2021 Toyota Camry: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Toyota Camry? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 148 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2021 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 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.
2021 Toyota Camry Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.9% probability
Source: 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 2021 Toyota Camry has 148 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Camry
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 148
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Toyota Camry Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Toyota Camry?
The 2021 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 2021 Toyota Camry
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, brake, and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and brake components before purchase.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, brake, and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and brake components before purchase.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Toyota Camry are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Other notable areas include brake system and transmission issues. The data suggests potential concerns with safety systems, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most reported component with 76 complaints.
- Brake system and transmission/drivetrain each have over 10 complaints.
- There is 1 recall associated with this model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2021 Toyota Camry Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Camry. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 76 | 10 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 10 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 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 2021 Toyota Camry. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal…
Owner bought new 2021 Camry XLR 4 cylinder all wheel drive. It currently has 39,000 miles on it. No problems until January 25, 2026. It was 11 degrees below zero, my car had the original battery. Car started without issue, I return to house to "warm it up" prior to driving. Upon …
PANORAMIC SUNROOF Because I can not afford to inspect my sunroof, I have to resort to driving with a tilted panoramic defective sunroof that will not fully close. I fear for safety while driving, or parking anywhere when having to resort to shopping for groceries, weather hazards…
The panoramic sunroof gets stuck in the open position and also the motor makes a clicking sound. It is not opened all the way hardly at all, maybe 5 times a year if that. The problem is all over the internet and the dealerships routinely denies any knowledge of it and wants any…
I bought this car a couple of years ago. I didnt think much of it because I never owned a Toyota. I noticed that the transmission was doing some weird hesitation when going from 1st to 2nd gear. There is an intermittent lag on when the transmission kicks in. You can actually f…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed tha…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufactur…
My transmission is making a whining noise that starts round 20 mph and gets louder the faster I drive.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. While the contact’s wife was inside the parked vehicle and attempting to open the sunroof, there was an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof while attempting to close it. The motor to open the sunroof was covered and made a sound; however, …
Transmission is staying in a higher gear at lower speeds and making vehicle shutter. You have to push on gas quite a bit to finally get it to downshift.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The contact had been calling the local dealer for more than two years after the air bag warning illuminated. The warning light remained illuminated while drivin…
2021 Toyota Camry Transmission failure. On November 28th, 2025, my car started doing a hard shudder. I pulled over, then turned my car off. When I started my car back up, it would only drive in reverse but not forward. I had my car towed to a Toyota dealership and explained to th…
2021 Camry, original owner. Maintained through lot through Toyota Care, whining noise began at 67k miles, after 3-4 years of ownership.(with in timeframe, but outside of 60k warranty) Toyota Vacaville quoted 12k for total transmission replacement.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to …
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that after starting the engine, the warning message "Engine Maintenance Required" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there were no recalls or extended warranties related to the failure. The cau…
My 2021 Toyota Camry Se at 79,000 miles threw a PO705 code, neutral safety switch. I replaced it with a new part and it worked for about 10 minutes and then proceeded to throw code again and slip in the transmission
I was 165 mph and someone hit me and threw me into a sign that had big huge poles on it all the ones in California do I went right through it got banged all around I have to say the car is a tank because it got me home but it never deployed airbags when I know that it should have…
There is an airbag recall with no remedy available. I’m very concerned about driving my car without this being fixed. Toyota shows the parts should have been available by now. How can they allow this to go unfixed when they are putting lives at risk? I called my dealer and th…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Camry.
2021 Toyota Camry Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Camry. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Toyota Camry Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 148 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Toyota Camry?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (76 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (21 complaints). #3: Brake System (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Camry?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Camry?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Toyota Camry, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 148 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Toyota Camry. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Camry?▾
The 2021 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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 2021 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.