Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 [redacted].
ABS/VSC actuator pump failure and with the abs alarm on causing constant drain to the system needing jump every time or to disconnect 12v every time parked. Dealer diagnosed wrong last year stating 12v battery needed replacement. I did the $500. It did NOT fix the problem. Now dealer states actuator pump failure - replace/fix price approx $4,000. I asked for diagnostic readouts to prove to me that they have it right this time. (I'm over 50 hours into this ABS failure) he refused and would not agree to refund my money if I would go ahead with their advised repair. My car has only 116,000 miles on it! I've checked around & it seems that my model should be part of recall/repair. I've gotten nothing written from Toyota when I have inquired in writing. Extremely dangerous, this failure!
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.
I am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid's ABS module. The problems I've encountered include failing ABS modules, weak braking, VSC light illumination, a ringing sound, and occasional brake failure, requiring excessive force to regain control. This ABS module problem is alarmingly common in Toyota Camry Hybrids from 2007 to 2011. Repair costs are exorbitant, and the widespread nature of this issue poses a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. I urgently request the NHTSA's immediate investigation and collaboration with Toyota to address this matter and ensure the safety of affected vehicles.
am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid's ABS module. The problems I've encountered include failing ABS modules, weak braking, VSC light illumination, a ringing sound, and occasional brake failure, requiring excessive force to regain control. This ABS module problem is alarmingly common in Toyota Camry Hybrids from 2007 to 2011. Repair costs are exorbitant, and the widespread nature of this issue poses a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. I urgently request the NHTSA's immediate investigation and collaboration with Toyota to address this matter and ensure the safety of affected vehicles.
The crash happened in a parking lot on March 19th, 2016. I had entered into the parking spot, by turning right. The car had come to a complete stop and my foot was on the brake pedal. Suddenly I heard a loud revving noise and before I could even react to it, the car had jumped on to the walkway of the building. Since I had stopped, my foot was on the brake pedal and even though I was pressing on it really hard, the car didn't stop. It slowed down a little bit for a fraction of a second, but then accelerated itself again, jumped ahead once more, went through the awning of a business suite in the building and hit a light post. The airbags didn't deploy. The car was totaled. …
In March of 2015, while leaving my place of employment parking lot the floor mat apparently interfered with the accelerator pedal causing the car to speed up resulting in loss of control, hitting a fire hydrant head on. The car was totaled. After the car was totaled, I received a recall notice regarding this issue shortly afterwards. A letter from my insurance company indicated that I was not at fault at causing the accident but rather the accident was the result of one or more recalls with regard to braking concerns: in the letter my insurance company referenced a recall notice; NHTSA campaign number: 10V017000. I have contacted Toyota regarding this matter; however m requests have gone unanswered or have been ignored. When my car was totaled my insurance paid the fair market value to the lender which ended up creating a deficiency. …
Actuator and Pump Assembly, leaks won't build pressure makes brakes where pedal don't work
11 days ago the marina Toyota dealership performed both Toyota recall repairs on my 2008 Camry. On March 10, around 0519 am, I was starting to park my car at the gym. I applied the brakes to slow into the parking stall. The moment that I applied the brakes; the engine started to race; the car lurched forward; the brakes were useless in stopping the vehicle; and I could not steer the vehicle. My vehicle slammed into a parked Jeep cheroke; the Jeep inturn collided with a parked Subaru outback. My vehicle was towed to the dealership and we are waiting for Toyota's technicians to examine the car. I am very thankful to god that no one was injured or killed in this incident. However, I firmly believe that my Camry is unsafe and I will never drive it again. I have written the vehicle off as a total loss. …
I have noticed exceessive oil consumption since 2015 is 2016 and have gone through numerous repairs only to still have the same problem. The latest estimate is for an engine replacement because after all of this time one guy actually noticed that the oil was literally burning up right after he changed the oil. I have been stranded on the interstate at night with a toddler for hours, as well as not being able to start the car at times. I have also experienced my car randomly shaking and smoking in traffic, after which the check engine light would come on. My car has been stationary for weeks at a time, most recently this past week after I was unable to find out who could fix it and not keep ripping me off. …
Brake complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Toyota Camry, 9% of the model year's 933 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Camry brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Toyota Camry, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Camry brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.