Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Toyota Camry Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Toyota Camry scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 2 recalls and 144 owner complaints.
2021 is year 4 of the Eighth generation (XV70).
Recalls
2
Complaints
144
Complaint Rate
4.6
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 4 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 2021 Toyota Camry?
The 2021 Toyota Camry earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2021 is year 4 of the Eighth generation (XV70).
Its complaint rate (4.6 per 10k sold) sits below the Sedan segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Toyota Camry, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 Toyota Camry for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- $138 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- AIR BAGS issues reported (78 complaints)
- 1 fatality report in owner complaints
- 2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Toyota Camry With
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 74/100
2021 Honda Accord
Score: 78/100
2021 Kia K5
Score: 71/100
2021 Hyundai Sonata
Score: 64/100
2021 Nissan Altima
Score: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- AIR BAGS (78)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- ENGINE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- STEERING (4)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Toyota Camry has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
20
Fires
2
Injuries
15
Deaths
1
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Toyota Camry Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 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.
2021 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 2021 Toyota Camry
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for whining noise and delayed shifting
- Check headlights for condensation and flickering
- Verify airbag recall status and inspect for warning lights
- Test parking brake for proper engagement
- Inspect sunroof for popping noises or glass issues
- Check for gasoline leaks near the gas cap
- Test lane assist features for proper deactivation
Check Any 2021 Toyota Camry's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 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.
2021 Toyota Camry Common Problems by Component
144 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
78 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to the airbag system, with a significant number indicating that recall repairs are delayed due to unavailable parts. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating, and some mention specific malfunctions in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, which could affect airbag deployment. The issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some cases around 14,600 miles. There are reports of crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the potential for airbag system failures.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry report several issues related to vehicle components and safety features. Multiple complaints describe problems with the sunroof, including loud popping noises when opening and spontaneous glass explosions while driving, which could pose a safety risk. Some owners mention windshield issues, such as spontaneous cracking without impact and glare impairing visibility, with one case involving a windshield damaged by rock chips. There are also reports of the vehicle experiencing unstable handling and skidding at highway speeds, potentially linked to lane assist functions. A serious incident involving a crash and subsequent fire resulted in a fatality, highlighting potential safety concerns. These issues appear across various timelines, with no specific mileage range consistently reported.
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly with the parking brake failing to engage and the brake pedal requiring excessive travel to stop the vehicle. Complaints often describe incidents where the parking brake does not hold the car on inclines and instances where the brake pedal depresses to the floor without sufficient stopping power. These issues have been reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,922 miles. Notably, four complaints involve crashes, with one resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should closely examine the braking system's functionality when considering this model.
POWER TRAIN (8 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission failures and unusual vehicle acceleration. Complaints often describe transmission problems such as whining noises, delayed shifting, and slipping, with these symptoms appearing around 24,000 to 79,000 miles. Additionally, two crash incidents are linked to unintended acceleration, one resulting in an injury, highlighting potential safety concerns. These incidents involve the vehicle lurching or accelerating independently during low-speed maneuvers like parking or reversing. Buyers considering a used 2021 Camry should be aware of these reported issues and the associated mileage ranges.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry frequently report issues related to engine maintenance warnings, particularly when the air conditioning is activated. Some complaints suggest a possible fault with the engine coolant bypass valve or coolant sensor. Additionally, multiple owners describe significant oil leaks from the engine oil pan and valve cover gasket, with some reports indicating potential safety risks if the oil contacts hot components. These issues are noted at varying mileages, including one instance at 205,000 miles. A hybrid system failure, resulting in a loss of power in traffic, is also reported by one owner. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly concerning maintenance warnings and oil leaks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry report a range of electrical system issues, with several complaints involving unintended acceleration and vehicle shutdown problems. One incident describes a crash attributed to sudden unintended acceleration, where the vehicle continued to move despite the brakes being applied. Other owners mention recurring issues with the vehicle not shutting off properly, leading to a drained battery and starting problems. Additionally, there are reports of door locking malfunctions and rodent damage affecting electrical components. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and compromised vehicle security.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry report issues primarily related to the steering system, with several complaints involving the inability to turn off lane-keeping features like Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). These features sometimes remain active even when switched off, leading to unwanted steering corrections and warning beeps, which some owners find distracting and potentially hazardous, particularly in adverse weather conditions. One complaint describes a severe incident where a fire occurred following a steering-related malfunction, though the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. These issues often arise after the vehicle reaches approximately 24,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to unexpected steering inputs and the risk of fire, both of which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Toyota Camry report several structural issues. One complaint involves unintended acceleration at a car wash, resulting in a crash and significant front-end damage, with no airbag deployment. Another owner describes issues with front fender/bumper clips, similar to a recall affecting other Toyota models, noting a risk of the bumper or fender detaching in traffic. A third complaint highlights a design issue with the hood, where sunlight reflects into the driver's eyes, potentially impairing visibility. These issues appear at varied mileages and present safety concerns, particularly the unintended acceleration leading to a crash.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system in the 2021 Toyota Camry, including inoperability and failure to stop as designed, with one owner noting this since the vehicle was new at 100 miles. Complaints frequently mention a lack of warning lights and difficulties in duplicating the issue during dealer inspections. Additionally, one owner describes a crash with an injury occurring at low speed, although the details do not explicitly attribute the collision to a system failure. Another issue involves steering control loosening when using the radar feature with cruise control, which does not occur when the radar is deactivated. These reports indicate potential safety implications, including a crash and concerns about vehicle control.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the suspension of the 2021 Toyota Camry, particularly at high speeds. Multiple complaints describe an unstable wobble and a sensation of potential loss of control when driving on certain road surfaces. One incident involves a crash at high speed, though it primarily raises concerns about airbag deployment rather than suspension. These issues typically emerge during high-speed travel, but specific mileage ranges are not detailed in the complaints. Buyers should be aware of these potential suspension-related stability concerns, particularly when driving on varied road surfaces.
When Do 2021 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).
2022
2 recalls · 47 complaints
2024
2 recalls · 35 complaints
2021(this page)
2 recalls · 144 complaints
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(selected) | 82/100 | +7 | Excellent | 2 | 144 |
| 2020 | 75/100 | +5 | Good | 5 | 253 |
| 2019 | 70/100 | +5 | Good | 8 | 364 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 8 | 708 |
2021 Toyota Camry Reliability by Powertrain
The 2021 Toyota Camry is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 136 | 1 | 22 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 8 | 1 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 144 | 2 | 22 |
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 2021 Toyota Camry reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Camry?
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
Is the 2021 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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