Is it expensive to fix a Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry is a popular and reliable mid-size sedan, but like any vehicle, it may require repairs and maintenance over time. The cost of fixing a Toyota Camry can vary depending on the specific issue, the parts needed, and the labor required. In general, however, the Camry is considered a relatively affordable car to maintain and repair.

Common Repair Costs for a Toyota Camry

Some of the most common repair costs for a Toyota Camry include:

• Brakes: Replacing brake pads and rotors can cost between $300 and $500, depending on the parts and labor required.


• Oil changes: Routine oil changes for a Camry typically cost between $30 and $100, depending on the type of oil used and the mechanic's labor rate.


• Tires: Replacing all four tires on a Camry can cost between $400 and $800, depending on the quality of the tires and the local market prices.


• Transmission repairs: More significant transmission issues can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 to repair or replace the transmission.


• Engine repairs: Major engine problems, such as a blown head gasket or a failed timing belt, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 to repair.

It's important to note that these are just general estimates, and the actual cost of repairing a Toyota Camry can vary depending on the specific issue, the parts needed, and the labor rates in your local area.

Factors That Affect Repair Costs

Several factors can influence the cost of repairing a Toyota Camry, including:

• Age and mileage of the vehicle: Older Camrys with higher mileage may require more extensive repairs, which can be more expensive.


• Location and labor rates: Repair costs can vary significantly based on the geographic location and the labor rates of the mechanic or repair shop.


• Availability of parts: If a specific part is in high demand or difficult to find, the cost of the repair may be higher.


• Complexity of the repair: More complex repairs, such as engine or transmission issues, tend to be more expensive than simpler repairs like replacing a tire or changing the oil.

By understanding these factors, you can better estimate the cost of repairing your Toyota Camry and plan accordingly.

Are Toyota Camrys easy to fix?

Yes, Toyota Camrys are generally considered easy to work on, especially the four-cylinder models, because of their simple, reliable design and readily available parts. However, V6 models can be more challenging for certain repairs that require removing the intake manifold for access to components like spark plugs and coils. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and maintenance of the 8th generation Toyota Camry: 57sNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Reasons they are easy to work on

• Simple design: The mechanical layout is often described as straightforward, with parts that are easy to access and remove. 
• Parts availability: Due to the Camry's popularity, both original (OEM) and aftermarket parts are widely available and often reasonably priced. 
• Common maintenance: Basic tasks like oil changes, air filter replacement, and some emissions equipment work are usually easy to perform at home. 
• Four-cylinder models: These are particularly easy to work on due to simpler engine layouts that don't require extensive disassembly for many common repairs. 

Potential challenges

• V6 models: Certain repairs, such as replacing spark plugs or the alternator on some V6 engines, can be more difficult and time-consuming because they may require removing the intake manifold.
• Specific components: While the engine itself is robust, certain components like the water pump or timing cover seals on the V6 can present more difficult repairs. 

What you can do at home

• Basic maintenance: You can likely handle tasks like oil changes, adding fluids, and basic cleaning yourself. 
• Get a manual: Picking up a Haynes Manual for your specific generation can provide step-by-step instructions for many common DIY repairs. 
• Use quality parts: Because so many parts are available, be sure to use high-quality parts to ensure longevity and avoid future problems. 

What car has the highest repair cost?

The most expensive cars to repair typically include high-end European brands like Porsche, BMW, and Land Rover, due to their complex parts, specialized technology, and higher labor costs. Specific models like the Tesla Model S, Porsche 911, and various high-performance or luxury SUVs and trucks from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ram, and Ford are also frequently cited as being costly to repair. 
Luxury and high-performance brands

• Porsche: Frequently cited as having the highest repair and maintenance costs, with an average 10-year cost exceeding $22,000. 
• BMW: Often comes in second, with the 10-year maintenance cost for models like the 328i averaging around $17,800. Repair costs for BMWs tend to rise significantly after seven years. 
• Land Rover: Has a reputation for high maintenance costs, with some sources placing its 10-year cost as the highest of any brand. 
• Mercedes-Benz: Also consistently ranks among the most expensive to maintain, with costs rising sharply after the first few years. 
• Jaguar: Ranks high on lists for expensive maintenance, with a high chance of needing serious repairs after about eight years. 

Specific models and other expensive vehicles

• Tesla Model S: Considered one of the most expensive to repair after an accident due to its unique and complex electric components. 
• Porsche 911: A high-performance luxury sports car with specialized parts that drive up repair costs. 
• Luxury SUVs: Models like the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are expensive to maintain due to their features and components. 
• Heavy-duty trucks: Despite being less luxurious, vehicles like the Ram 2500 and Ford Super Duty series appear on lists for expensive maintenance due to the high cost of repairs for their complex components. 

Are Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?

A Toyota Camry will cost about $4,581 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $1,165. There is also a 12.28% chance that a Camry will require a major repair during that time. This is 4.41% better than similar vehicles in this segment.

Which Camry to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
 
Specific model years to avoid and why

• 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously. 
• 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating. 
• 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting. 

What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.