2021 Toyota Camry recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota Camry and 157 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (78), unknown or other (21), service brakes (16). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #6 of 14 Camry model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (250). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.9 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Toyota Camry. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: 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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I took it to a repair shop for a transmission issue, the technician noted the transmission fluid degraded or burnt fluid or And it is causing the torque converter shudder and transmission rpm to slip
Power loss, had to pull off road. multiple fault codes on this event. 2 broken plastic parts in intake duct, one stuck in throttle body butterfly. cleared plastic parts from intake to get home. Later determined 2 of 4 intake resonator tube internal catch bevels broke off. The remaining 2 were very weak and easily broke off as well. Serious FOD hazard to engine!
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a second vehicle T-boned the vehicle while driving approximately 60 MPH and crashed into the driver’s side of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags had deployed inside the vehicle, including the side curtain air bags. Police and Emergency Services were called to the scene. The…
Safety ratings
2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR AWD
2021 Toyota CAMRY 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Toyota Camry.
Camry
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Camry AWD LE/SE
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Camry have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota Camry, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification (12/20/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Camry?
Based on 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (78), unknown or other (21), service brakes (16).
Is the 2021 Toyota Camry safe?
The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Toyota Camry?
The 2021 ranks #6 of 14 Camry model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (250). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Camry get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Toyota Camry range from 26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Toyota Camry in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CAMRY, Camry.