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The 2021 Toyota Camry is a sedan that has been a popular choice among drivers. The automaker claims that this model is “more than capable,” but it isn’t clear what it is capable of. Current owners feel it is capable of creating a lot of disappointment from the tires to the electrical system.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2020 2022
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Toyota Camry
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | |
| Air Bags | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Steering | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Wheels | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery |
Problems with the Tires
The 2021 Toyota Camry isn’t an expensive vehicle, but it still should come equipped with reliable tires. Yet, that’s not what customers are finding.
One Edmunds review states, “Very important issues are the cheap tires that were put on the car…resulting in a loud bumpy vibrating ride. I find it a very disrespectful & unsafe move directed by Toyota toward the consumer.”
Toyota is clearly skimping on the basics, with issues across all systems. Just take a look at Service Bulletin #T-TT-0628-20, that makes it sound like a normal thing to have the HVAC drain tube blocked or clogged. The company treats drivers like these things are just to be expected, even though it’s not. These are not normal situations and Toyota should be taking steps to rectify them. If the automaker were as “capable” as it claims to be, no one would need to have these discussions.
Problems with the Electrical System
It turns out that the faults also move into the electrical system and equipment, creating an undesirable ride.
Another Edmunds customer writes, “Adaptive cruise control disconnects around 20mph (except 2 trims), dash is a decade behind, and Apple CarPlay would not work without Toyota app.”
Toyota isn’t attempting to hide defects. Service Bulletin #T-SB-0066-20 Rev goes on to discuss how the Apple CarPlay can cause an abnormal screen, especially when using it for phone calls. Additionally, Toyota recognizes that the sound quality is poor during these phone calls when using Apple CarPlay. What they aren’t coming to terms with is how to make customers happy again. There was a time when Toyota was the leader in the sedan market. It was a company known for reliability and value, but that seems to be fading into the sunset recently.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Toyota pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 19, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the brakes were activated but, it was t- boned by an unknown van and pushed across three lanes of traffic. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his arm, back, and neck. Medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Jan 06, 2023 |
| State | TN |
| Description | A portion of the car's hood closest to the windshield is angled downward, which reflects the sun into the driver's eyes. When driving south mid-day, the sun hits this part of the hood and the driver gets a blinding reflection. It's not just when facing the sun directly. When driving toward the sun, as the road bends about 20 degrees one way or the other from head-on the sun's reflection remains, simply moving to another spot on the hood's angled portion. |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Dec 30, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My car had parts eaten by rodents. Practically parts of the car are made from rodent food. The car also lacks a protection system against animals getting in the car. All systems started failing. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Nov 15, 2022 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Steering lock ecu and break away bolts. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Oct 27, 2022 |
| State | NE |
| Description | The contact owned a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the contact vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. After the crash, an indicator for the air bags was defective. A dealer was contacted. The contact, the wife, and the daughter where severely injured and sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed and was deemed a total loss. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was not unavailable. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Oct 14, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I own 2021 toyota camry se. Today, I accidentally took reverse with parking brake engaged and it still moved, I realized this immediately and disengaged it. To check, I put gear in "drive" and engaged the parking brake, the vehicle still moved even though it shouldn't. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Oct 12, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Failed deployment of airbag during collision on drivers side of car. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 27, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Check engine light on. When I put my 2021 toyota camry in drive car jerks and check engine light goes on. Happened today. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Aug 25, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Got in my car one morning and noticed about 8 in crack in my windshield and by the next day it went straight across the middle of windshield blocking my proper view. Nothing hit my windshield. No to all the other questions. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Aug 25, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | driver side front tire damaged 04/08/2021 bought new one. Second tire damaged on 05/22/2022 bought new one. Third tire damaged on 08/24/2022. Luckly all incidents were on low speed. Toyota customer service told me to contact tire manufacturer. Firestone said its car rim design. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 18, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Glass of sunroof exploded while driving at 60 mph, without external impact. Likely related to heat (about 95f at time of incident). If I did not have the inner plastic roof closed glass pieces would have fallen into the passenger area. The loud bang of the glass breaking was very startling and could have easily caused an unsafe reaction |
| Category | Power Train, Service Brakes, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 24, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | 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 since the accident. I have never had this experience. While I cannot dismiss that I might have hit the accelerator, the backing out of the driveway usually requires that I ride the brake into the street, especially since I am right off the corner where cars tend to cut around quickly. (initial estimate attached) |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
| Date | Jun 23, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with extra brake travel time needed to stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and dch freehold toyota (4268 us-9, freehold township, nj 07728) on several occasions; however, the mechanics were unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. |
