The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize family sedan that debuted for 2007.
It offers high fuel efficiency, a smooth and quiet ride, and class-leading reliability.
In this article, we’ll uncover the best and worst model years of the Camry Hybrid.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Toyota Camry Hybrid Are:
The best Toyota Camry Hybrid model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2010. The worst model years of the Camry Hybrid are 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2018. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA stats, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Toyota Camry Hybrid?
2023 and 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2023 and 2022 Camry Hybrid model years are compelling choices offering solid build quality and impressive safety tech and ratings.
New for these model years is the introduction of the SE Nightshade variant and a few minor tweaks to the other trims.
There are a total of 5 trims to choose from: LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, and XSE.
When purchased brand new, pricing ranges from about $30,000 to $35,000.
The most popular version is the entry-level LE trim, priced at $29,450.
We recommend this trim to the practical car owner, looking for just the necessities and extremely good fuel economy.
According to EPA estimates, these models can reach 52 MPG for combined driving, 51 MPG for city driving, and 53 MPG for highway driving.
2023 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
2022 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
2023 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“I picked my Camry up a few weeks ago and have no regrets. It was bare bones, so nothing fancy. Having said that, I can live without all the bells and whistles. I’ve never had them in previous cars, so it’s hard to miss something you never had. Fuel economy(high 40s to mid 50s) triples what I had in my previous daily driver, plus I switch back to unleaded from premium, so I’m loving the savings…”
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2021 Camry Hybrid is an excellent choice, it is part of the eighth-generation that was introduced for 2018 and it received a number of notable updates.
These updates include updated exterior and interior styling, the introduction of the sporty XSE variant, a bigger optional touchscreen infotainment system, and enhanced standard driving assistance technologies.
Our favorite safety features are Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar.
This model also received a perfect 5-star collision rating from NHTSA.
Owners have praised the following aspects of this hybrid car: comfort, ride quality, fuel efficiency, handling, steering, driving experience, and technology.
According to EPA estimates, owners can expect around 51 to 53 MPG in various driving scenarios.
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2021 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“This is the second Camry Hybrid I have owned and I cannot say enough good about it. The ride is extremely soft and bumps are virtually nonexistent. The CVT transmission removes all the noise of the shifting gears of other models. The interior insulation (including the windows) remove almost all exterior noise from outside including traffic right next to you. The only negative on this XLE is it has no remote start…”
2020 and 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2020 and 2019 Camry Hybrid models are the successors to the 2018 model year, which marked the debut of the eighth Camry generation.
New for these model years are the integration of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.
These vehicles offer great fuel economy, strong acceleration, a comfortable and spacious interior, as well as impressive cargo space with lots of compartments.
Based on owners’ reviews, these are the highlights of these models: fuel efficiency, interior, comfort, driving experience, quiet road noise, handling, steering, spaciousness, and safety.
There are 3 trims in the lineup: LE, SE, and XLE.
Regardless of variant, all models are front-wheel-drive with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that works with a battery and two electric motors (208 horsepower).
Both model years secured a perfect 5-star collision rating from NHTSA and are equipped with lots of standard safety tech.
2020 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
- JD Power: 81 / 100
2019 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
2020 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“This is my fourth Camry and first hybrid, 2020 Camry hybrid LE. Driven up to 1000 miles, consistently got an average of 52 MPG, at time achieving 61 MPG and with a full tank of gas getting up to 620 MPG or more. Drive in ECO mode not responsive but in regular mode drive well merging into highway traffic without issues…”
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2017 Camry Hybrid is the final iteration of the seventh-generation. End-of-generation models are typically the most reliable and this holds true for the 2017 Camry Hybrid which received a negligible amount of complaints according to NHTSA data.
This hybrid family sedan offers a spacious interior, commendable acceleration, good visibility, and user-friendly interior controls.
New for this particular model year is the Entune Audio Plus entertainment system and wireless smartphone charging. Automatic emergency braking was also added an an optional feature.
There are 3 trims to chose from: LE, SE, and XLE.
Owners praised the following aspects of this car: interior, seats, reliability, manufacturing quality, fuel efficiency, and safety.
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2017 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“Toyota has a long history of producing high quality hybrid vehicles. The Camry Hybrid is a really nice, upscale hybrid. The XLE trim level is hard to beat. Yes, the Honda Accord Hybrid has more bells and whistles on their equivalent model. But good luck getting it serviced properly if it has major malfunctions with the hybrid drive train or lane departure and assisted braking systems. The interior of the Camry Hybrid XLE is extremely nice, especially the heated leather seats.”
2016 and 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Both models are comfortable, spacious, possess strong acceleration, and have intuitive tech features. In true Toyota fashion, both models have proven to be extremely reliable too.
A number of updates were introduced for 2015.
These include an all-new exterior styling package, improved handling, and a revised interior filled with better equipment and high-quality materials.
Both models also received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
There are 3 trims available: LE, SE, and XLE.
Each trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. It has been described as one of the most sophisticated and refined hybrid drivetrains of its kind.
2016 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: 85 / 100
2015 Camry Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: 85 / 100
2015 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“I’ve owned this car for 4 months now. I don’t have one bad thing to say about it. I commute 40 miles each day and I have driven the car to Colorado. The ride is very comfortable, handling is great and I enjoy all the technology. Yes you pay more for the hybrid but with an average of 41 mpg (combo highway and city driving commute), it’s worth it…”
2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2010 Camry Hybrid is a sixth-gen model (the only one on this list) that offers impressive fuel economy, minimal emissions, and a spacious interior.
Auto critics have praised the car’s cushy ride, energetic acceleration, and excellent crash test scores.
According to owners’ reviews, these are the highlights of this Camry Hybrid: fuel efficiency, interior, spaciousness, minimal road noise, comfort, appearance, value, and overall driving experience.
It comes equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The hybrid powertrain can run purely on electric power at low speeds and while coasting on the highway.
Add-on packages for 2010 include a navigation system, leather upholstery, moonroof installation, and a comfort and convenience package which adds several bells and whistles.
Heated outside mirrors and integrated front fog lamps may also be availed of to ensure great visibility.
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: 84 / 100
2010 Camry Hybrid, Edmunds review:
“The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid is worth the money. It has excellent mileage, runs smoothly, and has sufficient power. The leather seats are a little rigid. Overall, this car provides excellent value for the money.”
Consumer Scores For Best Toyota Camry Hybrid Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.4 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.3 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.2 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.3 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 81 / 100 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.3 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.4 / 5.0 | NA | 85 / 100 |
| 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.5 / 5.0 | NA | 85 / 100 |
| 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4.9 / 5.0 | NA | 84 / 100 |
Related: How Long Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Are The Worst Years For The Toyota Camry Hybrid?
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2007 Camry Hybrid, labeled “Beware of the Clunker” by CarComplaints.com, is statistically the most problematic model year ever produced. It was also the first model released, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise it had its share of teething issues.
The most common problems experienced by owners were brake actuators failing and power issues with repair costs in the region of $3000.
Numerous owners reported that they had difficulty braking and that various warning lights would illuminate on the dash – notoriously the ‘check vsc system’ message.
Here’s what owners had to say:
“While driving down a busy city street the ‘check vsc system’ message suddenly appeared along with many other warning lights on the dash and a warning sound. Braking and steering became very difficult. Luckily, I was able to pull over into a parking lot and get out of traffic.”
“While driving my 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicle on a city street in traffic, the ‘check vsc system’ warning came on. All dash lights including ‘brakes’ came on and vehicle became difficult to stop. There was no power assisted braking. Brake pedal was hard to engage and when vehicle came to a stop, there was a single “knock or bang” sound.”
“Driving at 40 mph, check vsc system, brake, traction , warning lights came on simultaneously, vehicle experienced immediate loss of brakes and power steering. Needed to use emergency braking and down shift to bring car to complete stop.”
Excessive oil consumption was another reported issue, this was also prevalent on the non-hybrid 2007 Camry’s.
Essentially, the 2007 Camry should be avoided.
The 2007 Camry Hybrid had a total of 869 complaints according to NHTSA and 96 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Brake actuator failure
- Unintended acceleration
- VSC light is on
- Electric steering rack and pinion defect
- Excessive oil consumption
- Rodents chewed wiring
- Peeling paint
2008 and 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2008 and 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrids shared many of the same issues as the 2007 model albeit with considerably fewer reported complaints.
Again, the most common problem was failure of the ABS brake actuator – a hydraulic device that communicates with the ECU to control the brakes under emergency situations.
Numerous owners reported a complete loss of braking ability and all the vehicle’s warning indicators illuminated.
Another common problem was that the dashboard would melt.
Here’s what one owner had to say:
“Dashboard melts in the sun creating a sticky shiny surface that reflects onto the windshield and inhibits visibility. I cannot see out of the car during the day anymore due to the reflection.”
A large number of complaints were filed against the 2008 and 2009 Camrys because the sun visor on the driver’s side would break easily, as the complaint below describes:
“I drive a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid – bought the car based on Toyota’s reputation of quality. Recently, I had a problem I had not expected to see. The passenger side sun visor broke – the internal mechanism does not function properly and rather than have it dangle all the time (since it wont stand up) I opted to simply remove it.”
