general problems of the 2018 Toyota Camry - part 1

While driving on the interstate 10 in California in rush hour traffic my vehicles’ brakes pedal suddenly became hard to press down and slow the vehicle down. Fortunately I was able to safely get to the right shoulder and call a tow truck to get my car towed home.

The vacuum pump for the power assist brake system failed on my vehicle, the dealership would not provide me with the failed unit as they "have to send it back to Toyota". My brake assist was very inconsistent, sometimes barely had any which lead to very poor braking, accompanied with a known problematic knocking noise with an active TSB. I complained about this issue when I bought this used vehicle that was barely driven, at the local Toyota dealership knowing the vehicle was made at the same time that other vehicles built in the same timeframe with the same issue were recalled, they told me it was just "injector noise" and it didn't apply to me. I brought it up again a few months later as it got worse, they told me it was "normal noise, use injector cleaner" and sent me off. I brought it up there last month about the brake system error message, they told me it was because the car wasn't on, however it never did this when I bought it nor do other cars on their lot. I brought it up again to the dealership this week as it got a lot more frequent that I would have poor brake assistance, the knocking was loud enough to hear in heavy traffic, and they finally told me the vacuum pump had failed. The dealer told me they couldn't do anything about the recall, would not cover it as goodwill warranty even when it is simmilar/same failure as the recall and previously complained about it, and the full repair would be over 1,800 dollars. I called Toyota customer hotline and explained that the failure was the same as the known issue in their recall on the same vehicles and the active TSB, they would not tell me why my VIN was not included in the recall, they would not extend a goodwill coverage on it as being it was the same failure, or take a complaint. Symptoms were present at the time of purchase, starting with inconsistent brake assist and light knocking, ended with excessively loud knocking and significant increase in frequency of the inconsistency and brake error message.

I own a 2018 Toyota Camry xse. The car is equipped with a radar cruise control and automatic braking system that will brake the car if programming believes there is risk of an accident. The problem is this is all front-based monitory and no rear based monitoring. Recently I was traveling the speed limit on a 4-lane highway when a car stopped abruptly in the turn lane in which I was following. There was no need for my car to brake abruptly as I was not traveling so close behind the car in front of me to justify that. Rather, I was more concerned about a car behind me that was tailgating me. I wanted to brake gradually to give the car behind me time to stop. But the auto braking system in my car braked so suddenly against my will causing the car behind me to veer off the road onto the shoulder in order to avoid rear ending me. It also made me worry that the driver of the car behind me might believe I intentionally braked hard to make him back away from my car when this was not the case. The 2018 Camry xse auto braking system is a hazard because it looks forward with the radar but did not consider the car tailgating me and it nearly caused me to be rear ended were it not for evasive action of the car behind me veering onto the shoulder. I can turn it off when I drive the car but it always comes back on when I start the car. I am undecided about liability as well if I must permit this defective system to run or whether I am protected legally by turning it off. It is such a hassle to constantly turn it off each time I start the car so I just let the car do it's thing most of the time thinking I might be better legally protected with it on than with it off.

While driving out of my neighborhood at a low speed, the vehicle’s brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal multiple times, but it felt soft and failed to slow or stop the car as expected. I had to rely on the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a stop safely. Fortunately, there were no injuries or collisions, but this created a serious safety risk for myself and others. There were no prior warning lights or error messages before the incident. After researching, I discovered that my vehicle model and year have been associated with a known braking issue, as described in a recall for certain 2018–2019 Toyota Camry vehicles related to a vacuum pump or braking system malfunction. I took the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer immediately after the incident. The dealer confirmed the brake vacuum pump had failed, matching the symptoms described in the existing recall for other vehicles of the same model and year. However, they stated that my specific VIN was not included in the recall and refused to cover the repair under warranty or recall service. As a result, I was forced to pay over $1,200 out of pocket to fix a problem that is clearly related to the same known defect.

Vehicle cut off at a stop light twice.

Pre-collision system malfunction, secondary collision system malfunction along with check engine. It appears to be a trend with 2018 Toyota Camry xse and higher model. I found that many people that own this model vehicle is experiencing the same issue even after going to a Toyota dealer and the issue still persist.

Low breaking power.

Low braking power message is on and brake to floor and vehicle does not brake properly cause: diagnosed concern, found vaccum pump not producing vaccum causing concern, inspected and found vaccum pump broken and camshaft broken, pieces broken off inside engine. States low braking power message is on and brake pedal drops to floor and vehicle does not brake properly.

I am reporting a brake failure issue that matches the symptoms described in NHTSA campaign number 19v-544 (Toyota recall for brake booster vacuum pump failure). My 2018 Camry has experienced loss of brake assist, making it difficult to stop safely and requiring excessive pedal pressure. Despite these symptoms and the known recall for this issue, my VIN is not currently included. This raises concerns that the recall scope was too limited and that my vehicle should be included. I have contacted both the dealer and Toyota corporate, and I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect further and consider expanding the recall. This is a serious safety issue.

The vehicle will not start and is showing a warning message , " low braking power stop in a safe place see owner's manual".