| Category | Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Jun 17, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | To the best of my knowledge the following information is true. The car accident was on june 1, 2022. My vehicle is at the collision repair shop. Will provide their phone # upon request. It would be great if the black box was checked regarding brake assist and other safety features. You have my permission to examine car, take and or check black box. You can take pictures or video as needed. I always keep the brake assist on. I do not depend on brake assist. The posted speed limit is 45 mph. I usually set my cruise control for the posted speed limit. I looked down briefly and next thing I knew my car hit the personal vehicle in front of me. The vehicle my car hit in the rear was a 2011 ford expedition. There was damage to his bumper and it appeared to be a wrinkle in back door. There is a trailer hitch on the ford expedition. The driver was only person I talked with. He did not appear to be injured. He did not report any injuries. He drove off as soon as the highway patrolman gave us our exchange information. The airbag cover cut inside my left lower arm above my wrist. Wound was larger than a 50 cent piece. The wound swelled up instantly and was bleeding. I do not think the airbag hit my head. I do know steering wheel airbag is to prevent head injuries. The knee airbag caused an abrasion below my knee. Ems had to bandage my wrist with a thick bandage to stop and control the bleeding. I ask them to bandage below my knee to cover broken skin incase it bleed. The insurance adjuster examined car and took pictures june 16, 2022. I called collision center as instructed. Car was towed to collision center same day for assessment of damage. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure of the brake assist not working before the accident. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| Date | May 24, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the forward collision avoidance became inoperable nearly causing the vehicle to crash on several occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop as designed. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an engineer was sent to inspect the vehicle. The engineer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact insisted that the system was inoperable and had not operated as designed since the vehicle was delivered new. The failure mileage was 100. |
| Category | Electrical System, Power Train |
| Date | Apr 18, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that while attempting to park her vehicle in her apartment complex parking lot, her vehicle continued to lurch forward without warning despite multiple attempts to stop. Due to the failure, the contact hit a gate as the vehicle continued to independently accelerate. The contact then placed the vehicle into reverse(r) and as the vehicle continued to accelerate in a different gear. The contact then hit the vehicle behind her which then caused that vehicle to hit another vehicle located next to the original vehicle that was hit. The vehicle continued to accelerate with her brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. The contact then placed the vehicle back into driver(d) which sent the vehicle into another gate which then finally stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that property damage to both gates occurred as a result of the failure. The matter had been reported to the property owner and remained under investigation; no decision had been made. The air bags did not deploy at any time during the failure. The police were called to the scene and a police report was filed (22-030393). The contact suffered pain in her lower back and both shoulders; she did not seek medical attention. The vehicle remained in her possession and had yet to be towed or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Date | Apr 07, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | When I use cruise control with the radar feature in my 2021 camry le, the steering loosens so much that I don't have good control when changing lanes. I feel that this is a serious safety issue. I had a 2018 camry le and when I used these features, this odd steering issue never occurred. Note that when I take off the radar feature on the 2021, this steering issue does not occur. The dealer checked it out and claims their is no problem with the cruise feature. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 27, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | Partial brake assist and auto emergency braking failure to engage contributed to a rear end collision on february 12, 2022. Toyota contracted with an outside engineering firm to inspect brake system and their report did not address the lack of engagement of the auto emergency braking system part of toyota safety sense 2. 5 which the enabling switch does not activate. The toyota legal claims department issued an incomplete report that they claim absolves the vehicle but after multiple attempts to reach the issuing department noone has addressed my questions or concerns. Therefore I consider this an incomplete and unresolved safety issue . |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 16, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | Update to previous complaint filingnhtsa id number: 11451933 . Toyota has not accepted responsibility yet acknowledged that the abs "worked" when the problem was that the auto emergency braking system did not work . In addition a toyota dealer service employee drove the car and agreed the brake pedal was abnormal. This malfunction resulted in an accident with no injuries but has caused the driver to be in constant fear of driving this vehicle again. We have 2 years left on the lease and will never buy another toyota product again based on their history of concealing defects (fined in 2014 by doj) and their lack of proper customer satisfaction management in this case. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Mar 04, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated while driving 5 mph into a parking space with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,500. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 22, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | At 8,060 miles parking brake failes to engage. Got error code on the dashboard stating " parking brake malfunction/ hold brake malfunction. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 14, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | 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 no report was needed. The damage was more than is visible. |
| Category | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery |
