2008 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility is the leading concern among 1,178 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 109 involved a crash and 17 involved a fire. 71 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
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.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
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.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
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.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 09V388000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 26, 2007
CERTAIN ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS (AWFM) SPECIFICALLY SOLD AS AN OPTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR USE ON THE 2007 AND 2008 MODEL YEAR LEXUS ES350 AND TOYOTA CAMRY VEHICLES. THE AWFM INCLUDES TWO GROMMET HOLES AND RETAINING HOOKS (CLIPS) TO SECURE THE MAT TO THE VEHICLE'S CARPET. IF THE AWFM IS NOT SECURED BY ITSELF OR IF IT IS PLACED ON TOP OF AN EXISTING CARPETING FLOOR MAT, THE MAT COULD MOVE FORWARD DURING THE VEHICLE USAGE AND IT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION WHEN RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, IT MAY INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL 2007 AND 2008 LEXUS ES350 AND TOYOTA CAMRY VEHICLES ABOUT THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH NOT ALL OF THESE OWNERS WILL HAVE PURCHASED THE ALL WEATHER MATS. IF THE OWNER HAD NOT PURCHASED THE MATS, THEY ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. THIS LETTER WILL ADVISE OWNERS WHEN REPLACEMENT MATS WILL BE AVAILABLE OR HOW TO RETURN THE ALL WEATHER FLOOR MAT SET TO OBTAIN A REFUND. A SECOND LETTER WILL BE SENT AFTER MATS ARE AVAILABLE REQUESTING OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR MATS TO A LEXUS OR TOYOTA DEALER FOR EXCHANGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE MAT. THE FIRST LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE SENT DURING EARLY OCTOBER 2007 AND THE SECOND IN LATE NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THE LEXUS CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-255-3987 OR THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 07E082000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,178 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2022
replaced meter assy.$1141.00 ,replaced actuator assy. $793.00 =$1934 dollars i still have electrical problems
Engine, Oct 31, 2022
Vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2022
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING THUS CAUSING A GLARE WHICH AFFECTS VISABILITY WHEN DRIVING
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2022, crash
There was unexpected and unintended acceleration that resulted in hitting a house and causing a lot of damage.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 17, 2022
Visors fall out and will not stay secured, allowing for sun to grt into eyes while driving. This is compounded by the fact that the dashboard is melting and very shiny. Common problems with this year and model. Recommend Toyota replace.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
2008 Toyota Camry dashboard melting Toyota advised CSP letter sent 2011. I did not receive letter. Toyota advised CSP extended until 2017. I was not advised by dealership. 2021 dashboard started getting sticky. I was advised that Toyota cannot replace as after the CSP. If my dashboard would have melted between 2011 and 2017, I would have contacted Toyota. I am not able to pay the 2600 for a new dashboard. Toyota should have not put a dashboard into a vehicle that melts and causes a glare and noxious odor. I am looking for any assistance to help get this fixed by Toyota at no cost to myself. Texas has 103 to 110 degree heat this year. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2022
TOYOTA has known about this problem for years. They also had knowledge regarding a recall and an extended warranty. Unfortunately, I was not made aware of their extended warranty until it was too late. This vehicle has the melting dash problem which has gotten to a "dangerous" level. The glare on the windshield makes it unsafe for drivers and pedestrians who may be in an area which causes them to be obscured. I know this car is older, but my son who is using this as a cheaper method of transportation doesn't drive it much. It only now has 95,000 miles on it and has always been well maintained. The local dealer gave me a price of $2,500.00 to replace this dash. Also, in addition to the vision issue, I assume there will soon be problems with all the electronics contained in the dash area. I'm asking that the Federal Safety Board force Toyota to do the right thing, since they have told me they will not stand behind the produce. One of their representatives told me that with my history ( 8 or 9 new vehicles since 1990), they may make an exception since their extended warranty expired. They declined my request.
Air bags, May 2, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle crashed into a water drain. There were no warning lights. There were no air bags deployed. There were no major injuries or medical reports filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There was a police report. There were no passengers. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2022, fire
I was driving on the highway and I smelled something burning towards my left. I looked at my door panel and saw the window switch on fire. I immediately pulled over to the side of the freeway. I opened the door, got out, and attempted to put out the fire. If I did not react fast enough I could have easily have got trapped on the driver side and would have to try to rush out of the passenger side as I wouldn’t have any control of opening the driver door or window. I had no success of extinguishing the fire and then called 911. I answered their questions and they were dispatched. I got lucky and a good samaritan had a fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. Five minutes later the firefighters showed up. Eventually, the door panel melted to the ground from the heat. Firefighters went through the car to determine if the fire was out. They gave the okay, took my information, and left me with an inspection number. CHP also came by to check on me. He didn’t leave any inspection numbers. The car is available for inspection if need be. The was no warning lamps, messages, etc. I’m not sure if the problem has been reproduced the dealer or independent shop.
