The Lemon Index2021 Toyota Camry.
The 2021 Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 95 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 25 to 52 mpg combined. The best Toyota Camry year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 165 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Camry year. 2021 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 13K to 58K miles on the car (18 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
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 182 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota CAMRY 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Toyota CAMRY 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Toyota CAMRY HYBRID 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1250–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
There is a recall on my vehicle about the SRS light where it is not picking up the weight of the passenger which in turn is not allowing the passenger airbag to go off.
2021 Toyota Camry owner · NHTSA complaint 11572730
More owner reports
Failed Deployment of AirBag during collision on drivers side of car.
NHTSA complaint 11489019
I am a disabled individual and I have a pregnant wife which doesn't feel safe driving this vehicle with a defective airbag. We contacted but unfortunately they don't seem to care.
NHTSA complaint 11589849
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Camry year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Camry problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (42%), brakes (12%) and automatic emergency braking (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Camry get?
25 to 52 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Camry cost in fuel a year?
About $1250 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Camry year is better than the 2021?
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