Last updated: 2026-03-04

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent
2021 Toyota Camry

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$388

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
79/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
88/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
86/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues

AIR BAGS (78)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)SERVICE BRAKES (9)

2 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

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)

2018redesign
2019
2020
2021selected
2022
2023

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 12.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

23V8650002023-12-20

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota Camry Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Camry
$388
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

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.

78
18
AIR BAGS (78)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)SERVICE BRAKES (9)POWER TRAIN (8)ENGINE (6)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)STEERING (4)STRUCTURE (3)Other (18)

AIR BAGS

78 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

78 complaints total9 crashes12 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

12 complaints total1 crash1 fire

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total4 crashes1 injury
POWER TRAIN (8 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

8 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
ENGINE (6 complaints)

ENGINE

6 complaints

Owners 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.

6 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 crash
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

4 complaints total1 fire
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total1 crash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2021 Toyota Camry Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

24,000–79,000 milesTransmission failures
70,000–100,000 milesHeadlight condensation and failure
14,600 milesAirbag warning light

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.

avg 77
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Camry reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201970/100Good
202075/100Good
202182/100Excellent
202284/100Excellent
202379/100Good
202483/100Excellent
202576/100Good

Toyota Camry Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202679/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202576/100-7Good46
202483/100+4Excellent235
202379/100-5Good447
202284/100+2Excellent247
2021(selected)82/100+7Excellent2144
202075/100+5Good5253
201970/100+5Good8364
201865/100Good8708

2021 Toyota Camry Reliability by Powertrain

The 2021 Toyota Camry is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas1361225 out of 5
HEV8105 out of 5
Total144222

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?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Camry is considered highly reliable with a score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Camry?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Toyota Camry include: AIR BAGS (78 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints), POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), ENGINE (6 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
The 2021 Toyota Camry has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Toyota Camry is expected to have below-average maintenance costs at $388/year, which is $138 less than the midsize cars average of $526. Its high reliability score of 82/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest that unexpected repairs are uncommon.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue