Skip to Content

How Long Do Toyota Camrys Last? 200k – 300k they’re unbreakable!

You don’t have to look far to find a Toyota Camry. Because of their extended service life, there are hundreds of thousands of these cars sold each year in the United States alone. These dependable cars have long been regarded as one of the most durable and reliable sedans on the market and have even been dubbed “unbreakable” by some. It is no secret that they last much longer than the average sedan, but just how long will a Toyota Camry last?  

Toyota Camry’s are one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, and drivers can expect them to last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.

Below we take a closer look at the Camry, its most reported problems, and the average cost of owning one of America’s most reliable vehicles.

Camry

What Is a Toyota Camry?

The Camry is a mid-sized sedan manufactured by Toyota and is the company’s second “world car.” Originally sold as a much narrower compact vehicle, the once boxy little car has grown into its wider-bodied style.

Although these vehicles will last forever when properly cared for, they were not the most exciting vehicle to drive and gained a reputation for being a “safe family car.” The Camry has always been a top choice among drivers, and with advancements in technology and design, we can guess that this car will remain a top choice for many years to come.

Are Toyota Camrys Reliable?

The Toyota Camry was given a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 by RepairPal, which places it as 3rd out of 24 in midsize cars. Additionally, they report that the probability of a Camry needing a major repair is 11%, which is less than the average 12% of other cars in its class.

You can find the reliability rating for specific years below.

YearRatingYearRating
2022 #1 Midsize Car84/1002015 #1 Midsize Car87/100
2021 #1 Midsize Car84/1002014 #1 Midsize Car89/100
2020 #3 in Midsize Car81/1002013 #1 Midsize Car81/100
2019 #2 Midsize Car83/1002012 #1 in Midsize Car86/100
2018 $2 Midsize Car83/1002011 #2 in Midsize Car85/100
2017 #2 in Midsize Car83/1002010 #1 in Midsize Car84/100
2016 #1 Midsize Car86/1002009 #1 in Midsize Car84/100
Source: J.D. Power

In addition to the years listed above, the Camry stays either #1 or #2 in midsize cars (with a rating of 84/100 or higher) throughout its older years as well. It’s uncommon to find a vehicle the remains consistent in its rating throughout the years as most of them have a generation or two that did not perform as well as the others. However, this does not seem to be the case with Camry.

Are Toyota Camrys Expensive to Maintain?

Even the most dependable cars cannot last forever, but one of the best ways to ensure you get the most life out of your car is to follow its maintenance schedule. Neglecting to do so will put the vehicle at a higher risk of needing major repairs in the future.

According to CAREDGE, a Camry will cost drivers an average of $4,203 to maintain throughout the first ten years of its life. This is $2,636 less than the average price to maintain other midsize sedans.

You can find a brief maintenance schedule along with the average price of replacement below. However, please remember to look at the full maintenance schedule to ensure your vehicle lasts as long as possible.

Repair/ReplacementMileage IntervalAverage Cost
Tire RotationTires should be rotated every 5,000 miles and inspected/replaced as needed between rotations.Cost: $35 – $44
Parts: N/A
Oil ChangeThis should be done within the first 10,000 miles and every 3,000 to 7,500 miles after that.Cost: $117 – $131 Parts: $66 – $68
Cabin Air FilterThis should be done every 10,000 miles.Cost: $70 – $98
Parts: $29 – $47
Engine Air FilterThis should be done every 30,000 miles.Cost: $48 – $61
Parts: $20 – $25
Spark Plug ReplacementThis should be done within the first 60,000 miles and replaced as needed every 60,000 miles after that.Cost: $110 – $147 Parts: $42 – $61
Coolant FlushThis should be done every 30,000 miles or every two years.Cost: $77 – $97
Parts: N/A
Brake BleedThese should be inspected every six months and changed as needed. Fluid should be flushed every 60,000 miles.Cost: $105 – $133 Parts: N/A
Source: RepairPal

In addition to replacing certain parts, you should conduct routine inspections of your vehicle. Below you can find a list of what should be inspected during each interval.

Toyota Showrooms

Every 5,000 Miles (about six months)

Your vehicles’ first inspection should be done within the first 5,000 miles and the list of things below should be inspected after every 5,000 miles you drive.

  • Fluid levels
  • Wiper Blades
  • Brake linings/drums
  • Brake pads/discs

Every 10,000 Miles (about 12 months)

In addition to the list above, the following things should be done at every other 5,000-mile inspection.

  • Replace cabin air filter
  • Replace engine oil and filter

Every 15,000 Miles (about 18 months)

At this point, you’ll start to notice a more in-depth inspection is needed. In addition to the above things, the following list of things should be inspected every 15,000 miles.

  • Ball joints and dust covers
  • Brake lines
  • Brake hoses
  • Engine coolant
  • Steering gear, linkage, and boots

Every 30,000 Miles (about 36 months)

Some things to inspect every three years include:

  • Transmission cooler hose and connection
  • Leaking transmission
  • Leaking fuel lines
  • Fuel tank band

What Are the Most Common Problems with A Toyota Camry?

You could have the best car in the world, but at some point, it is going to need repairs. When deciding on which vehicle to buy, you should consider the average cost of repairs. The Toyota Camry is one of the least expensive vehicles in terms of repair costs and parts.

Below you will find a list of the repairs which are most reported by Camry drivers as well as the average price to have those repairs done.

RepairMileage and Model YearsCost
Automatic Transmission HesitatingAverage Miles: 85,097 23 Model years affected between 1990 and 2013.There are software updates that may be able to correct the problem in newer vehicles and certain part replacements may fix the problem in older vehicles.
Failed Oxygen SensorAverage Miles: 123,520 20 Model years affected between 1990 and 2010.Oxygen Sensor Replacement: $373 – $434 Diagnostic test: $88 – $111
Automatic Transmission Shifting ProblemsAverage Miles: 174,754 24 Model years affected between 1990 and 2014.  Throttle Position Sensor Replacement: $132 – $187 Parts: $88 – $131
Power Steering Leak From Pump or HoseAverage Miles: 134,750 22 Model years affected between 1990 and 2012.Power Steering Pum Replacement: $397 – $662 Power Steering Hose Replacement: $724 – $754
Valve Cover Gasket LeakAverage Miles: 145,695 22 Model years affected between 1990 and 2012.Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: $154 – $186
Motor Mount WearAverage Miles: 162,386 21 Model years affected between 1990 and 2011.Engine Mount Replacement: $292 – $350
Steering Rack and Pinion LeakAverage Miles: 108,996 16 Model years affected between 1995 and 2011.Rack and Pinion Replacement: $1,401 – $1,807 Parts: $774 – $1,084
Source: RepairPal

Do Toyota Camrys Rust Easily?

According to users on various forms, the Camry does have certain generations that were more prone to rust than others. Although many of the newer Camrys have been designed to tackle the problem, some older models began rusting as soon as five years after purchase.

According to Camry owners, the areas most susceptible to rust are:

  • The wheels
  • The trunk area
  • The trunk lid
  • The fenders
  • The exhaust
  • The hood
  • The bumper area
  • The wheel well

You may find the following posts helpful:

Should I buy a used Camry?

Should I buy a used Toyota?

Should I buy a used RAV4 hybrid?

Should I buy a Camry or RAV4?

Are Toyota parts expensive?

Should I buy a used Honda CRV?