Can’t get your 2011 Camry to start? Before you jump to worst-case scenarios, consider the possibility that your battery simply needs replacing. After all, most car batteries are only rated for about five years.
What’s the best replacement battery for the 2011 Toyota Camry?
The recommended replacement battery for a 2011 Camry is a 12-volt, OEM battery with a 24F group size and a minimum cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating of 585.
Compared to other car repairs, replacing a battery is pretty inexpensive and simple. The key is choosing the right replacement battery for your 2011 Toyota Camry, as not all are created equal. Let us help!
Battery Group Sizes Explained
One of the first things you’ll want to look at when shopping for a 2011 Camry replacement battery is its group size. Every car is designed to be compatible with a specific “battery group size,” and the 2011 Camry’s is a 24F.
What does that mean? A 24F battery is simply one that has measurements/dimensions of about 6.8″ long, 10.7″ wide, and 9″ in height. 24F is a common group size used in American cars and especially in Toyotas made in 2011.
Choosing a 24F battery for your 2011 Camry will ensure a proper fit and will also ensure that the terminal locations on the battery match up with the vehicle. Be careful not to buy a 24 group-size battery, as these do not have the same dimensions.
Battery Types and Other Terminology You Should Know
Aside from the group size needed for your 2011 Camry replacement battery, you’ll also want to choose the right type of battery with an appropriate cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating.
Let’s start with CCA. This rating simply refers to a battery’s ability to start an engine in extremely cold temperatures. The higher a battery’s CCA, the more reliable it will be if you need to start your car in cold weather.
If you live in a climate that sees harsh winters, you’ll want to pay special attention to CCA and possibly even buy a battery with a higher rating than what your manufacturer recommends. After all, batteries do lose some starting power over time.
For the 2011 Toyota Camry, a replacement battery with a minimum 585 CCA is recommended.
In addition to choosing a battery with the right CCA, you may also be wondering what type of battery is right for your car. This will ultimately depend on several factors, including:
- How much driving you do daily
- How often your car sits “idle” in a garage or outside
- Whether you have a gasoline-powered Camry or a hybrid
For most gasoline-powered Camry models, a basic starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) battery will do just fine. If you need greater starting power, an AGM battery may be a safer bet, especially if your car has an engine start/stop system.
For a hybrid Camry, you’ll need to look into lithium-ion or lead-acid battery options—but we’ll stick to covering batteries for a standard, gasoline-powered Camry here.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Batteries: Which is Best?
When you shop for a replacement battery, you’ll find that you have two options. You can either buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery directly from Toyota, or you can buy an aftermarket battery from a third-party supplier.
Generally speaking, OEM parts are always preferred to help maintain the resale value of your car. OEM parts also tend to come with great warranties and are designed with your exact make and model’s specifications in mind.
Check out the 2011 Camry owner’s manual for more information on where to find OEM parts. Typically, taking your car to a licensed Toyota dealership is the easiest way to get an OEM replacement battery.
Keep in mind that Toyota’s batteries are “TrueStar” brand and come with extensive warranties for your peace of mind. You can find out more about ordering OEM Toyota batteries and other genuine parts here.
Our Aftermarket Battery Recommendations
Of course, getting your hands on an OEM battery for an older car like the 2011 Camry may not always be easy. If you can’t find an OEM battery or simply don’t want to shell out the money for one, there are aftermarket options.
We used the “battery finder” tool on Auto Batteries to find aftermarket battery recommendations for the 2011 Toyota Camry base model with standard 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine.
The top recommendation for this particular model is an SLI flooded, 24F group size, and 585 CCA minimum. If your Camry has a lot of electronic upgrades or an engine start/stop system, an AGM battery might be even better.
It’s also worth noting that not all aftermarket battery brands are equal. Make sure that the brand you select will back up its product with a warranty. Some of the more trusted aftermarket battery brands on the market include:
- Duralast
- AC Delco
- DieHard
- Optima
Depending on where you purchase your replacement battery, installation and disposal of your old battery may be included. This should be the case if you buy an OEM battery at a dealer or an aftermarket battery at an auto retailer.
If you decide to change your own battery and could use some tips, check out this YouTube tutorial. Just know it only covers Camry model years 2010-2018.
You’ll also need to know how to properly and safely dispose of your old car battery. Consider recycling it, if possible, to cut down on waste. You can find out more about that here.
