2009 Toyota Camry: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Toyota Camry? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,407 complaints, with Unintended Acceleration as the top reported area.
2009 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Toyota Camry trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Toyota Camry Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Toyota Camry has 1,407 owner complaints, 160 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Unintended Acceleration. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Camry
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,407
- Crash-related complaints
- 160
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Unintended Acceleration
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2009 Toyota Camry Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Unintended Acceleration
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Unintended Acceleration, Engine Problems, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Toyota Camry?
The 2009 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Toyota Camry
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for any history of unintended acceleration issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for any history of unintended acceleration issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and structural repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and electrical components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Toyota Camry, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data for the 2009 Toyota Camry, complaints are concentrated in unintended acceleration, engine problems, and structural issues. The data suggests these areas may be of concern, but the low confidence level means findings should be interpreted cautiously.
- Unintended acceleration accounts for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine problems and structural problems are the next most frequently reported issues.
- Crash-related complaints represent a notable portion of total complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
All 2009 Toyota Camry Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Camry. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended Acceleration | 285 | 86 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 266 | 5 | 8 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 239 | 11 | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 182 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 166 | 25 | 3 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 100 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 89 | 7 | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 72 | 43 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 71 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 52 | 7 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 50 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 46 | 14 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 37 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 27 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 19 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 19 | 6 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electric | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Toyota Camry. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving my seat squeaks as if the bolts are loose.
Excessive oil consumption, a sticky dash and power window switch
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with the drivers front side of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy as intended. The contact's daughter susta…
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky, causing a shiny glare on the windshield, preventing the driver from seeing through the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufactu…
I drove my son’s 2009 Toyota Camry recently and encountered a serious safety concern. When driving into direct sunlight, visibility was significantly impaired due to intense glare reflecting off the dashboard and onto the windshield. The reflection made it difficult to clearly se…
The vehicle was involved in a rollover crash at 60 mph that ended in striking a tree, which intruded upon the entire backseat area. The driver/passenger airbag(s) did not deploy despite conditions where deployment should have occurred. There were no signs of prior deployment or …
The dashboard has turned into a sticky residue that reflects a blinding glair and is hazardous to see & drive. Toyota has declined to extend the recall warranty to replace the dash even though this is a hazard and has nearly caused accidents. Please help me get Toyota to make g…
My son wrecked cause of the stickiness of the dashboard the light reflected and he was in an accident . You guys mailed the safest notice to his grandmother at a assisted living facility and I have proof she didn’t get mail there so my son shouldn’t have to suffer we have already…
My grandma bought a 2009 Toyota Camry well kept she passed away in 2019 and she gave me the car what I read second owner has a 10 warranty they said there was a safety recall on the dashboard she was in a nursing home facility and that where her mail went and she was Bedfast and …
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and melting. The contact stated that since moving to the desert, the dashboard coating had degraded and deteriorated. The shine created a glare on the windshield, preventing the contact from dr…
I purchased a 2009 Toyota Camry on [XXX]. After a few years, the dashboard became soft and sticky. During the summer of 2018, I noticed it melting on a hot sunny day. I looked into having it replaced. There was a warranty enhancement notification letter previously sent to me, whi…
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the "Check Oil" warning light illuminated. The contact added oil to the engine. The contact was informed that the check oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to…
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the reflection from the melted dashboard impaired his view while driving. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and shiny and reflected on the windshield while driving. The …
The engine burned excessive oil and finally the rings and head gasket failed causing the engine to misfire and finally break down at 186,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to fracture in several places. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
I have 2009 Toyota Camry LE, the problem is engine oil, if I changed/filled the engine oil in certified stores, but after 400 miles the engine oil is not in the engine chamber I checked the leaks or any other sort of damage but there's nothing like that I verified the same thing …
I have 2009 Toyota Camry LE, the problem is engine oil, if I changed/filled the engine oil in certified stores, but after 400 miles the engine oil is not in the engine chamber I checked the leaks or any other sort of damage but there's nothing like that I verified the same thing …
Dashboard Melted. Causes a glare and tacky texture. The dash board emits a chemical smell in the car
The replaced dashboard ( the first dashboard was replaced due to a recall about melting dashboards) is now melting just like the first one and is causing significant glare in on the windshield. Avoided two (2) near accidents when the glare from the sun impaired my vision of the t…
Dash board has become sticky due to the adhesive seeping out; causes major visual impairments while driving due to the reflection of the sun off of the sticky/disgusting/shiny dashboard.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Toyota Camry.
2009 Toyota Camry Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Toyota Camry. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Toyota Camry Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Toyota Camry reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,407 owner complaints, 160 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Camry?▾
#1: Unintended Acceleration (285 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (266 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (239 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Toyota Camry?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Toyota Camry?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Toyota Camry, NHTSA complaints include 160 crash-related reports and 22 fire reports out of 1,407 total complaints. 90 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Toyota Camry have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Toyota Camry. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Toyota Camry?▾
The 2009 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Unintended Acceleration during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Camry reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Toyota Camry based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.