When you buy a vehicle—regardless of whether you buy new or used—you buy it with a reasonable assumption that the car is safe. And while it’s true that the Toyota Camry sedan is well-known for its excellent safety ratings (including its distinction as a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick), the reality is that recalls are issued for many makes and models. In fact, a 2018 press release from the Consumer Federation of America estimates that more than 270 million recalled vehicles remain on the road today.
Even though auto manufacturers are legally required to inform consumers by mail when a vehicle they have purchased has been recalled, these notifications aren’t always 100% reliable. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to check for recalls on a regular basis.
If you own a Toyota Camry, there are some specific recalls you should be aware of. Our team at Vehicle History has done the research and outlined some of the most notable recalls on this make and model, which we include here. Keep in mind, however, that this is by no means an exhaustive list of all Toyota Camry recalls—and the best way to determine whether your Camry may have a recall notice is to check by the VIN.
2001 Toyota Camry Recalls
The 2001 Toyota Camry had a few safety recalls, one of which affected models equipped with the optional V6 engine. On affected models, it was found that the accelerator cable could wear away over time and break due to a deformity inside the cable housing itself. On these vehicles, a broken accelerator cable could cause the vehicle to remain in position or idle unsafely, which could increase the risk of crash.
Another notable recall for the 2011 Camry was a structural issue, in which it was found that the front sub-frame of some sedans was not properly welded. This defect could result in total failure of the front assembly, especially after long-term use, which increases the risk of crash and serious injury.
2004 Toyota Camry Recalls
An engine recall affected not only the 2004 Camry, but many other Toyota models (including the Avalon, Highlander and Sienna). In this particular recall, it was found that the amount of adhesive applied between the engine’s rubber damper and outer ring was inadequate, potentially resulting in misalignment of the outer ring over time. When this ring becomes misaligned, the power steering pump could also be at risk of detachment. A loss of power steering can drastically increase the risk of crash.
The 2004 Camry was also plagued by two airbags and seatbelt recalls. One involved 2004 Camry models with power-adjustable front seats, in which it was found that the buckle status switch could become unseated when a rear-racing infant seat was installed in the rear row. The problem with this is that if this switch becomes unseated, the front-passenger airbag may still deploy in the event of a crash, which could result in injuries.
Another airbag recall on the 2004 Camry concerned an assembly issue with the factory-installed curtain shield airbags (CSA), which could result in these airbags not deploying quickly enough in the event of a crash. This, in turn, can increase the risk of injury.
2005 Toyota Camry Recalls
One interior recall on the 2005 Camry poses a potential fire hazard and affects some models equipped with heated front seats. In this defect, it was found that the copper strand element used to heat the seats could become damaged when the seat cushion was compressed. With enough damage to the cable, the heating element could short circuit and cause a fire.
The 2005 Camry also suffered from the same engine recall as the 2004 model, which involved the improper adhesive used between the engine’s rubber damper and outer ring. If the outer ring becomes misaligned, it increases the risk of the power-steering belt slipping and the driver’s loss of control of the vehicle’s power steering system. This, in turn, can increase the chance of a crash.
2007 Toyota Camry Recalls
The 2007 Toyota Camry is the most recalled model in recent years (tied with the 2009 Camry), with a total of 10 recall notices on file with the NHTSA. Perhaps the most notable recall for this model year pertains to the engine, and more specifically, the accelerator pedal. On affected models, it was discovered that the accelerator pedal could become difficult to depress or even mechanically stuck in a depressed position while driving. This defect was due to the suspected poor design of the friction lever itself. If the accelerator pedal becomes difficult to depress or gets stuck in a depressed position, it can increase the risk of a crash.
A similar recall was also issued for this model year after it was found that the accelerator pedal could become stuck in the open position if it was trapped by an unsecured floor mat. This could result in dangerously high vehicle speeds and the inability to slow down or stop the vehicle, which can result in a serious crash.
This model year also saw a safety recall for an issue with the side airbag, curtain shield airbag, and knee airbag assemblies. With this recall, it was found that the inflators on some of these assemblies were defective, resulting in insufficient or slow inflation of airbags in the event of a crash. This, in turn, could increase the risk of serious injury in a crash in which the airbags deploy.
2008 Toyota Camry Recalls
The 2008 Toyota Camry saw a handful of safety recalls as well, including the same engine/accelerator pedal recall as the 2007 model. Another notable recall for this model year involved the power window master switch on models equipped with power windows. It was found that on some models, the motor assembly was not properly lubricated, making it possible for the switch itself to overheat. In some cases, an overheated switch could melt and pose a fire hazard.
