2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 162 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (30% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I'm having a glare on my windshield (when I'm driving and particularly in sunny conditions) from my dashboard that has melted. It's become very shiny and makes it difficult to see when driving. I have tried cleaning it but because of the substance it is not possible to clean it.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2019
“As I was backing up the brakes went soft to the floor and then all of sudden engaged. A few days later my brake light, traction control, and ABS light turned on and check vsc system was displayed.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2019
“Dashboard melts in the sun creating a sticky shiny surface that reflects onto the windshield and inhibits visibility. I cannot see out of the car during the day anymore due to the reflection.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“My car consumes oil (will run empty) after a few thousand miles. I contacted toyota and there was a campaign pack in 2016. While they could produce dates and the alleged address they sent the campaign information too, I never received it. Both notices did not arrive at my house. Reading the complaints, I see I'm not the only one whom has this issue. I am the first and only owner of this vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota camry hybrid. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of braking ability. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to swope toyota (1085 n dixie hwy, elizabethtown, ky), but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not provided.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2018
“Dashboard shiny and sticky causing reflection from sun to impair vision. Toyota says recall issued prior to experiencing problem "expired" january 2018 and is no longer applicable for previous recall we received when issued. Toyota wants $2700 for the dashboard not including labor.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
“My dashboard has become extremely shinny and the glare is impeding on my visibility in the forward area. I hit a garbage can on a sunny day. Thank god it wasn't a person. This seems to be a defect in the manufacturing of the dashboard material used by toyota.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2018
“Brake light came on, then sudden power braking system failure while driving on a two lane busy road at a curve, there was a ding sound, then simultaneously, a vsc warning message and multiple warning lights illuminated. Only manual braking allowed stoppage of vehicle. Extremely dangerous situation that could have had tragic results .”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2017
“Started car and had immediate brake failure!, ABS system failure. Brake system warning lights and beeping from dashboard. Car not drive-able.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2017
“Sticky and shiny dashboard. The reflection of the shining dashboard is causing a lot of trouble while driving. Cannot get a clear view of the road in the front when the dashboard is reflected on the windshield.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Camry Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The most complained-about area is service brakes (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 74,800 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:power window devices and controls. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.