In February of 2025 the brake vacuum pump failed and lost braking power. It was promptly towed to Toyota and the recall was performed. Roughly 3 weeks later an internal engine part that was removed during the recall repair came loose and damaged something internally. Since then the vehicle has yet to be adequately repaired. It produces no power, struggles to accelerate and has constant safety system malfunctions. Toyota had the vehicle from April to October and failed to adequately repair the vehicle after dozens of attempts. The vehicle was forcefully returned and will no longer pass smog from the engine malfunction they introduced during repairs. Currently in litigation and Toyota is ignoring all complaints.

I am the owner of a 2018 Toyota Camry purchased 08/31/2018. Toyota recalled 2018 Camry models built between 01/16/2017 and 09/13/2018 for a brake problem (internal campaign reference code jok/jld). My vehicle falls within this period but seems to not be included in the recall. I am writing to you because I have had at least six occasions where when parking the car and going very slowly the vehicle doesn't seem to want to stop. Recently, I could not stop the vehicle and it was stopped by a cement barrier and bush. I have been told in the past by the dealer (morristown Toyota) that there is no problem. Is it possible that my vehicle should have been included in the recall but was accidentally omitted.

Car wouldn’t start . It says low braking power.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed to slow for a traffic signal and the brake pedal was firm. The message "low braking power" was displayed. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake vacuum pump assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was informed that there was an open recall on the VIN; NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Brake malfunction on my 2018 Toyota Camry and steering wheel malfunctioned causing my vehicles to spend on the freeway hitting a barrel and landing the car into a ditch. The car is not available for inspection it’s still at the tow yard. The safety was at risk for me as the driver was tremendously overwhelming and fearful. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by anyone. There hasn’t been any inspection to the vehicle that I know of. Yes there was warning sign; power steering malfunction, secondary collision brake system malfunction, antilock brake system malfunction, ics malfunction, pre collision system malfunction. They first appeared 12-01-2024.

Low braking power light came on.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact's wife was driving the vehicle at approximately 5 mph when she depressed the brake pedal the pedal was not moving. The contact's wife managed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that she was not aware of any warning lights. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, however the dealer was going to charge the contact a diagnostic fee. The contact advised that he thought that there was a recall associated to the VIN, NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic). However, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Couple days ago I notice both my tailights weren’t working also my license plates lights and parking lights weren’t working and also my headlights parking light don’t work anymore they all went bad at the same time. At night time nobody can’t barely see me besides my reflectors so nobody can’t see my at night time. The only thing tht works is mine brake light turn signal and brake light.

While driving on the highway brakes became squishy and the brake warning light came one. Dash displayed “low brake power. Stop in a safe place” message.

On 9/6/24 I pulled up to the gas pump and couldn’t stop. My brake light and warning light came on. I called Toyota and one of their service team members said it was covered because it was part of a repair kit that was completed on 9/2023. They then said that they did a recall repair at that time which involved the brake vacuum pump. I was not told this at the time. Now they say that this has failed and they refuse to fix it. I had no issues with my brakes until now. I haven’t seen any recalls on this car and I feel that Toyota don’t want to stand by there work. They were only repairing two sensors and they changed my rear brakes.

I was driving my car when a light came on the dash board with sign stating low brake power. I had to pull over as the brake became stiff and stopped working.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact that while driving 60 mph and attempting to complete a turn, upon depressing the brake pedal, the contact became aware that the brake pedal was stiff and had seized in the depressed position. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, coming to a complete stop in a field after leaving the roadway and engaging the parking brake. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The VIN was included, and the remedy was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 101,000.

I was driving and the seat belt star to make a noise and later the breaks don’t work, I was about to crash , but u was safe because I was driving slow on the screen apear a break problem.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to respond as intended. The brake fluid low message was displayed. The contact was able to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the road and inspect the brake fluid; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,580.

I was driving down a dirt road about 30 mph when my vehicle wouldn’t come to a stop when braking. The master warning light popped up on my dash, next to the word ‘brake’ in all red letters. On my dash also read ‘low braking power. Stop in a safe place. See owners manual’. (photo is attatched, sorry it’s blurry I was trembling) no other warning signs or messages were on my dash prior to the incident. This happened very suddenly. Luckily the incident happened when I wasn’t going very fast. Had it happened 5 minutes prior when I was going about 75 mph down a narrow fm road, I probably wouldn’t be here to explain what happened. I could have crashed my car, hit someone else, there is numerous possibilities that could have happened. I thank god for watching over me and my child. I will be contacting the dealership tomorrow to see what can be done.