2009 Toyota Camry Recalls
If you drive a 2009 Camry, you’ll want to be aware of a few potential recall notices that could affect your safety behind the wheel. This includes the same engine/accelerator pedal as the 2007 and 2008 models, as well as the same power window assembly recall as the 2008 model.
In addition, some 2009 Camry models were recalled due to an issue with the front-seat-passenger occupant sensing system. The purpose of this system is to determine, using sensors that detect the passenger’s weight/size, whether the front-passenger seat is occupied and whether the airbags should be deployed in the event of a crash. This recall occurred because it was found that some systems were out of calibration, resulting in airbags deploying when they shouldn’t have or not deploying when they should have. This could increase the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
2010 Toyota Camry Recalls
The 2010 Camry shares a number of recall notices from previous model years, including the engine/accelerator pedal recall, the front-seat airbag calibration recall, and the fire hazard recall on some models with heated seats.
On top of this, some 2010 Toyota Camry models were also recalled for a braking issue, in which it was found that the length of the power steering hose was not long enough on some four-cylinder models. Since this hose was too short, the tube itself could wear down more quickly and deteriorate over time. It could result in a brake fluid leak, which affects braking performance and increases the risk of a crash.
2011 Toyota Camry Recalls
By the 2011 model year, Toyota had corrected the design issues that led to the accelerator pedal recall—so this is no longer a documented concern on 2011 Camry models and later. However, the 2011 Toyota Camry does have an open recall on its suspension system for some models. While this recall is estimated to affect only about 60 vehicles in total, it is still notable due to the severity of the damage it could cause.
Specifically, with this recall, it was found that the rubber boot on the front suspension arm ball joint may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the vehicle itself. Over time, this damage could cause the boot to leak lubricant grease, which could cause the failure of the ball joint over time. If the ball joint were to separate from the knuckle completely, it could result in a total loss of vehicle control, which substantially increases the risk of a serious crash.
2014 Toyota Camry Recalls
On some 2014 Camry models, it was found that the windshield wiper assembly switch could short circuit, resulting in a loss of windshield wiper operation. During times of heavy rain or other unfavorable road conditions, an inability to operate the vehicle’s windshield wipers could affect visibility to the point of causing a crash.
2018 Toyota Camry Recalls
If you drive a newer Toyota Camry model, such as the 2018 Camry, you may still have open safety recalls on your vehicle. On this model year, in particular, it was found that some models equipped with automatic braking assist were assembled with improperly machined oil. This could result in a loss of braking assist functionality, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Another notable safety recall for the 2018 model year involves models equipped with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine. On some models, the pistons used to build the engine were oversized, which can increase the risk of a stall. An engine stall (especially one on a highway or other busy road) can increase the risk of a crash.
Finally, a recall on the 2018 Camry’s fuel system should also be noted. With this recall, it was found that approximately 11,000 Camry vehicles equipped with the optional V6 engine were built with fuel delivery pipes that were not properly connected to the engine’s fuel hoses. This can result in a fuel leak, which can pose a fire hazard to drivers and other motorists because fuel is a combustible source.
How to Check Your Toyota Camry for Recalls Online
Even if you don’t see a recall notice for your Camry model year in this list, it’s a good idea to manually check for recalls. After all, this list covers only some of the most notable recalls on model years 2000 through the present day.
The easiest and most accurate way to check for a recall on your vehicle is to visit the Toyota Recall website directly. From there, you can enter your license plate number or your vehicle identification number (VIN) to receive an instant list of any open recalls that may apply to your vehicle.
What to Do if Your Toyota Camry Has a Recall Notice
If your Toyota Camry has an open recall notice, you’ll want to have the recommended repairs done as soon as possible. If you receive a formal recall notice in the mail, detailed instructions from Toyota regarding how to schedule your repair at no cost to you should be included. If the affected part cannot be repaired, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires vehicle manufacturers to completely replace the defective part or provide a total refund of the cost of the vehicle (minus depreciation).
In most cases, if your vehicle is recalled, you should be able to schedule a service appointment at any Toyota dealership service department and have the repair completed promptly. From there, you can get back behind the wheel with more confidence and peace of mind.
How to File a Report of a Toyota Camry Defect
If your Toyota Camry has a safety defect that has not been recalled, you should report it directly to Toyota’s Customer Complaints Department as soon as possible. If other drivers are experiencing and reporting similar issues, an investigation may be launched to determine whether a recall notice is necessary.
