The Lemon Index2001 Toyota Camry.
The 2001 Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 145 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 19 to 24 mpg combined. The best Toyota Camry year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 325 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota Camry year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 36K to 112K miles on the car (183 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 28K–123K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 49K–100K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 45K–170K miles
Recalls 5
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2006
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- lights 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Show all 5 recalls
- body structure 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- speed control 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 137 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- False malfunction indicator lamp
- False m.i.l on.*jb
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedEngine compartment fire2002–2003
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★☆ · rollover ★★★★★
Fuel cost and engines
About $2100–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving at any speed engine warning light illuminated. Consumer had no other problems. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
2001 Toyota Camry owner · NHTSA complaint 10103840
More owner reports
Hit by another vehicle on driver side. Front and rear doors severely damaged. Driver side side airbag did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint 753232
Within a day of delivery the consumer noticed that the vehicle wandered/pulls to the right when driven on smooth surfaces. Nlm
NHTSA complaint 560004
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Toyota Camry reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Camry year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2001 Toyota Camry problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (16%), engine (15%) and suspension (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Camry have?
5 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota Camry get?
19 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Camry problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 36,000 and 112,500 miles. The middle report was at 76,000 miles, from 183 complaints.
Does the 2001 Toyota Camry have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Toyota Camry cost in fuel a year?
About $2100 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Toyota Camry have?
2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Camry year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2017 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works