Is 2015 a good year for a Toyota Camry?
Yes. The 2015 Toyota Camry is generally regarded as a solid used choice in the midsize sedan segment, offering reliability, reasonable fuel economy, and strong resale value.
Why 2015 stands out in the Camry lineup
The 2015 Camry sits within Toyota’s well-regarded sixth generation (2012–2017). It benefits from proven reliability, a comfortable ride, and practical features that appeal to daily drivers and families alike. While not the flashiest option in its class, it emphasizes durability and low ownership costs, which has helped maintain its popularity on the used-car market.
Reliability and ownership costs
Industry reviewers and ownership surveys consistently rate the Camry highly for reliability. Maintenance costs stay reasonable for a midsize sedan, with easy access to parts and a wide network of service centers. A major factor for long-term ownership is the model’s track record for durability, which supports strong resale value even after several years on the road.
Performance and fuel economy
Most 2015 Camrys were equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 offered in higher trims. Four-cylinder models generally deliver solid efficiency, roughly in the mid-20s to mid-30s miles per gallon depending on configuration and driving habits, while the V6 prioritizes performance over efficiency. The driving experience is typically smooth and comfortable, suitable for long commutes and highway cruising.
Safety and technology
In safety tests, the 2015 Camry earned favorable results from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting a strong overall safety package for its class. Standard features typically included a rearview camera, with additional driver-assistance options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims. Infotainment systems were practical for their era, though some buyers found them less intuitive than newer setups.
What to look for when buying a 2015 Camry
Before shopping for a used 2015 Camry, consider the following factors to verify the car’s condition and history.
- Recall history: Confirm all recalls, especially Takata airbag recalls common to vehicles from that period, have been addressed by the previous owner or dealer.
- Maintenance records: Look for regular oil changes and service visits. Since the Camry uses a timing chain, there’s no timing belt replacement, but overall service history is still important.
- Engine condition: For the 2.5L engine, check for smooth startup, steady idle, and no unusual oil consumption or exhaust smoke. For the V6, listen for even power delivery and absence of hesitation or knocking.
- Transmission behavior: Ensure shifts are smooth with no slipping or clunking, particularly in models with the traditional automatic transmission common to the era.
- Brakes and suspension: Inspect brake pad wear and rotor condition, and listen for any unusual noises when driving over bumps which could indicate suspension wear.
- Electrical systems: Test the infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and charging ports to ensure reliability.
- Vehicle history report: Check for accidents, title issues, odometer discrepancies, and previous ownership history.
Before you start shopping, review these common checks and potential issues to verify in a used 2015 Camry.
In summary, a well-maintained 2015 Camry with a clean history should remain a reliable and economical choice among used midsize sedans. The key is a thorough inspection and verification of recall repairs and maintenance records.
Summary
The 2015 Camry stands as a practical, dependable option in the used-car market. Its reputation for reliability, solid safety scores, and reasonable ownership costs make it a compelling pick—provided you verify recall work, service history, and overall condition through a professional pre-purchase inspection and test drive.
How long will a 2015 Toyota Camry last?
A 2015 Toyota Camry can last anywhere from 200,000 to over 300,000 miles, and in some cases, even 500,000 miles, with proper maintenance. The key factors for achieving this longevity are consistent and timely maintenance, such as regular oil and fluid changes, along with careful driving habits.
Factors for achieving long life
- Regular maintenance: Follow the factory-recommended maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes (every 5,000 miles is a good general rule) and other fluid changes.
- Transmission fluid: While Toyota does not recommend changing it for the life of the transmission, replacing the fluid every 60,000 miles is a good preventative measure that can extend its life.
- Addressing issues quickly: Don't ignore small problems. Fixing minor issues as they arise can prevent them from becoming major, costly repairs down the road.
- Driving habits: Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration.
- Using quality parts: When parts need replacement, opt for high-quality parts to ensure they last.
- Don't let it sit: Japanese cars are built to be driven. Driving the car regularly helps keep seals moist and prevents premature wear.
What to expect
- Major components: With proper care, you can expect the original engine and transmission to last well beyond 200,000 miles.
- Common replacements: Parts like batteries (every 3-5 years), spark plugs (every 100,000 km), and alternators are likely to need replacement at some point, but with good maintenance, they can last a long time.
