Research · Midsize Cars

2008 Toyota CamryRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 1,178 owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Camry. Most complaints involve visibility (210) and structure (186). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Jun 2016
Owner complaints
1,178
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

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 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

SeatsReported Jun 2, 2016NHTSA 16V396000

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

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 affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

SeatsReported Nov 19, 2014NHTSA 14V743000

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Free remedy

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 precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

VisibilityReported Oct 10, 2012NHTSA 12V491000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 26, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,178 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2007 – Aug 2026
  1. Visibility210
  2. Structure186
  3. Vehicle speed control169
  4. Engine144
  5. Visibility/wiper120
  6. Service brakes117
  7. Electrical system55
  8. Air bags53
  9. Power train46

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Camry model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996421
1997558
1998610
1999590
2000530
2001330
20021,039
2003818
2004799
2005721
2006435
20073,616
20081,178
20091,412
2010614
2011624
2012645
2013301
2014480
2015271
2016189
2017148
2018754
2019400
2020275
2021158
202265
202365
202452
Crashes reported
109
Fires reported
17
Injuries reported
71
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 26, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility

210 reports3 crashes1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V491000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AND OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2020Visibility, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11373470

Structure

186 reports8 crashes1 fire
“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 approximately two years later. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, a sticky film on the dashboard created a glare, obstructing the driver's vision of the driver. On one occasion, while attempting to lower the sun visor, the contact’s left arm got stuck on the dashboard, and force was needed to remove the arm from the dashboard. The contact’s arm was burning after being removed from the dashboard, and there were marks on the left arm. The contact used burn ointment on the arm, but no medical attention was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026StructureODI 11749929

Vehicle speed control

169 reports50 crashes2 fires
“CAR LURCHES FORWARD AFTER TOUCHING AN ICE PATCH AND SCARILY WANTS TO SPEED AHEAD. EVEN IN MY DRIVEWAY, IT SUDDENLY BEGINS TO SPEED FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN IT MERELY TOUCHES A SHEET OF ICE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE PEDESTRIANS BECAUSE THE CAR SUDDENLY SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL. MY SOLUTION IS TO GO AS SLOWLY AS POSSIBLE UNTIL I AM ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER ON A NONICY DAY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2020Vehicle speed control, WheelsODI 11384570
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 26, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Compact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl · 3.3L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd · Manual 5-spd · Automatic (S5) · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 26, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Camry
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550355
Camry
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550355
Camry Solara
Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550355
Camry Solara
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550355
Camry
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,900404
Camry Solara
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$3,050423
Camry Solara Convertible
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050423
  • Camry
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Camry
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Camry Solara
    Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Camry Solara
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Camry
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 28 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Camry Solara
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Camry Solara Convertible
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 26, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Toyota Camry as of Oct 26, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 26, 2026Vehicle 2496
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 Camry questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Camry have?

8 safety recalls as of Oct 26, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Toyota Camry problems?

Owners filed 1,178 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (210), structure (186), vehicle speed control (169). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Toyota Camry get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Toyota Camry at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 26, 2026