What are the common problems with Toyota Camry 2008?

The 2008 Camry’s most frequently reported issues center on transmission behavior, oil consumption, and wear in suspension and electrical components. With proper maintenance, many examples remain dependable, but potential buyers and owners should watch for these common faults as mileage climbs.

To understand the question in greater depth, this article summarizes the kinds of problems commonly documented by owners, service bulletins, and consumer guides for the 2008 Camry (the XV40 generation). It covers mechanical, electrical, and maintenance-related concerns, and it offers practical buying and maintenance tips for those considering or owning this model year.

Mechanical issues and wear

Below is a look at the mechanical problems most frequently cited by owners of the 2008 Camry. The list highlights symptoms to watch for and typical maintenance considerations.

• Automatic transmission performance problems — Some cars exhibit rough or delayed shifting, slipping, or hard shifts. These symptoms can appear at higher mileage and may require transmission service, valve body work, or, in some cases, replacement.


• Oil consumption on certain engines — A subset of Camrys with the 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engines has been reported to burn oil more quickly than expected, necessitating more frequent oil level checks and top-ups.


• Suspension and steering wear — Worn front struts, control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rods can cause clunking noises, poor alignment, or a wobbly feel in the steering.


• Brake wear and rotor issues — Premature pad/rotor wear or brake pulsation is occasionally reported, sometimes alongside ABS activation under normal braking conditions.


• Engine performance concerns — Misfires or rough idle linked to ignition coils or spark plugs, oxygen sensors, or related fuel-management components can trigger check-engine lights and perceived power loss.

Concluding note: If you own or are buying a 2008 Camry, monitor for transmission behavior, oil level and consumption, and signs of suspension or brake wear. Addressing these early can help maintain long-term reliability.

Electrical and interior issues

Electrical systems and interior components can present a mix of reliability questions. The items below are among the more commonly reported concerns in this model year.

• Electrical gremlins and sensor warnings — Dashboard warning lights (check engine, ABS, traction control) can come on due to sensor or wiring issues, sometimes requiring diagnostic work to pinpoint the fault.


• Power window and door lock problems — Regulator failure or switch faults can affect window movement or lock operation, especially in older units.


• Climate control and HVAC faults — A/C not cooling adequately, blower fan failure, or blend-door issues can occur, leading to unsatisfactory cabin comfort.


• Infotainment and audio system glitches — Radio, CD player, or display units may experience intermittent outages or non-responsive controls.


• Keyless entry and remote system quirks — Remotes or immobilizer systems can exhibit intermittent operation or failure to recognize the key fob.

Concluding note: Electrical and interior reliability can vary more from car to car than some mechanical issues. A thorough check of the electrical system and a test of HVAC, windows, and the infotainment unit can help identify latent problems before purchase or during maintenance.

Maintenance, recalls, and proactive checks

Understanding maintenance history and the recall landscape for the 2008 Camry helps frame a realistic ownership experience and cost expectations.

• Engine timing and chains — Both the 2.4L and 3.5L engines in the 2008 Camry use timing chains rather than belts, which reduces the risk of a belt-related failure but still requires regular oil changes and inspection to prevent wear-related issues with the chain guides and tensioners.


• Oil leaks and gasket concerns — Valve cover gaskets and related engine seals can develop oil leaks as the engine ages, particularly around high-mileage vehicles, necessitating gasket replacement or seal repairs.


• Cooling system and water pump considerations — Timely radiator and hose inspections, as well as monitoring for coolant leaks, help prevent overheating and related engine damage.


• Recalls and service campaigns — There have been various recalls affecting Camrys from this era (covering items such as airbags, braking-related components, and other safety-critical systems). It is important to check the vehicle’s VIN against a current recall database and have any active campaigns addressed by a Toyota dealer.


• Pre-purchase inspection tips — When buying used, prioritize verification of transmission behavior, oil consumption history, suspension wear, braking performance, and a comprehensive electrical system check. A certified mechanic can run a diagnostic scan for stored trouble codes and a road test can reveal transmission and suspension symptoms not evident at idle.

Concluding note: Regular maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are key to mitigating risk on a 2008 Camry. Verification of service records, along with a VIN-based recall check, provides a clearer picture of expected reliability and potential future costs.

Summary

The 2008 Toyota Camry is generally regarded as a solid, conventional sedan, but it carries a set of recurring issues that are important for buyers and owners to watch. Transmission behavior, oil consumption in some engines, and wear in suspension and brakes are among the most commonly reported mechanical concerns. Electrical and interior system faults, while less predictable, also appear from time to time. With attentive maintenance, careful pre-purchase checks, and attention to recalls, many cars of this year remain dependable transportation for the long term.

Are there any problems with a 2008 Camry?