Service brakes, Mar 23, 2022
Breaks are not working. ABS is acting like it is in panic situation. it happens randomly. I almost went and hit somebody due to car not stopping. I am able to reproduce the issue but Toyota dealer is not accepting it. he says without seeing fault code in Toyota diagnostic tool they can't do anything. they are asking me continuously drive the vehicle. if I drive knowingly there is an issue with ABS who will be liable for accident or death. I saw few NHTSA complains raised similar to my issue. Here they are. NHTSA Compliant id: 11327259 and 11321857. Please take this seriously and help us out. There are many owners experiencing similar issues for the same model vehicles. They have done recall on hybrid model but non hybrid vehicles have same problem. you can reach me at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Mar 10, 2022
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while his sister-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon inspecting the engine, the contact noticed there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had consumed an excessive amount of engine oil, causing the engine to fail. The independent mechanic advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as there was no recall associated with the VIN and the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2022
THE DASH HAS MELTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE CAUSING A BLIND SPOT IN THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING OBSTRUCTED VIEW WHILE DRIVING
Engine, Feb 18, 2022
Excessive oil consumption and vehicle acts like it wants to stall when trying to take off. It stalls when trying to take off after stopping at a red light, stop sign etc. I’m also drive 50 miles daily to work and back home. I’m putting in oil about every other day. No oils on ground, changed gaskets and oil changes- excessive consumption. I bought the car in 2014 from carmax
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 2, 2022
Brake actuator failure is too common in this vehicle. Needs to be an open warranty without limitation. This is a safety issue Toyota should be handling. On June 25, 2014, Toyota initiated a Warranty Enhancement Program (ZE1) to extend warranty coverage for the brake actuator assembly and skid control ECU/brake pedal stroke sensor in certain MY 2007 to 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid vehicles. Toyota's program covers repairs related to two conditions: internal malfunctions of the Brake Actuator assembly; and overly sensitive monitoring logic for the Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor. Melting dash is ridiculous as well. I can only imagine what kind of cancer I will be getting from inhaling the noxious fumes from the melting dash.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2021
The issue is with the 2008 Toyota Camry dashboard that is melting shining reflective light straight into my eye. Toyota is not treating this as a recall matter, and only did a Customer program to get it repaired for a short time.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 4, 2021
Subject: Toyota I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry many years ago. I still have the vehicle and there is a safety issue having to do with dashboard. There was extended product warranty coverage that ended in 2019 on the defect. I was not notified about this issue. When I contacted Toyota they said I "may" have been notified if I brought it to a Toyota dealer for service (which I did not). The issue is the dashboard starts to melt and gets sticky and causes glare on the windshield during the day when sunlight hits it and at night when vehicle lights are oncoming. I moved to Florida in late 2019 and noticed the safety issue at that time. If you google the issue (Toyota dashboard recall) it made the news etc. Toyota was able to make it a product issue and was able to then use the extended warranty rather than calling it a safety issue. The articles on the issue (even from Toyota state it causes glare). Can this be looked into or at a minimum have the laws changed so these safety concerns can't be listed as a product issue? I would have thought this would have been a class action lawsuit with the number of issues because of this safety problem. My understanding is safety recalls do not expire and in my opinion (and many others on line that have the same issue) this is a safety issue. I had contacted the AGs Office in Florida and they suggested I make contact with your office. Below is some information on the melting dashboards. In 2014 Toyota offered to replace dashboards in 3.4 million vehicles after owners in sunny states like Arizona and Florida reported that their dashboards were melting, causing a dangerous glare on the windshield. ... Toyota's extended warranty on dashboards expired in 2019. Thank you for your time.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2021, crash
I was driving behind a box truck and they made a abrupt stop so I had to as well and I rear ended the truck my brake peddle went all the way to the floor none of my airbags went off not one
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2021
I have a very sticky dashboard which reflects a strong glare and blind my drive view very bad sometimes. I have encountered several cases in which I almost missed traffic lights and stop sign. It puts my in very dangerous driving. I called my Toyota dealer and was told that it will cost over $1500 to replace it. I wonder why Toyota didn't issue a recall on this issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2021
Sticky dashboard creating glare on windshield.
Service brakes, Sep 9, 2021
VSC light came on. No breaks. Almost hit the car in front of me.
Structure, Aug 17, 2021
The padded dash panel has failed so that it cannot provide impact protection because of hard material that has chipped and cracked. The dealer inspected the problem and gave me a repair estimate of $2800.00. I complained to Toyota and was told that the extended dash warranty ended in 2018. Prior to failure, the dash was sticky but not chipped and cracked. Why is Toyota allowed to stop any warranty or compensation for dash impact protection on my 13 year old vehicle?
Structure, Aug 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the glare from the sticky dashboard made it unable to visibly see the road and he lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a state trooper informed him that he was unable to drive the vehicle as-is and had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was being diagnosed for over a month. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2021
My dash on my Toyota Camry has become sticky and shiny with a chemical smell. The visibility is blinding from a glare in bright days and also night driving makes visibility difficult. The chemical cannot be cleaned off and nothing helps with the glare the dash is causing
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 24, 2021
my vehicle dashpad has suddenly begun to slowly melt and has become very sticky and shinny, the shininess causes a constant glare on the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous to drive especially during daylight hrs. I learned that there was a recall for this issues and contacted Toyota on 5/24/2021, and was told the recall for this issue expired in 2017, and there is nothing they will do for it now. I like to express that i purchased my vehicle in April of 2016, and was never notified of the recall, Toyota never sent me a letter informing me of the issue and i have taken my vehicle several time to the Dealer for other repair/maintenance prior to 2017 and was not informed of the recall by by them during that time. My case # with Toyota is 210524000564. i have searched the internet and also found that is a concerned issued with many other Toyota car owners. My vehicle is a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Visibility/wiper, May 14, 2021
WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR OPEN HIGHWAYS ON SUNNY DAYS, DRIVER SOMETIMES BECOMES BLINDED FROM GLARE FROM "MELTING" SHINY DASHBOARD. THIS PROBLEM WITH "MELTING" DASHBOARD BEGAN MAYBE 5-6 YEARS AGO AND HAS KEPT GETTING WORSE. THE BLINDING REFLECTIONS ARE NOW SO BAD AT TIMES THAT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE WE ARE SOMETIMES BLINDED BY REFLECTIONS FROM THE SHINY DASHBOARD.