2018-2024 Toyota Camry: Reliability Guide

Reliability Guide for 2018-2024 Toyota Camry

Data snapshot and what it means

• NHTSA data (as provided): 1 owner complaint for 2018-2024 Camry era
  • Complaint #1: Year 2019; Component: engine; Mileage 39,801 miles; OBD Code P0442; Description: Check engine light with code P0442. Intermittent engine malfunction during highway driving. Dealer unable to diagnose root cause after multiple visits.
• Official recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database for this make/model (as per the data provided).
• Data limitations: Only one complaint is available in this dataset. A single data point cannot establish overall reliability or defect frequency for the entire 2018-2024 Camry lineup. No recall data means there are no recorded recalls in the supplied dataset, but this does not guarantee there are zero recalls in other databases or timeframes.

What the single observed issue suggests (contextual, not a broad claim)

• The complaint centers on P0442, which is a small EVAP (evaporative emission control system) leak code. It triggered a check engine light and was reportedly intermittent, with difficulty diagnosing the root cause.
• EVAP system issues are common in many modern vehicles and can involve gas caps, hoses, valves, purge solenoids, leaks in the charcoal canister, or related fittings. Intermittent symptoms can be challenging to pin down, especially at highway speeds where temperature and pressure conditions change rapidly.
• With only one complaint in the provided data, we cannot conclude a widespread Camry reliability problem in this model year range. Still, the P0442 code is a well-known category of emissions-related faults that many Camry owners encounter from time to time, independent of model year.

General reliability expectations for the Camry (practical, owner-focused view)

• The Camry has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. Commonly reported strengths include drivetrain longevity, solid highway manners, and generally low maintenance costs compared with many peers.
• The main reliability considerations for the 2018-2024 Camry typically revolve around:
  • Engine and fuel system health (including EVAP-related issues like P0442, P0455, or related codes)
  • Transmission behavior (shifting smoothness is usually good; occasional reports of late shifts or harshness in some trims, usually addressed by software updates or fluid/service items)
  • Electrical/electronic systems (infotainment, sensor changes, and accessory power management)
  • Suspension and brakes (generally durable, with standard wear items dominating maintenance costs)
• The lack of recalls in the provided data is encouraging, but it does not eliminate the possibility of non-recalled or model-year-specific issues that owners report through other channels.

Practical steps for Camry owners: diagnosing and addressing P0442 and similar EVAP codes

Quick checks on your own

• Gas cap: Ensure it is the correct cap for your vehicle, hand-tighten until it clicks (usually 3 clicks). A loose, cracked, or defective cap is a very common cause of P0442.
• Fuel filler neck and surrounding area: Inspect for cracks, damage, or signs of leakage around the fuel door area.
• EVAP hoses visible under the hood or near the engine: Look for obvious cracks, disconnections, or signs of rubbing that could cause a small leak.

When to seek professional help

• If the CEL (check engine light) remains on or returns after a reset, a diagnostic scan is warranted to confirm P0442 and check for any related codes (e.g., P0440, P0441, P0442 variations, or P0455 for a larger leak).
• If the message persists after gas cap replacement and basic checks, a professional EVAP system diagnostic is advised. Shops may perform pressure/flow tests with the EVAP system sealed to identify tiny leaks.

Typical diagnostic pathway used by technicians

• Confirm the code(s) and record freeze frame data.
• Inspect the gas cap, seals, and connections; reseat or replace as needed.
• Pressure test the EVAP system and purge valve to locate leaks; spray-test or use electronic leak detectors.
• If a component is found faulty, replace the defective part (e.g., purge valve, canister, hoses, or a leak-detection pump) and re-test the system.
• In some cases, software updates to the engine control module (ECM/ECU) can address intermittent codes; manufacturers sometimes release TSBs (technical service bulletins) that guide these steps. Note: In the provided data, no recalls are listed, but that does not preclude the existence of TSBs in general; TSBs are not recalls and may be issued independently.

Driving patterns and symptom interpretation

• Intermittent EVAP codes can appear after refueling, during fast highway driving when the system experiences pressure and temperature changes, or after a throttle-down/acceleration cycle that alters venting dynamics.
• If symptoms are purely intermittent and do not affect drivability, a cautious approach is to monitor the vehicle and schedule a diagnostic if the MIL reappears or if fuel economy changes.

Cost considerations for 2025 (EVAP/engine-related repairs)
Note: Costs are approximate ranges typical for U.S. labor markets in 2025 and will vary by region, shop, and Camry trim. The figures assume standard labor rates and common parts for a Camry 2.5L or similar engine family.

• Gas cap replacement

  • Parts: $15–$60
  • Labor: $40–$100
  • Estimated total: $55–$160
  • Notes: If the current cap is damaged or incorrect, replacement often resolves small EVAP codes quickly.

