TireKick

Verdict

2021 Toyota Camry: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2021 Toyota Camry — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most sedan.

Owners filed 161 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 92% of 2021 sedans. Air Bags leads the reports (51%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

161

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

26

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 92% of 2021 sedans

The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (51% of 161 reports), followed by unknown or other (9%).

Air Bags51% · 82 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 15 reports
Power Train7% · 11 reports
Service Brakes6% · 10 reports
Electrical System4% · 7 reports
Engine4% · 6 reports
Steering2% · 4 reports
Structure2% · 4 reports

+ 12 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 161 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11691049, ODI 11665213, ODI 11653812, ODI 11611408, ODI 11502569.

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air Bags · 23V865000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Camry3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive223326

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2021 Toyota Camry: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Toyota Camry?

Owners filed 161 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Toyota Camry — more complaints than 92% of comparable 2021 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2021 Toyota Camry?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (51% of complaints) and unknown or other (9%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Toyota Camry, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Camry get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Camry at 26 mpg combined.