2017 Toyota Camry Safety Report

2017 Toyota Camry: Strong Crash Ratings, but Persistent Complaints on Engine, Brakes, and Airbags

145Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
75/100Reliability Score
28Crash Reports
5Fire Reports
29Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (22)Air Bags (13)Vehicle Speed Control (10)Service Brakes (8)Engine (7)Electrical System (6)Tires (4)Steering (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Suspension (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Toyota Camry

The 2017 Toyota Camry presents an overall strong safety profile, evidenced by its excellent NHTSA safety ratings, achieving a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact rating, and 4-star ratings for frontal and rollover tests. This indicates robust crash protection for occupants. However, a review of 145 NHTSA complaints, including 28 crashes and 29 injuries, reveals several concerning patterns that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most frequently reported component is 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' with 22 complaints, followed by 'AIR BAGS' with 13, and 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' with 10. These complaints suggest potential issues with unintended acceleration, braking malfunctions, and airbag deployment, despite the high safety ratings. The recall history for the 2017 Camry includes three significant campaigns. One recall addresses incorrect load carrying capacity labels, which could lead to vehicle overloading and increased crash risk. Another recall pertains to improperly inflated spare tires, also increasing crash risk. Most critically, a recall for 'AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER' addresses front passenger knee airbags installed with incorrect fasteners, potentially affecting deployment and increasing injury risk. These recalls highlight specific manufacturing or design flaws that Toyota has identified and is addressing. Common complaint patterns include engine issues, with 7 complaints, some describing catastrophic engine failure due to piston pin/connecting rod bushing failure and excessive oil consumption. Brake system malfunctions are also noted, with 8 complaints, including instances where the brake pedal extended to the floorboard or the vehicle failed to brake properly, leading to crashes. Electrical system issues, with 6 complaints, describe instances of complete electrical system shutdowns while driving, requiring battery and alternator replacement. These recurring issues, particularly those related to critical safety systems like brakes and airbags (even with a recall), warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Toyota Camry receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2017 Toyota Camry

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Camry:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Excessive Oil Consumption
Catastrophic engine failure due to piston pin bushings/connecting rod bushing failing, and excessive oil consumption without warning lamps.		 High Occasional 75000-175000 miles
Brake System Malfunction
Brakes freezing, pedal extending to floorboard, or vehicle not braking properly, leading to crashes.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Unintended Acceleration/Vehicle Speed Control Issues
Vehicle independently accelerating, taking off at high speed in reverse or forward, or engine revving to high RPMs while braking.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Airbag Non-Deployment/Malfunction
Side and steering wheel airbags failing to deploy in a crash, or airbag warning light illuminated.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Shutdown/Battery Issues
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving, lights flickering, dash lights on, requiring battery and alternator replacement.		 Medium Occasional 30000-75000 miles
Steering Issues
Steering making cracked noises when turning, or electric power steering warning light illuminating.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Issues
Transmission reported as 'bad' at 75,000 miles.		 High Rare 75000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Toyota Camry:

Unknown Or Other 15% of complaints

A significant number of complaints fall into a general or unspecified category, indicating various unclassified issues.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

Issues with airbag deployment or warning lights, despite a recall for knee bolster airbags.

Vehicle Speed Control 7% of complaints

Reports of unintended acceleration, vehicle surging, or engine revving unexpectedly.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Malfunctions including brakes freezing, reduced braking effectiveness, or pedal issues.

Engine 5% of complaints

Complaints about engine failure, knocking sounds, and excessive oil consumption.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Problems ranging from complete electrical shutdowns to battery and charging system failures.

Tires 3% of complaints

Issues related to tire wear or condition, separate from the spare tire recall.

Steering 3% of complaints

Reports of abnormal noises during steering or power steering malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Toyota Camry

Is the 2017 Toyota Camry safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Toyota Camry received excellent safety ratings, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings. However, 145 complaints, 28 crashes, and 29 injuries indicate specific safety concerns, particularly with unintended acceleration, braking malfunctions, and airbag deployment issues, despite the high crash test scores.

What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota Camry?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Toyota Camry include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (22 complaints), 'AIR BAGS' (13 complaints), 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' (10 complaints), and 'SERVICE BRAKES' (8 complaints). Specific patterns include engine failures (7 complaints), electrical system shutdowns (6 complaints), and steering issues (4 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Toyota Camry?

Yes, there are 3 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Camry. These include recalls for incorrect load carrying capacity labels, improperly inflated spare tires, and a critical recall for front passenger knee airbags installed with incorrect fasteners that could affect deployment.

Does the 2017 Toyota Camry have issues with unintended acceleration?

Yes, NHTSA complaints indicate issues with 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' (10 complaints), including reports of the vehicle independently accelerating, taking off at high speed, or the engine revving to high RPMs while braking, leading to crashes in some instances.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 Toyota Camry?

Before buying a used 2017 Toyota Camry, ensure all 3 recalls have been addressed. Pay close attention to the engine for any knocking sounds or signs of excessive oil consumption, test the brakes thoroughly for proper function, and check for any airbag warning lights. Also, investigate the vehicle's service history for electrical system repairs or battery replacements.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Camry boasts strong crash test ratings, be aware of reported issues with engine failure, brake malfunctions, and unintended acceleration. Prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verify all recalls have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Toyota Camry

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Toyota Camry. The data includes 145 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 28 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 29 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Toyota Camry an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.