Defect
FAILURE OF A SPECIFIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN THE RADIOS CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN A PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
REPAIR THE RADIO.
1991 Toyota Camry problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1991 Toyota Camry sits mid-pack among Camry years: 186 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 372, with a single recall and 6 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 32 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (41), seat belts (28), and brakes (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
186
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
6
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
12
Fires reported
32
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Camry years?
What are the most common 1991 Toyota Camry problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 41 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 28 | 15% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 16 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 16 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 14 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 12 | 6% | — flat |
| Engine | 11 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 8 | 4% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1991 Toyota Camry have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RADIO CAUGHT ON FIRE. RADIO HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL AND REPLACED PRIOR TO THE FIRE. OWNER REPLACED RADIO AT OWN COST, SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *AK *ML”
“AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ON 1991 TOYOTA CAMRY ARE FAULTY. THEY DON'T RETRACT WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR CLOSED. THEY FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILS TO RETRACT AND MAKES NOISE. THE SEAT BELTS WARNING INDICATOR FLASHES ON THE BOARD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE HENCE SHOULD BE…”
“I WAS TRAVELING TOWARD KOKOMO, INDIANA, RETURNING HOME FROM A DR'S APPOINTMENT WITH MY SERVICE DOG, GAMSBY. THERE WAS A HARLEY_DAVIDSON TRAILER TRUCK WITH A MICHIGAN LICENSE PLATE IN FRONT OF ME. A LARGE METAL L SHAPED BAR FLEW FROM UNDER THE TRAILER AND UNDER MY CAR, SENDING IT INTO A SPIN AND…”
“WHILE DRIVNG ON THE FREEWAY SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE AND GET OUT SAFELY. AT THAT TIME THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED UP. CANNOT STATE CAUSE OF FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. THIS IS A COMPANY OWNED VEHICLE. *AK”
“I WAS TRAVELING TOWARD KOKOMO, INDIANA, RETURNING HOME FROM A DR'S APPOINTMENT WITH MY SERVICE DOG, GAMSBY. THERE WAS A HARLEY_DAVIDSON TRAILER TRUCK WITH A MICHIGAN LICENSE PLATE IN FRONT OF ME. A LARGE METAL L SHAPED BAR FLEW FROM UNDER THE TRAILER AND UNDER MY CAR, SENDING IT INTO A SPIN AND…”
1991 Toyota Camry — common questions
Is the 1991 Toyota Camry reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 186 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1991 Camry problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (41 complaints), seat belts (28 complaints), brakes (16 complaints).
Does the 1991 Toyota Camry have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 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.