Yes, a 2008 Camry has several known problems, most notably excessive oil consumption in four-cylinder models due to a piston ring defect, leading to potential engine damage. Other issues include potential transmission hesitation, power steering leaks, a faulty trunk latch, and suspension problems. 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the 2007-2011 Toyota Camry: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 15, 2024
Common 2008 Camry problems

• Excessive oil consumption: Four-cylinder models with the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine have a known issue with thin piston rings, causing excessive oil consumption and potential engine damage. This problem does not affect the V6 models. 
• Transmission problems: Automatic transmissions may hesitate when accelerating or may not shift correctly at higher mileages. 
• Power steering leaks: The power steering pump and hoses can develop leaks and may need to be replaced. 
• Valve cover gaskets: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets are also a reported issue. 
• Trunk latch: Some models have a faulty trunk latch that requires replacement. 
• Suspension issues: Common problems include worn shocks, struts, ball joints, and tie rods. 
• Uneven tire wear: Some owners report uneven tire wear, which can be related to other suspension or alignment problems. 

This video explains why some 2007-2011 Camrys are considered the worst: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 12, 2024

How many miles does a 2008 Toyota Camry last?

A 2008 Toyota Camry with proper maintenance can last for 250,000 to 300,000 miles, and many owners have reported reaching even higher mileages. Key factors influencing its life expectancy include regular oil changes, following the maintenance schedule, and avoiding aggressive driving habits.
 
Factors for longevity

• Maintenance: Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial, especially for oil changes and fluid flushes.
• Driving habits: Avoiding aggressive behaviors like speeding and rapid acceleration can significantly extend the vehicle's lifespan.
• Environmental factors: Cars in extreme climates may experience more wear and tear.
• Daily use: Keeping the car driven daily helps prevent seals from drying out. 

Common issues to watch for

• Some issues, like ignition coil failure, can start to occur after 100,000 miles on the 2008 model. 
• Hybrid models' battery life is typically rated for at least 300,000 kilometers. 

What to expect

• With consistent care, a 2008 Camry is expected to last well over 250,000 miles. 
• Some owners have reported their vehicles reaching or exceeding 400,000 miles. 
• The longevity depends on various factors, but its reputation for durability is well-established. 

What are the bad years for Toyota Camry?

The worst years for the Toyota Camry are generally considered to be 2007–2009 due to excessive oil consumption, melting dashboards, and transmission issues, particularly with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Other years to be cautious of include 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2020, which have also been cited for various problems like transmission and infotainment issues.
 
This video discusses the worst years for the Toyota Camry and the specific problems associated with them: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · May 22, 2025
Specific problematic years and issues

• 2007–2009: The most frequently cited bad years, especially for the four-cylinder models, due to: 
  • Excessive oil consumption: A flawed piston ring design led to owners needing to frequently add oil. 
  • Melting dashboards: A common issue across these years, often resulting from sun exposure. 
  • Transmission problems: Jerky shifting and delayed acceleration were reported. 
• 2010: Continued to have issues with excessive oil consumption and also had reports of rear windows shattering spontaneously. 
• 2012: Some models experienced HVAC system problems. 
• 2016: Had some reports of transmission shift delays. 
• 2018: Early models had issues with the transmission and infotainment system. 
• 2020: While it added standard Android Auto, it is still cited as a less reliable year compared to others. 

What to do when buying a used Camry

• Research the specific model year: Some years have more issues than others.
• Always get a pre-purchase inspection: A professional inspection can help identify any underlying problems, especially in problematic model years.
• Check the vehicle history report: This can provide information on any reported issues or recalls. 

Was 2008 a good year for Toyota Camry?

Yes, a 2008 Toyota Camry is generally considered a good car due to its long-term reliability, comfortable ride, and spacious interior, though its performance is not sporty. It's a strong choice for a dependable used car, especially if you find one that has been well-maintained, but it is susceptible to some common issues as it ages, particularly with the engine, transmission, and brakes.
 
Pros

• Reliability: The 2008 Camry is known for its dependability and can last for many miles with proper care. 
• Comfort and space: It offers a comfortable and roomy interior, making it a good family car. 
• Fuel efficiency: The four-cylinder and hybrid models provide good gas mileage, especially the hybrid version. 
• Good value: It is a practical and safe choice that typically holds its value well. 

Cons

• Uninspiring performance: It is not a sporty car and handling is not particularly engaging. 
• Common problems: Some models may have issues with warped brake rotors, transmission problems, or a blocked EGR system. 
• Idling issues: The four-cylinder engine may idle roughly. 
• Road noise: Some owners report that road noise can be noticeable. 

What to check
When buying a used 2008 Camry, be sure to inspect the brakes and check for any transmission issues, especially on higher mileage models. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify potential problems before you buy.