VehicleVerdict

2016 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Toyota Camry sits mid-pack among Camry years: 249 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 372, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 64 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (34), airbags (32), and steering (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

249

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

63

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

64

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other3414%
Airbags3213%
Steering2410%
Speed Control229%
Electrical System208%
Transmission198%
Brakes198%
Body & Structure187%
Engine187%
Seat Belts94%
Tires & Wheels83%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Fuel System62%
Seats52%
Suspension42%
Lighting31%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2016 Toyota Camry have recalls?

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

16V420000OtherJune 9, 2016 · 4,253 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Consequence

An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

16V215000AirbagsApril 14, 2016 · 58,515 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon and Camry vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015 to March 4, 2016. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the front passenger seat air bag system may have been improperly calibrated. As a result, the front passenger air bag and the front passenger knee air bag may not deploy as intended in certain crash scenarios. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the OCS, free of charge. The recall began by May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0J.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THERE IS RUST IN MY VEHICLES BODY AND THE CHASSIS IS BENT OUT OF SHAPE IN THE FRONT. I DIDNT REALIZE UNTIL I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP. ALSO THE AC SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT I SPENT OVER $3000 TRYING TO FIX IT AT THE DEALERSHIP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 2, 2018 · crash

“WIFE DRIVING TO FAMILY REUNION, RURAL ROAD, SHE PASSED OUT, MISSED TURN IN ROAD. CAR WENT OF ROAD AND HIT A DITCH. CAR ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. WIFE'S NECK BROKEN (SHE LIVED) ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL. REMAINED IN HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS THEN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MONTHS. NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 23, 2019 · crash

“Vehicle- 2016 Toyota Camry As I was making a slight turn on the highway, my steering wheel began to sparatically veering left and right, which resulted in me hitting a curb, not once but twice. Due to the heavy impact and harsh involuntary, out of control steering the airbag should have deployed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 11, 2024 · crash

“I STARTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PUT IT IN REVERSE. THE CAR LURCHED VERY HARD BACKWARDS. THE CAR HIT A POLE THAT HOLDS UP THE COVERED PARKING. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE HARD AND IT WAS STILL TRYING TO MOVE AND I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT REVVED A LOT. THEN I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 28, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONALITY AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN EITHER VEHICLE AND A POLICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2017 · crash

2016 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 2016 Toyota Camry reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 249 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2016 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (34 complaints), airbags (32 complaints), steering (24 complaints).

Does the 2016 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Toyota Camry?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Toyota Camry earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.