• EVAP purge valve (solenoid) replacement

  • Parts: $40–$180
  • Labor: $60–$150
  • Estimated total: $100–$330
  • Notes: A common fix for P0442 when a valve is sticking or failing to vent properly.

• EVAP vent valve or canister-related components

  • Parts: $150–$500 (varies by component: vent valve, purge valve, canister, hoses)
  • Labor: $80–$200
  • Estimated total: $230–$700
  • Notes: Canister replacement is more involved and typically more expensive.

• EVAP canister (charcoal canister) replacement

  • Parts: $350–$900
  • Labor: $200–$500
  • Estimated total: $550–$1,400
  • Notes: More extensive and usually more costly; consider whether the leak is localized to a hose or connector first.

• Leak-detection pump or combined EVAP system repair

  • Parts: $100–$400
  • Labor: $60–$180
  • Estimated total: $160–$580
  • Notes: Some Camrys may require a leak-detection pump replacement if diagnosed as the failure point.

• Diagnostic fees (if not included in repair)

  • Typical range: $80–$150 per visit, sometimes waived with repair

Proactive maintenance and preventive care

• Regular fuel system inspections: Have the EVAP system inspected during routine service intervals, especially if you notice a MIL, rough idle, or reduced fuel economy.
• Fuel quality and fueling habits: Use quality gasoline; avoid filling up at a station with suspected vapor leaks or poor venting. After fueling, listen for any unusual hissing sounds indicating venting issues (rare in modern vehicles but worth noting if observed).
• Gas cap discipline: Always ensure the cap is installed properly after fueling. If you frequently forget, consider a reminder or a cap with a visible indicator.
• Periodic software/ECM updates: While not a recall, Toyota sometimes issues service bulletins that include software updates to better manage emissions systems. Ask your dealer whether any ECU/ECU software updates apply to your VIN.
• If you drive primarily in high-mileage, highway conditions, the EVAP system may experience more rapid temperature changes; regular checks can help catch leaks early.

Other reliability considerations for 2018-2024 Camry (brief, data-informed context)

• Based on the provided dataset, there is a single documented complaint of an engine/EVAP-related issue (P0442) at about 40k miles. This does not indicate a common defect pattern across the entire model range, but it highlights the importance of monitoring emissions system health in Camrys from this era.
• The lack of recalls in the dataset is a positive signal for average reliability, though it should not replace other sources of information (owner forums, professional reviews, and broader recall databases) when evaluating a specific used Camry.

Used car buying and ownership tips (reliability-oriented)

• Check maintenance history: Look for regular service on the EVAP system and any fuel system work. A clean service history with no recurring emissions codes is a good sign.
• Review OBD-II trouble code history: If P0442 or related EVAP codes appear in VIN-specific histories, ask the seller/model specialist for the exact repair details and parts replaced.
• Have a pre-purchase inspection performed: A trusted independent mechanic can perform a smoke test or EVAP pressure test to identify leaks before purchase.
• Consider a 3rd-party inspection for used Camrys: This helps confirm that there are no obvious issues in the EVAP system or engine that could become costly.

Reliability expectations by model year (interpretation given data)

• The dataset provides one complaint and no recalls for 2018-2024 Camry in the provided sample. This suggests that, within this narrow dataset, there is insufficient evidence of widespread, year-specific reliability problems. In practice, Camry models from these years are widely regarded as reliable, with typical ownership costs driven by routine maintenance and occasional emissions-related repairs (most often EVAP-related) rather than major drivetrain failures.

What to do next if you own or are considering a Camry (action checklist)

• If you have a P0442 code:
  • Start with the gas cap inspection/replacement.
  • Schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician to test the EVAP system for leaks and to identify the failing component.
  • Obtain a clear repair quote with itemized parts and labor before authorizing extensive work (e.g., canister replacement).
• If your Camry shows no signs of EVAP issues but you want peace of mind:
  • Maintain regular service intervals; ensure engine air filters, vacuum lines, and hoses are in good condition.
  • Keep ignition and fuel system components in good condition to minimize emissions-related codes.
• If you’re buying used:
  • Look for a clean EVAP-related history with no persistent MIL codes.
  • Have a pre-purchase inspection that includes an EVAP leak test or smoke test.

Bottom line

• Based on the supplied data, the only documented reliability issue for 2018-2024 Toyota Camry is a single EVAP-related complaint involving P0442 at around 40k miles. There are no recalls listed in this dataset. This is not a comprehensive reliability assessment of the entire Camry lineup but provides a practical framework for understanding and addressing an EVAP/engine emission-related code, with 2025 cost ranges to help you plan repairs. If you want a broader reliability picture, consider consulting additional data sources (owner surveys, broader recall databases, and professional reviews) to supplement the information provided here.