Car Yearsto Avoid

2021 Toyota Camry Problems

What owners have reported about the 2021 Toyota Camry, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2021 Toyota Camry a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Camry. Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Camry model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, brakes and transmission.

157 complaints 1 recall 13th worst of 17 Camry years

Top 2021 Toyota Camry problems

1

Airbag problems

78 complaints (50%) name the airbags.

Complaints 78 · Usually at 43,000–72,000 miles · Recall 23V865000

2

Brake problems

16 complaints (10%) name the brakes, most often the switch / sensor / float.

Complaints 16 · Usually at 8,000–15,000 miles

3

Transmission problems

12 complaints (8%) name the transmission.

Complaints 12 · Usually at 21,000–21,000 miles

4

Emergency braking problems

10 complaints (6%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and warnings.

Complaints 10 · Usually at 0–0 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Airbags 50%
Unknown or Other 13%
Brakes 10%
Transmission 8%
Emergency Braking 6%
Electrical 5%
Engine 5%
Wipers and Visibility 4%
Lane Assist 3%
Steering 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (17 of 157). The amber line is the middle value, about 21,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2021 Toyota Camry recalls

Occupant classification

A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 23V865000 · Dec 2023
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Camry years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2009 Camry 1,293
2008 Camry 933
2018 Camry 748
2010 Camry 604
2011 Camry 601
2012 Camry 590
2014 Camry 455
2019 Camry 398
2020 Camry 275
2013 Camry 274
2015 Camry 271
2016 Camry 184
2021 Camry 157
2017 Camry 148
2023 Camry 64
2022 Camry 62
2024 Camry 51

Common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Camry a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Camry. Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Camry model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, brakes and transmission.

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Camry problems?

Owners most often report problems with the airbags, brakes, transmission and emergency braking system. 78 complaints (50%) name the airbags.

At what mileage do 2021 Toyota Camry airbags problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 43,000–72,000 miles, with a middle value near 53,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?

1. Occupant classification (23V865000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2021 Toyota Camry?

Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2022 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.