VehicleVerdict

2001 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Toyota Camry sits mid-pack among Camry years: 356 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 375, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 70 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (61), speed control (46), and airbags (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

356

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

87

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

70

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6117%
Speed Control4613%
Airbags3911%
Tires & Wheels298%
Brakes278%
Electrical System226%
Suspension226%
Fuel System175%
Transmission154%
Steering134%
Body & Structure123%
Other123%
Seats113%
Lighting93%
Seat Belts72%
Latches & Locks72%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%

Does the 2001 Toyota Camry have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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.

01V072000Body & StructureMarch 5, 2001 · 545 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

01V012000Speed ControlJanuary 16, 2001 · 53,061 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING COULD BE DEFORMED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR-TO-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WAS A 3-4 INCH HOLE IN THE ENGINE WHICH LEAKED OIL AND IGNITED A FIRE. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR REPORTED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION AND NOT IMPROPER CARE. *AK THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE VEHICLE JUST EXPLODED WITH A BIG BANG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2003 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, INSTEAD OF THE BRAKES ENGAGING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND HIT THE SEMI. DUE TO THE EXTENT OF IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. *JB *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“ON JUNE 21, 2003 @ APPROX. 1730 HRS A 1993 FORD MUSTANG TURNED INTO THE PATH OF MY WIFE'S 2001 CAMRY. THE CAMRY WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH AND LEFT APPROX 51 FEET OF SKID MARKS PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE FRONT CAP OF THE CAMRY WAS DAMAGED AND THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 21, 2003 · crash

“THIS IS NOT A TAKAMA RECALL COMPLAIN. IT IS REGARDING MY CAR THAT HAS BEEN ID' THAT IT IS 2000 YEAR MAKE CAR, THE LOCAL DMV DID MADE AN INSPECTION AND CONCLUSION WAS THAT IS IT 2000 - DUE TO SOME STICKERS EVERYWHERE - ON THE DOOR, ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND OTHER PLACES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2018 · crash

“WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE VERY SLOWLY, LOOKING BOTH DIRECTIONS, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND FLEW ACROSS A BUSY STREET INTO A STORE FRONT. THREE PERSONS WERE SLIGHTLY INJURED AND THE CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED AS WELL AS THE MAIN FRONT WINDOW OF THE STORE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 12, 2014 · crash

2001 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 2001 Toyota Camry reliable?

It is close to typical for the Camry: 356 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2001 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (61 complaints), speed control (46 complaints), airbags (39 complaints).

Does the 2001 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.