| Date | Feb 11, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission and power steering failed to operate as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle acceleration and the power steering functions were sluggish. Upon investigation, the contact read the safety manual and discovered that the type of battery placed in the vehicle did not have adequate voltage. The contact initially took the vehicle to mike erdman toyota (4650 fl-520, cocoa, fl 32926) where they offered no assistance and stated that the vehicle operated as designed. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer where she was informed that the battery needed a boost, which was performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 35. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Feb 03, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | I pulled out of the car wash after washing my car in centennial, colorado and I realized the passenger side back tire was going flat. I got the car to discount tire where I had the flat fixed. There was metal coming out of the tire. Not sure exactly how it happened but the tire was defective. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 29, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I crashed into the metal guardrail on the side of the highway after swerving to avoid a car that lost a tire in front of me. The car was totalled with siginificant damage to the front, engine compartment, and windshield. But the airbags did not inflate. I was the only person in the car, but even the driver's airbags did not inflate. The police who came to the crash were very confused that a brand new car's airbags did not inflate in the crash. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 24, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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 to hitting the front to prevent the car from being burned. Yes, my son died in the accident but we did not have the chance to see him because of the fire, we have only bones to bury. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Jan 05, 2022 |
| State | MT |
| Description | Can not turn off the lane departure warning (ldw) feature. It can only be placed at a low setting. Surging when depressing brake. Noticed this occurring when slowing pulling into the garage, was not a deal breaker as was barely moving and never got to close to hit anything else in the garage. Once it snowed this surging began happening when braking to slow down to make turns. This surging was scary, even with studded snow tires. Driving home from work one evening, it had rained and was turning to black ice; going around a slight curve on the bridge and close to the white line; the car decided to pull me away from the white line. This was the final straw, not going to allow a car to make the decision to pull on black ice or other driving conditions. I did not want to become a statistic by having this vehicle cause a car wreck and hurt myself or other drivers. I had contacted toyota care and they said it was not a warranty issue. That is when I knew it was time to get rid of this hybrid after only 5 months. Other issues with this vehicle: can not lift the driver's side windshield wiper, massive design flaw. Anyone who lives in snowy climates need to be able to lift their wipers to clean off the snow and/or leave the wipers up so they don't freeze to the windshield. Another item I contacted toyota care about is the bumper/fender/wheel casing. This separated – cheap plastic. Again, they said not a warranty issue. Didn't have this problem with the corolla. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Jan 03, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:brake Fluid Low Warning:switch/sensor/float |
| Date | Dec 13, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The contact's wife leased a 2021 toyota camry. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. He stated that his wife continued to depress the brake pedal but it would not respond, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to exit the vehicle with assistance. The contact's wife sustained pain in the chest, upper back, shoulders, and ankle. The contact's wife also sustained a laceration on her finger from the broken window glass. The contact's wife sought medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact there was no recall related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,922. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 18, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The windshield cracked, we werent behind any other vehicles and noone saw or heard anything hit the windshield. I have a scheduled manufacturer appointment scheduled for monday november 22nd at 10 with a local toyota dealership. The cost is over 1,000 to replace and there wasnt even an event to cause this. Safelite was send out from my insurance company and confirmed the windshield has to be replaced and not able to be fixed. No problems prior to incident in fact car was washed so I know for a fact there was nothing wrong. I feel my safety is at risk because it is a terribly manufactured winshield. Ive never had a broken winshield before and for nothing to actually cause the crack is concerning. In fact the car hasnt moved since finding the crack and it is much worse that when it originaly happened. I have spoken to several people on the toyota page who have complained that their windshields cracked easily as well. |
| Category | Suspension, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 12, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | Unstable wobble when driving at high speeds on some road surfaces. Steering feels as if you could lose control when this happens. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jul 11, 2021 |
| State | KY |
| Description | Windshield wiper maximum speed is approximately half that of most other makes and models. In any adverse rain or snow conditions it is immediately noticeable how slow and inadequate the speed of the wipers are. In most cases you are forced to reduce speed to below average speed of vehicles around you, creating a hazard, or are forced to completely stop all together. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
2021 Toyota Camry 27,600 miles….bought brand new off the lot. I was driving from Arizona to Alabama and was picking up some road noise, which automatically made me think tires are a little out of balance. It wasn’t bad, but noticeable. I made an appointment at Serra Toyota in Decatur, AL. The tech came back and said my tires were chopped, recommending 4 new tires and 2 new wheels. This car is still under warranty too. I understand tires and wheels are not covered, but to have that mileage with that new of a care, and all of a sudden I need 4 new tires and 2 new wheels. I told them to do a rotation and balance and filed complaint through Toyota’s main website. Similar situation happened with my mother’s 2021 Toyota Venza at 19,000 miles. We decided to buy both cars together to get a decent rate. However, the service that we have received from Toyota is making me second guess my decisions. New tires and 2 new wheels probably would have easily costed me $2,500.00 on a nightshade edition, which is what I have.
I have been told my Camry 2021 Hybrid had a “thermal event” in which heat reflected off a surface and melted the plastic on my car. It is the plastic between the drivers window and backseat window. Also the drivers side view mirror was affected. Will be over $400 to fix and they said Toyota hasn’t been covering these occurrences. I was told they are happening often on my car and also the Rav 4. Said not sure why, but probably cheap or thinner plastic being used. My car is 18 months old. This shouldn’t ben happening. I parked it outside my mother in laws house and came out to find the damage. They new immediately what it was. Is there a case here? They are selling cars with plastic that will melt. If I have it fixed it will likely happen again. Is this a money making scam on their part forcing owners to buy more parts from them. Seems crazy they won’t fix it.