- Long-term reliability: The 2015 Camry has a strong reputation for reliability, and its longevity is a testament to its robust engineering.
What year of Toyota Camry should I stay away from?
The Toyota Camry years to avoid are primarily 2007–2011, due to excessive oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engine, and 2002, which had numerous complaints. Other years with significant reported issues include 2008 and 2009, as well as 2012-2014 for potential transmission problems and 2018-2019 for specific 8-speed automatic transmission and fuel system problems.
This video discusses the best and worst Toyota Camry years: 54scar PROblemsYouTube · May 22, 2025
2007–2011
- 4-cylinder engine: This generation is known for the 2AZ-FE engine, which has low-tension piston rings that can lead to excessive oil burning, especially at higher mileage.
- Melting dashboards: These models are also prone to dashboards that melt and become sticky in hot weather.
- Airbag system: Some 2010-2011 models had airbag failures, including unexpected deployment or failure to deploy in an accident.
Other problematic years
- 2002: This model year received a high number of complaints.
- 2008 and 2009: These years had a high number of complaints, with 2009 specifically mentioned for oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engine.
- 2012–2014: These models are associated with transmission torque converter issues.
- 2018–2019: These models may experience issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission's shifting and problems with the fuel system, including defective fuel pumps.
This video explains how to check for problems in a 2007 Toyota Camry: 18sYourCarAngelYouTube · Apr 14, 2024
Which years of Toyota Camry are most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Camry years include 2001, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2021. The 2013-2017 seventh-generation models are often cited as a highly reliable group, with particular praise for the 2014 model for its high quality and reliability scores from J.D. Power. The 2001 and 2005 models are also recognized for their durability, while newer years like the 2021 offer modern technology with strong reliability.
You can watch this video to learn about the most reliable Camry models: 59sCar ComfyYouTube · Jul 29, 2025
Specific model years and their strengths
- 2001: Praised for having very few recalls and strong reliability.
- 2005: A reliable and affordable choice, though it lacks newer technology.
- 2013: Noted for strong fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, benefiting from the resolution of earlier issues.
- 2014: Achieved a high J.D. Power dependability score and is considered a budget-friendly, reliable option.
- 2015: Scored very well in quality and reliability from J.D. Power and is part of the reliable 2012-2017 generation.
- 2021: A modern option with contemporary technology and high reliability ratings across major categories.
Generations to consider
- Seventh Generation (2012-2017): This generation is frequently recommended for its reliability, with low recall numbers and few major issues.
- Fourth Generation (1997-2001): Known for exceptional longevity, with owners reporting extremely high mileage on the original engines and transmissions.
- Fifth Generation (2002-2006): A great value on the used market, especially the 2006 model, for its reputation for lasting with basic maintenance.
What to avoid
- 2007-2009: These years are known for excessive oil consumption issues, which can lead to engine damage.
You can watch this video to learn about the worst Camry models to avoid: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · May 22, 2025
How reliable is a 2015 Toyota Camry?
The 2015 Toyota Camry is considered a highly reliable car, with excellent ratings from sources like U.S. News & World Report and RepairPal. It has a long life expectancy and is known for its durability, though it did have one NHTSA recall for a pre-collision system issue that required a software update. Owner reviews frequently highlight its dependability, with many owners reporting no major repairs over many miles.
You can watch this video for a review of the 2015 Toyota Camry: 59sDirect Auto OutletYouTube · May 2, 2025
Reliability ratings and owner feedback
- Excellent ratings: The 2015 Camry received a five-out-of-five reliability rating from U.S. News & World Report and J.D. Power. It is also highly recommended by drivers on sites like Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book.
- Long lifespan: With proper maintenance, these cars are expected to last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles.
- Owner experiences: Many owners report very few issues, with some having owned the vehicle for years without major repairs, including on the brakes.
Recalls and common issues
- One NHTSA recall: The only recall was for a software update to fix a potential issue with the pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control.
- Infrequent issues: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system freezing and various electronic components not working correctly, but these are not widespread problems related to core mechanical functions.
Hybrid models
- The 2015 Camry Hybrid models are also considered very reliable, with owners reporting excellent fuel economy and few repair needs.
- Some minor maintenance is required for the hybrid system, such as cleaning the high-voltage battery fan filter.
This video explains the maintenance requirements for the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 55sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 9, 2020
