OCS module codes; generic OBD will miss them.
Root cause: OCS sensor/calibration fault can prevent passenger frontal/knee airbag deployment.
Quick check
- VIN-check 2019-2022 cars for OCS recall.
- Sit an adult passenger in the seat and watch indicator logic.
- Confirm SRS light proves out and clears.
- Reject seat wiring modifications or heavy aftermarket seat covers.
Buyer note
A Camry with an airbag light is not a clean family sedan. Fix campaign status before money changes hands.
Owner note
Do not modify passenger-seat wiring. OCS repairs are safety-critical and easy to complicate with accessories.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Toyota VIN recall printout covering fuel pump, brake vacuum pump, piston, engine casting, OCS, and V6 fuel pipe where applicable.
- Invoices for 8-speed calibration/transaxle work on 2018 cars.
- Coolant-system repair invoices for any P26xx or coolant-loss history.
- Hybrid battery/fan service records for hybrid cars.
Walk around
- Inspect coolant level cold and look for dried pink residue.
- Smell fuel around V6 engine bay before and after road test.
- Check tyre matching on AWD cars.
- Look for accident repair around radar, camera, and passenger seat wiring.
In the car
- Verify SRS/passenger-airbag indicators behave correctly.
- Test heater output once warm.
- Check for Engine Maintenance Required, brake, PCS, LTA, or hybrid warnings.
Test drive
- Cold D/R engagement and low-gear 8-speed shifts.
- Repeated braking for consistent assist.
- Hot restart after fuel-pump and coolant checks.
- ADAS warning check on a normal road with sensors clean.
Scan tool
- Toyota-capable scan of ECM, TCM, brake, SRS/OCS, hybrid, and ADAS modules.
- Look for P26xx, misfire, fuel-pressure, and cleared readiness monitors.
- Read calibration IDs on 2018 8-speed cars.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2021-2024 hybrid first, or a late 2.5 petrol if recall history and coolant-valve scan are clean. A V6 is worth it only when fuel-delivery campaign status and maintenance are boring.
Avoid: Avoid unresolved brake-assist recalls, 2020 2.5 cars with coolant loss, 2018 cars with messy first-year recall history, and any XV70 where warning lights were recently cleared before sale.
Quick answers
Toyota Camry buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Toyota Camry 2018-2024 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Denso low-pressure fuel pump stall recall; Brake vacuum pump assist-loss recall; 2018 A25A piston oversize engine-stall recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Toyota Camry years are the best to buy?
2021-2024 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2021-2024 hybrid first, or a late 2.5 petrol if recall history and coolant-valve scan are clean. A V6 is worth it only when fuel-delivery campaign status and maintenance are boring.
Which Toyota Camry should I avoid?
Avoid unresolved brake-assist recalls, 2020 2.5 cars with coolant loss, 2018 cars with messy first-year recall history, and any XV70 where warning lights were recently cleared before sale.
Is the Toyota Camry 2018-2024 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 3.6/10 (avoid unless inspected). 5 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: denso low-pressure fuel pump stall recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Toyota Camry guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- NHTSA Camry recall API 2018
- NHTSA Camry recall API 2019
- NHTSA Camry recall API 2020
- NHTSA Camry recall API 2022
- Toyota T-SB-0010-18
- Toyota T-SB-0010-18 Rev
- Car and Driver engine casting recall
- RepairPal 20V064
- Toyota Camry A25A cooling manual
- Toyota Kuwait 2024 Camry catalogue
- Cars.com 2018 Camry recalls
- NHTSA recall lookup
- CarComplaints 20V064 summary
- TSBSearch T-SB-0010-18 summary
- Reddit Camry P26AD/P26xx owner reports
- Reddit Camry coolant bypass valve discussion
- NHTSA owner notification RCMN-18V108-7217
- Cars.com Toyota Camry recalls