The vacuum brake pump assembly malfunctioned and I had the vehicle taken to the dealer that did the original recall for the vacuum brake pump assembly and they inspected the vehicle and told me that was the issue along with the nipple inside the pump had broken off and fell down into the engine and had damaged the cam shaft. Exactly what the recall states. Yes the vehicle can and has been inspected its at the dealer still and has been since 06/12/2024 when this occurred. The safety of my wife and daughter and any other people in any vehicle in front of mine due to the brakes got extremely hard to push and the vehicle would not stop properly. Almost plowed into a Jeep wrangler that was in front of her when trying to pull into the grocery store. Yes the dealer butler Toyota the service manager thomas is the person I have been directly dealing with and he has tryed to contact Toyota to get an answer and they wont give an answer. He has even contacted his southwest Toyota service contact and they have tryed to get some info for me but no answers. The vehicle has been inspected by the service manager and a technician from butler Toyota and thats where all my service and the recall was done. There was no warning or messages before this but when the pump went out and the brakes would not stop the car there is a message in the info center now that this occurred. My wife and daughter was on there way home from dance and was stopping by the grocery store when she went to stop she couldnt almost rammed the back of a Jeep in front of her. She pulled into the parking lot turned the car off and called me. When I arrived about 15 minutes later there was I thought brake fluid all under the car. I then had another person ask if I needed help and I asked him would he help me push the car just about a foot or so backwards to see what was leaking. When I put my finger in it it was motor oil. I immediately told my wife that it was not drivable and took the vehicle to butler Toyota.

The cars "brake power low" warning light illuminated on the dash. This was covered as the brake vacuum pump for another 2018 Camry that we have, but is not a recall for our other Camry. I am taking it in to servco hawaii to diagnose the issue, but again, this was the same issue that our other Camry had. The brake is spongy, and I checked the brake fluid to ensure that it was topped off. This was the first time that I noticed the brakes being spongy.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The abs and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 149,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 mph going down a steep decline, the brake pedal was depressed and travelled to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to reach speeds up to 82 mph. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to a stop once the road leveled out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact researched online and found a recall. The vehicle was then towed to a Toyota dealer where the VIN was confirmed to be included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was upset that he was not notified of the recall and was unsure if the vehicle was currently safe to be driven. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000. The VIN was not available.

I’m filing a complaint because I had scheduled a recall and maintanance appt problably a year or two ago. On the day of, a few hours later I am told the recall can not be fullfilled because the car part was unavailable and had to be ordered. I was told I would get a call once the part came to the shop. I was sent home in my car never got a call back for the shop to fullfill the recall. Moving forward about two months ago I was driving with one of my children when the breaks suddenly stopped working. At the moment I didnt know what was going on so I had called a tow truck a few times until aaa body shop mentioned it might be a recall. Meanwhile I spending money for towing the car and work aaa body shop did. Im very upset because it was a danger to me to my child and whoever I put in that car. I find it unexplainable how I was let go with my car knowing that there was a recall for brakes. This is the reason why I’m filing acomplaint.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 mph and slowing for traffic in a parking lot the brakes failed. The contact stated that he was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump brake assist assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was under a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign number: 21v890000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and referred the contact to a dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who advised the contact the recall was voided on his vehicle since an independent mechanic had worked on the brake assist assembly. The contact notified the manufacturer and was advised that the recall was voided. The vehicle was repaired but the contact paid for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

I was driving my car and out of nowhere my brakes stopped working I was really scared because I didn’t know what was going on thanks god I didn’t have an accident when the car stopped I check the cluster and it said “ breaking power low stop in a safe place” I look it up on the internet and it said that the problem is that the vacuum pump assembly isn’t working and that the Toyota Camry 2018 thro 2023 they all have that problem “recall” I was wondering if my car qualifies to get that part for free.

I have notice for the past year when I’m driving the car around the city around 15-30mph the emergency auto braking system alarm sounds and shows on my dash board when I have nobody in front of me luckily the car doesn’t brake at all but is not normal for it to do that it just happens randomly maybe this year alone it happen 5 times. Nobody safety was put at risk the car doesn’t brake or anything but it just sounds the alarm to brake, like 100% of the time is a low speeds. I haven’t taken it to the dealer, and I have no warning lights nothing at all is just random.

Turned on the car drove about 30 seconds and car states that secondary pre collision emergency brake and it just stops on a busy street with no other signs of defect ever . My vehicle goes to the dealership constantly and is very well taken care of.

On December 28th my daughter brought her 2018 Toyota Camry with 62k miles into mike calvert Toyota of houston texas for brake noise. The service department evaluated the car and recommended that the rear brakes be replaced. With that advice she had the work done. She left the dealership that day and went home and the car sat until the morning of January 6th, 2024. She had some traveling to do out of town and returned that same day. She got within 45 miles of her destination when I got a frantic phone call from her saying that she was traveling at a high rate of speed and was unable to stop. The warning on the vehicle says low braking power. I was able to have her put her hazard lights on a get to the shoulder where she couldn't get her speed below 10 miles per hour. She was able to use the e-break and an elevated surface to get the car to a safe spot some 45 miles away. We have made numerous attempts to get the dealership to tell us why this happened. Initially they stated that the calipers failed. After calling repeatedly we were told it was a defective part that was installed and they needed to get a new one in. The dealership refuses to answer any phone calls or emails. I have appealed to the gm on numerous occasions and the owner with no replies. We need NHTSA to investigate whether this dealership is doing faulty work that jeopardizes lives or did Toyota fail to recall this vehicle and the issue is more wide spread. I fear for the public safety if the issue is more wide spread. This vehicle was not part recalled for brake issues. The VIN appears to be clear of those recalls.