Like any car, the 2011 Toyota Camry has its share of issues. But thankfully, the most severe problems aren’t that common, such as unexpected acceleration, and the most frequent issues aren’t that extreme, like incorrectly labeled load capacity stickers.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Camry has been recalled five times with one investigation and a total of 550 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Sticky floor mats are a likely culprit in a number of sudden unexpected acceleration cases, but this has been occurring at a much lower rate than in previous generations.
- Most of the car’s recalls are for misprinted labels, but you’ll want to run your VIN to check for bad wiring in the heated seats.
- Hybrid drivers may be stuck paying for a brake light fix out of pocket, as the NHTSA investigation did not result in a recall.
Sudden Unexpected Acceleration in 2011 Camry is Possible, but Hardly the Problem it was in Earlier Toyotas
The 2011 Toyota Camry has 550 complaints on record with the NHTSA. Issues are all over the place in low numbers, and there’s no one category that takes an overwhelming lead, but in the top three you have vehicle speed control at 70, airbags at 60, and powertrain at 50. Taking a look at speed control, it’s easy to spot a pattern.
In December, 2019, a driver reported that the vehicle accelerated while their foot was on the brake pedal. In September, 2018, a driver’s Camry reportedly “suddenly accelerated to 25 mph” right after they started the engine. In July, 2014, “suddenly, my car sped up, on its own.”
Throughout the 00’s, Toyota had a major problem with Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA), which largely had to do with sticky floor mats preventing the gas pedals from returning to a neutral position. However, the issues we’re seeing in the 2011 Camry are not nearly as numerous as the issues that led to major investigations into earlier models.
In many of the instances, 2011 Camry owners reported to the NHTSA, vehicle mechanics were “unable to determine the cause” of sudden acceleration, which suggests that this, again, points to sticky floor mats. Our advice: don’t let this issue scare you away from a Camry, but do consider removing the floor mat. These incidents are uncommon, but not unheard of, and quite dangerous when they do occur. Better to go without a quarter-inch of rubber padding in the footwell than have your car totaled.
Potential Fire Risk from Damaged Seat Heater Wiring is 2016 Camry’s Most Concerning Recall
The 2011 Toyota Camry has been recalled five times. Most of these recalls have affected relatively few units, such as a ball joint recall for just 56 cars. The biggest recall was for a misprinted label, affecting over 150,000 units from 2005 to 2011.
Of these five recalls, the most severe was for an electrical concern, issued in November of 2014. In 3,233 Toyotas, dated 2006-2011, compression in a heated seat cushion had tendency to damage the wiring, creating a potential fire hazard.
If your Camry didn’t come with heated seats, don’t worry about this one. But if it did, make sure to get it taken care of, as electrical fires can strike out of nowhere.
An NHTSA Brake Light Investigation did not Result in a Recall on 2016 Camry Models
In 2014, the NHTSA launched an investigation into a brake actuator malfunction in a number of hybrid vehicles. Long story short: brake lights can come on for no reason owing to fidgety sensors.
The investigation was closed with no further action in August of that year after Toyota launched a campaign to extend warranty coverage, replace the requisite parts, and recalibrate and reprogram everything that needs to be recalibrated and reprogrammed.
Toyota’s initiative covers units up to 10 years after their first use, a date which most 2011s will have surpassed by now, with a limited service campaign being offered up until June, 2017.
In other words, if your 2011 Toyota Camry hasn’t already had its brake light issues addressed, it may be too late now, as this investigation never led to an official recall.
This isn’t an issue of the brakes simply not working, but rather, various warning lights not acting as intended. And if you’re not buying a hybrid, you don’t have to worry about this issue in the first place.
The 2011 Toyota Camry has its Issues, but Nothing That Should Scare a Savvy Shopper Away
If you’re shopping for a 2011 Toyota Camry, chances are you’re after a car that’s efficient, affordable, low-maintenance, and hassle-free. A daily driver that gets you there and back without all the headaches. The 2011 Camry delivers on that front.
The car has a handful of issues to consider, but Repair Pal ranks the nameplate in third place out of 24 mid-size cars, estimating an annual repair cost of just $388, and though it didn’t earn a Top Safety Pick award, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety did give the car a near-perfect score, awarding it their highest rating in almost every category. The Camry is simply one of the best and safest grocery-getters on the market today, and the 2011 is no exception.
Photos: Toyota
