VehicleVerdict

1989 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1989 Toyota Camry is among the quieter years of the Camry on NHTSA's books: 138 complaints (63% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (21), latches & locks (16), and fuel system (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

138

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

7

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

9

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted3,669 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 19 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 70 complaints1988: 88 complaints1989: 138 complaints1990: 160 complaints1991: 186 complaints1992: 646 complaints1993: 334 complaints1994: 364 complaints1995: 373 complaints1996: 567 complaints1997: 685 complaints1998: 751 complaints1999: 661 complaints2000: 577 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 1,183 complaints2003: 946 complaints2004: 798 complaints2005: 905 complaints2006: 393 complaints2007: 3,669 complaints2008: 1,139 complaints2009: 1,611 complaints2010: 764 complaints2011: 779 complaints2012: 807 complaints2013: 377 complaints2014: 637 complaints2015: 362 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 1,082 complaints2019: 551 complaints2020: 374 complaints2021: 192 complaints2022: 87 complaints2023: 85 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 198 complaints
Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2115%
Speed Control1612%
Fuel System1612%
Latches & Locks1612%
Electrical System129%
Body & Structure118%
Brakes107%
Engine86%
Tires & Wheels75%
Transmission64%
Lighting54%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Other21%
Seats21%
Airbags21%
Steering11%
Suspension11%

Does the 1989 Toyota Camry have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

92V135000Latches & LocksSeptember 22, 1992 · 554,910 units

Defect

THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE POWER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM CAN FAIL, CAUSING THE CONTACTS TO "WELD", AND RESULTING IN DOOR LOCK SOLENOID DAMAGE, WITH FAILURE OF THE DOOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK, EVEN UNDER MANUAL OPERATION.

Consequence

IF THE DOOR FAILS TO OPEN AFTER ECU FAILURE, VEHICLEOCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE INCREASED DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY.

Remedy

INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SUBCIRCUIT RELAY CONTROL TO PREVENT MALFUNCTION OF ORIGINAL RELAYS IN THE ECU.

89V175000Seat BeltsOctober 18, 1989 · 408,225 units

Defect

OCCUPANT RELEASE OF THE LAP BELT IN A CERTAIN MANNER COULD CAUSE THE BELT RETRACTOR TO LOCK AT THE RETRACTED AND STOWED POSITION.

Consequence

SEAT BELTS MAY BE UNUSABLE OR OCCUPANTS MAY BEDISCOURAGED FROM USING BELTS, INCREASING THEIR POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN ANACCIDENTAL OR SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy

REPLACE LAP BELT WITH A REDESIGNED BELT GUIDE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“RECALL 89V17500; WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, LAP SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL TWO TIMES AND SUFFERED INJURIES. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF INCIDENT. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 12, 1998 · crash

“DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED WIDE OPEN THROTTLE THAT LED TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. *JB UPDATED 03/05/10 *BF UPDATED 09/28/10 UPDATED 9/21/2011*CW”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 25, 2003 · crash

“1989 TOYOTA CAMRY'S DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER DOOR LOCKS STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE FROM FRONT SEATS. UNABLE TO UNLOCK FRONT DOORS MANUALLY FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. UNABLE TO UNLOCK FRONT DOORS USING KEY FROM OUTSIDE VEHICLE. SAFETY ISSUE ALONG WITH INCONVENIENCE WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · October 4, 2014

“OWNER COULD SMELL GASOLINE WHENEVER APPROACHING VEHICLE, DISCOVERED BY DEALER, TANK RUSTED/CORRODED/CRACKED, CAUSING LEAK WHERE VENT PIPE CONNECTS TO TANK. ENTIRE TANK ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 15, 1997

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SORT OF SLOWED DOWN, ENGINE REVVED UP TO HIGH RPM'S, MADE POOF SOUND, ENGINE SHUT OFF, STARTING SMOKING. FOLLOWED BY FIRE UNDERHOOD; VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 1997 · fire

1989 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 1989 Toyota Camry reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 138 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (21 complaints), latches & locks (16 complaints), fuel system (16 complaints).

Does the 1989 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.