2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Common symptoms owners describe

Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.

Mileage when problems occurred

Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 74,800 miles (middle 50% between 54,500 and 101,511 miles), based on 133 complaints that included mileage.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “Tl* the contact called on behalf of his mom who owns a 2008 toyota camry hybrid. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting and sticky. The contact mentioned that the failure caused a glare in the driver's face, which made it difficult to drive. Toyota walnut creek (2100 n broadway, walnut creek, ca 94596…”

  Structure · filed Aug 29, 2019

• “The dashboard pad has deteriorated within the last two years. It is gooey. When I have brought the vehicle in for service at the local dealership and mentioned it, it was not addressed. I called toyota headquarters twice and they said that there was a notification but it has expired. So, they will not honor a request…”

  Unknown OR Other · filed Jul 1, 2019

• “On or about mid april 2018 this vehicle was left parked and unattended outside in upstate ny for approximately 2 weeks. The outside temperature at the time was from the mid 20s to the mid 30's with some snow. After 2 weeks, I came back and attempted to drive it from it's parked spot when I discovered the driver's side…”

  Service Brakes · filed May 14, 2019

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• Pedestrian alert sounds

  Defect Petition DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

• Brake Actuator malfunction

  Preliminary Evaluation PE14001 · opened Jan 23, 2014 · closed Aug 22, 2014

• Power Window Master Switch Fire

  Engineering Analysis EA12006 · opened Jun 14, 2012 · closed Feb 12, 2013 · led to recall 12V491000

• Power Window Master Switch Fire

  Preliminary Evaluation PE12002 · opened Feb 6, 2012 · closed Jun 14, 2012

Technical service bulletins

258 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The 10 most recent:

• This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while…

  T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 13, 2026

• OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

  T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 13, 2026

• Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The…

  T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 7, 2026

• The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and…

  T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024

• To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from…

  T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024

• Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal…

  T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024

• Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow…

  T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 5, 2024

• Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can…

  T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 3, 2024

• Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The…

  T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2024

• Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The…

  T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2024

TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.

Safety recalls

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.