Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Toyota Camry Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Toyota Camry scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 253 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (XV70).
Recalls
5
Complaints
253
Complaint Rate
8.6
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$388
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (XV70).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 8th generation Camry (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Eighth generation (XV70)
Should You Buy the 2020 Toyota Camry?
The 2020 Toyota Camry scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 3 of the Eighth generation (XV70).
With 253 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (55). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Toyota Camry, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2019 Toyota Camry for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $138 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (55 complaints)
- AIR BAGS issues reported (52 complaints)
Compare 2020 Toyota Camry With
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Score: 62/100
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 74/100
2020 Honda Accord
Score: 73/100
2020 Nissan Altima
Score: 71/100
2020 Tesla Model 3
Score: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
- AIR BAGS (52)
- ENGINE (28)
- POWER TRAIN (24)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
- SEAT BELTS (6)
- VISIBILITY (5)
- STEERING (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- TIRES (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- Other/I am not sure (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2020 Toyota Camry has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 16.6
Safety Incidents
Crashes
14
Fires
2
Injuries
22
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Toyota Camry Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Toyota Camry. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Consequence
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
2020 Toyota Camry NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Camry Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$388
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 Toyota Camry
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration
- Inspect coolant bypass valve for leaks or corrosion
- Check battery health and inspect for signs of drainage issues
- Verify door locks function properly with key fob and interior buttons
- Ensure sunroof glass is intact and inspect for any signs of stress or cracks
- Confirm airbag recall repairs have been completed
Check Any 2020 Toyota Camry's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Camry in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Camry with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Toyota Camry Common Problems by Component
253 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
55 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with battery drainage, particularly when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, such as 24-36 hours. Many describe replacing batteries multiple times without resolving the problem, with some indicating the need for a software update. Another common issue involves door locks malfunctioning, where doors fail to lock or unlock using the key fob or interior buttons, sometimes accompanied by unusual noises. Complaints also mention intermittent warning lights and system malfunctions, including pre-collision and engine warnings. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 18,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are directly mentioned, some owners express concern about being stranded due to these electrical failures. This information may be useful for potential buyers considering a used 2020 Camry.
AIR BAGS
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to the airbag system, notably involving a recall for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors that may prevent airbags from deploying correctly. Many complaints describe difficulties obtaining parts for the recall repair, with some owners expressing frustration over extended delays, sometimes exceeding a year. Several reports involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries, with incidents occurring at various speeds and involving both frontal and side impacts. Mileage at the time of these issues is not consistently reported, but some vehicles have experienced failures at around 35,000 to 100,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these ongoing recall-related issues and the associated safety risks, including the possibility of airbags failing to deploy in a crash.
ENGINE
28 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Toyota Camry's engine, particularly related to the coolant bypass valve and low-pressure fuel pump. Common symptoms include stalling while driving, engine shutdowns, and persistent check engine lights, often linked to faulty coolant bypass valves and fuel pump defects. These problems are noted at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 30,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly, posing a risk of accidents, especially during highway driving or merging. Additionally, some owners mention a persistent coolant smell and overheating issues following fuel pump failures. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers of used models.
