VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Toyota Camry sits mid-pack among Camry years: 192 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 376, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 76 reports (40% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

192

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

19

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags7640%
Other2111%
Driver Assistance2111%
Brakes168%
Transmission116%
Electrical System84%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Engine63%
Body & Structure42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Steering42%
Seat Belts32%
Speed Control32%
Fuel System21%
Suspension21%
Lighting21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats11%

Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was 165 mph and someone hit me and threw me into a sign that had big huge poles on it all the ones in California do I went right through it got banged all around I have to say the car is a tank because it got me home but it never deployed airbags when I know that it should have I’m pretty sure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 15, 2025 · crash

“My son hit a tree at an estimated speed of 45 (As estimated by the accident report) and the car went in flame burning completely my son and the entire inside of the car. I am amazed at a new car that does not have enough front crash support and most important the fuel pump should have shut off due…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 15, 2021 · crash · fire

“I was driving 20-24 mph, and while I was driving on yellow light there was another car came in-front of me from different intersection. And my car got hit really bad. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 12, 2021 · crash

“On Feb. 12 the car was being driven at 10MPH and the brake system power assist function failed, causing the brakes not to perform as normal. The result was rear ending another vehicle. The car is in the hands of Toyota of Portsmouth, NH at this time. The driver called the state police who told her…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 12, 2022 · crash

“A couple Monday’s ago, I was backing my 2021 Camry LE out of the driveway when I felt the car lurch and continue in reverse until I crashed into a car down the street. I have literally backed out of that driveway thousands of time since 2006, hundreds of times with the Camry LE, and several times…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 6, 2022 · crash

2021 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Camry reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 192 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Camry year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (76 complaints), other (21 complaints), driver assistance (21 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Camry?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.