- The 2008 Camry Hybrid had a total of 213 complaints according to NHTSA and 39 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2009 Camry Hybrid had a total of 158 complaints according to NHTSA and 47 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Brake actuator failure
- Stopped running
- Unintended acceleration
- Dashboard melts
- VSC light is on
- Electric steering rack and pinion defect
- Rodents chewed wiring
- Peeling paint
- Broken sun visor
2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Camry Hybrid’s are not clunkers by any means, however they received a higher-than-average number of complaints for what is usually a highly reliable vehicle.
The most common issue that each of these models shared was related to the brakes.
Owners reported that despite depressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not slow.
Here’s what they had to say:
“After coming to a complete stop at a dry and level intersection,with my foot still on the brake pedal, I felt the brake pedal loosen up and the car started to roll forward. The car came to a stop after I pushed very hard on the pedal. It happened 3 times in a single day.”
“I was driving to work in my 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid le. It was early morning rush hour traffic. Roads were wet. Traffic was stop and go. I was probably going about 20 mph when vehicle in front of me stopped. I applied my brakes but my vehicle did not stop. I hit rear of vehicle in front of me. I did not feel my brakes engage.”
In many cases, these issues were traced back to a failed brake booster.
- The 2011 Camry Hybrid had a total of 27 complaints according to NHTSA and 4 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2012 Camry Hybrid had a total of 70 complaints according to NHTSA and 23 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2013 Camry Hybrid had a total of 35 complaints according to NHTSA and 7 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
- The 2014 Camry Hybrid had a total of 31 complaints according to NHTSA and 14 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- ABS light is on
- Inaccurate navigation system
- Hydraulic sound when brake is depressed
- Paint chipping
- Leaking transaxle seal
- Premature rusting
- Mold smell from air conditioning vents
- Check hybrid light on
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2018 Camry Hybrid marked the start of the 8th Generation. It was by no means highly problematic, however it received more complaints than usual.
The most common issue reported were brakes grabbing and excessive brake force despite only applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Here is what owners had to say:
“Brakes periodically grab severely when first driving the car. Usual occurrence is when first backing from a garage or parking space and trying to ease the brake pedal. Brakes grab and prevent slowing the car smoothly. After driving for a dozen or so yards, the problem doesn’t reoccur–until it is again parked for some time…”
“Brakes on Toyota Camry Hybrid 2018 models grab abruptly when gentle pressure is applied on brake pedal. The brakes cannot be smoothly controlled.”
“Vehicle brakes are best described as grabby at low speeds.”
The 2018 Camry Hybrid had a total of 35 complaints according to NHTSA and 15 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Common problems:
- Brakes grabbing
- Did not accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal
- Paint missing
Related: 21 Best & Worst Toyota Camry Years (With Facts & Stats)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 0 | – | 0 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 1 | – | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 1 | 19 | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 15 | 35 | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4 | 6 | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 6 | 17 | 0 |
| 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 14 | 31 | 1 |
| 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 7 | 35 | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 23 | 70 | 1 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 4 | 27 | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 3 | 13 | 2 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 47 | 158 | 4 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 39 | 213 | 2 |
| 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid | 96 | 869 | 3 |
What Problems Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Have?
- Gas intake leak
- Did not accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal
- Paint missing
- ABS light is on
- Struts leaking
- Excessive oil consumption
- Inaccurate navigation system
- Hydraulic sound when brake is depressed
- Paint chipping
- Leaking transaxle seal
- Premature rusting
- Mold smell from air conditioning vents
- Check hybrid light on
- Sunroof exploded
- Brake actuator failure
- Stopped running
- Unintended acceleration
- VSC light is on
- Electric steering rack and pinion defect
- Rodents chewed wiring
Related: 11 Common Toyota Camry Hybrid Problems (Explained)
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Toyota Camry Hybrid?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | 8.6 | $31,895 – $37,890 | City: 46 – 51 /Highway: 41 – 44 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | 8.6 | $27,950 – $36,250 | City: 45 – 50 /Highway: 51 – 54 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 8.5 | $28,355 – $33,795 | City: 44 – 51 /Highway: 47 – 53 |
| Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | 8.3 | $24,400 – $29,000 | City: 49 – 53 /Highway: 52 – 56 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 8.1 | $32,350 – $39,170 | Electric: 133 /Gas: 54 |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 7.8 | $22,800 – $26,600 | City: 47 – 50 /Highway: 41 – 43 |
| Toyota Prius | 7.7 | $27,450 – $35,865 | City: 49 – 57 /Highway: 50 – 56 |
| Toyota Crown | 6.0 | $39,950 – $52,350 | City: 29 – 42 /Highway: 32 – 41 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 9 Hybrid Cars With the Most Ground Clearance (With Pics)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/camry-2023
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/camry-hybrid
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/camry-hybrid/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/toyota/camry
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Camry_Hybrid/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/toyota/camryhybrid/
https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-camry_hybrid/recalls/
