2009 Toyota Camry Problems

Severe Issues

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. Based on 1,407 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Unintended Acceleration the most reported area.

200826 years2010

Before you buy

This 2009 Toyota Camry has 1,407 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Unintended Acceleration.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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1,407
Complaints
160
Crashes
22
Fires
90
Injuries
2
Fatalities
10
Recalls

2009 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Toyota Camry trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

21
MPG City
1933 range
31
MPG Hwy
2834 range
25
MPG Combined
2334 range
355
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $1,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

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 Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
Stability Control: OptionalForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

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.

2009 Toyota Camry — key reliability facts
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

Common problems

Most common 2009 Toyota Camry problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
285
complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Crash-related:86
Fires:2
Injuries:34
#2
266
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:5
Fires:8
Injuries:3
#3
239
complaints

Structural Problems

Crash-related:11
Fires:5
Injuries:4

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.

Buyer verdict

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.

Pre-purchase

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.

Check the exact car

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.

AI verdict

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.

Key Findings
  • 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.
Top Concerns
  • Unintended Acceleration
  • Engine Problems
  • Structural Problems
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is low, indicating limited data reliability for drawing firm conclusions. Only one model year was analyzed, limiting the ability to identify trends across years.

Full breakdown

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.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Unintended Acceleration285862
Engine Problems26658
Structural Problems239115
Uncategorized Issues18291
Brake System166253
Visibility/Wiper1001
Electrical Faults8974
Airbag Malfunctions72432
Suspension Failures712
Transmission / Drivetrain527
Steering Defects5041
Hydraulic46141
Visibility371
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)273
Tire Issues25
Headlight/Taillight Failures1931
Equipment196
Wheel Issues131
Seat-Related Issues122
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Seat Belt Issues123
Electric113
Fuel System91
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility6
Gasoline61
Door Lock Issues4
Other3
Parking-Brake Issues2
Child Seat2
Lane Departure11
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB11
Air1
Interior Lighting1

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

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.

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,407 total. View all on NHTSA

Seat-Related IssuesMar 19, 2026

While driving my seat squeaks as if the bolts are loose.

Structural ProblemsMar 14, 2026

Excessive oil consumption, a sticky dash and power window switch

Airbag Malfunctions CrashMar 11, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsMar 11, 2026

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…

Uncategorized IssuesDec 19, 2025

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…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashDec 3, 2025

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 …

Uncategorized IssuesOct 1, 2025

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…

Uncategorized Issues CrashSep 24, 2025

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…

Uncategorized Issues CrashSep 17, 2025

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 …

Structural ProblemsSep 10, 2025

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…

Visibility/WiperMay 19, 2025

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 21, 2025

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…

Structural ProblemsMar 17, 2025

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 …

Engine ProblemsFeb 6, 2025

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.

Structural ProblemsJan 27, 2025

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…

Steering DefectsJan 18, 2025

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 …

Engine ProblemsJan 18, 2025

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 …

Uncategorized IssuesOct 29, 2024

Dashboard Melted. Causes a glare and tacky texture. The dash board emits a chemical smell in the car

Visibility/WiperOct 26, 2024

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…

Uncategorized IssuesSep 23, 2024

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.

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Toyota Camry.

Safety recalls

2009 Toyota Camry recalls

10 campaigns

NHTSA 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.

Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

#16V396000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLERFeb 6, 2016
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#15V689000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS22/10/2015
Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

#14V743000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER19/11/2014
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#12V091000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJul 3, 2012
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#12V491000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLSOct 10, 2012
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

#13V014000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE16/01/2013
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

#09V388000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALMay 10, 2009
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#10V035000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSMar 2, 2010
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#10V036000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSMar 2, 2010
Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

#10V017000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL21/01/2010

Across model years

Compare Toyota Camry model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

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.

Before you buy

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.