POWER TRAIN (24 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, particularly involving hesitation, harsh shifting, and a whining or grinding noise during acceleration. Complaints often mention these symptoms occurring between 67,000 and 144,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete transmission failure. Safety implications include loss of power during driving, difficulty merging or accelerating, and at least one reported crash with an injury. Used car buyers should be aware that multiple owners describe the need for transmission replacement, sometimes without immediate availability of parts, which can lead to prolonged periods without a functional vehicle.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
21 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Toyota Camry, particularly involving the sunroof and door lock actuators. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof glass spontaneously exploding while driving, with some incidents resulting in injuries and potential loss of control. Additionally, door lock actuators are reported to fail, affecting the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle. Other issues include moldy odors from the air conditioning system and coolant smells, which are noted shortly after purchase. These problems often occur within the first few years of ownership, and the sunroof issue, in particular, poses a significant safety risk.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the fuel pump leading to symptoms such as stalling while driving, loss of power, and an inability to restart the vehicle. These issues often occur without warning and are sometimes linked to a faulty fuel pump or related components, with several complaints noting that their vehicles were not included in existing recalls despite exhibiting similar problems. One report specifically mentions a fire resulting from a ruptured high-pressure fuel pump line. Mileage is not consistently noted, but the symptoms appear to manifest across varied usage. Safety implications include the risk of stalling at high speeds, which could increase the potential for accidents. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and verify if the vehicle has been serviced for related recalls.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Toyota Camry, with symptoms including unintended acceleration, gear shifting without driver input, and delayed acceleration. Complaints frequently mention incidents where the vehicle accelerates independently, sometimes resulting in crashes, as in one case where the car reversed and then accelerated forward unexpectedly. Multiple owners describe problems with the vehicle not responding to the accelerator pedal, particularly during initial acceleration or gear changes, often at lower mileages around 11,000 miles. A recurring issue is the appearance of warning messages related to the pre-collision system and cruise control malfunctioning. These issues pose potential safety risks, as they can lead to loss of control or near-misses in traffic situations.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the service brakes, including spongy brake pedals and the ability to push the pedal all the way to the floor, which some associate with potential internal leaks in the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Complaints often describe an abnormal sound when the brake pedal is depressed, as well as brake malfunctions linked to electronic control module (ECM) failures. One report involves a crash where the brakes locked up, leading to a collision, highlighting a significant safety concern. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one instance occurring at approximately 70,599 miles, and others at lower mileages, suggesting potential variability in when these problems may arise.
SEAT BELTS (6 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
6 complaintsOwners report issues with the seat belt latch mechanism on the 2020 Toyota Camry, particularly with the driver's side seat belt failing to latch securely. Complaints frequently mention that the buckle does not click or lock properly, sometimes leading to a loose seat belt that does not secure the occupant. These failures are observed at various mileages, with some reports at approximately 1,000 miles and others as high as 115,000 miles. The inability of the seat belt to secure the driver poses a significant safety risk, as it may not provide adequate protection in the event of a collision. Buyers considering a used 2020 Camry should be aware of these potential seat belt issues and may want to ensure the seat belt mechanism is functioning properly before purchase.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Camry report issues related to the steering system, with complaints frequently mentioning problems such as the steering becoming unexpectedly hard or stuck, which can impair vehicle control during turns or lane changes. One owner describes the steering wheel heater causing smoke, indicating a potential fire risk. Another report includes the electric power steering system warning light activating shortly after purchase, alongside other electrical issues. The described problems vary in timing and severity, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others developing over time, posing possible safety risks, particularly in high-speed or emergency situations.
When Do 2020 Toyota Camry Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Camry Years
Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy
The best Toyota Camry year is 2022 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (83/100) and 2021 (82/100).
Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Camry year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to power train (160) issues.
See full Toyota Camry years-to-avoid analysis →Toyota Camry Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Camry reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 81/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Toyota Camry Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 79/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 76/100 | -7 | Good | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 | 83/100 | +4 | Excellent | 2 | 35 |
| 2023 | 79/100 | -5 | Good | 4 | 47 |
| 2022 | 84/100 | +2 | Excellent | 2 | 47 |
| 2021 | 82/100 | +7 | Excellent | 2 | 144 |
| 2020(selected) | 75/100 | +5 | Good | 5 | 253 |
| 2019 | 70/100 | +5 | Good | 8 | 364 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 8 | 708 |
2020 Toyota Camry Reliability by Powertrain
The 2020 Toyota Camry is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 244 | 3 | 16 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 9 | 2 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 253 | 5 | 16 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Toyota Camry reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Camry?
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Camry have?
Is the 2020 Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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