VehicleVerdict

1992 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 646 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Camry year — the 1992 model ranks #15 of 43 Camry years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 50 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 48% of all reports (308 of 646), far ahead of latches & locks at 89.

646

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

24

Fires reported

50

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure30848%
Latches & Locks8914%
Engine396%
Airbags345%
Electrical System315%
Visibility & Wipers234%
Brakes234%
Tires & Wheels213%
Transmission213%
Speed Control183%
Suspension102%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)61%
Seat Belts51%
Lighting51%
Steering51%
Fuel System41%
Seats20%
Other10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1992 Toyota Camry have recalls?

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

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS INTO THE TRUNK AREA THROUGH THE REFLECTOR PANELS, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO SHORT OUT. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REFLECTOR PANELS AND DRILLED HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK LID. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 3, 1999

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD ALSO EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CRUNCHING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 9, 2014 · fire

“MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE,COOLING SYSM. BRAKES,TRANS., STRUTS,FUEL SYSM. NOTHING BUT BREAK DOWNS AND OVER HEATING ALL THE TIME, WITH NO PROBABLE CAUSE.FOUND TAMPERED MAJOR PARTS WHEN BOUGHT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

“MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE TURNING LEFT, AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HE HAS BEEN LEFT WITH INNER EAR DAMAGED THAT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A SPECIALIST AND COMPANY WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME OF ANY OTHER FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO 1992 CAMRY'S AND AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? SOMEONE AT YOUR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 8, 2000 · crash

“THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF A BLUISH COLOR SMOKE WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE ORIGINATION OF THE SMOKE WAS UNDETERMINED, BUT THE STRONGEST SMOKE SMELL WAS AT THE STEREO AMPLIFIER WIRING LOCATED UNDERNEATH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 30, 2004 · fire

1992 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 1992 Toyota Camry reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 646 complaints put the 1992 model at #15 of 43 Camry years. It is one of the Camry years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (308 complaints), latches & locks (89 complaints), engine (39 complaints).

Does the 1992 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.