2021 Toyota Camry Safety Report

The 2021 Toyota Camry presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 5 stars in Frontal, Side, and Rollover categories, there are significant concerns regarding its airbag system and powertrain. The vehicle has accumulated 145 total complaints, with a notable 20 crashes, 2 fires, 15 injuries, and 1 death reported to NHTSA. A major safety concern is the single recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000) related to the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, affecting certain 2020-2021 Toyota and Lexus models. This recall addresses improperly manufactured Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which could prevent airbag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Numerous complaints (66 under AIR BAGS, 3 under AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS) indicate that owners are experiencing issues with this recall, often reporting that the remedy parts are unavailable, or that their airbag warning light is illuminated, despite the recall. This suggests a prolonged and unresolved safety risk for many owners. Beyond the airbag recall, a significant pattern of complaints points to powertrain issues. The POWER TRAIN component has 8 complaints, and ENGINE has 6, with several detailed reports of transmission failure, hesitation, whining noises, and shuddering. Specific complaints mention the transmission staying in higher gears at lower speeds, intermittent lag, and complete transmission failure requiring replacement at mileages as low as 67,000 miles. These issues, while not subject to a recall, represent a substantial reliability and potential safety concern, as unexpected transmission behavior can lead to dangerous driving situations. Other reported issues include sunroof malfunctions and steering problems, though these are less frequent than the airbag and powertrain complaints. In summary, the 2021 Toyota Camry's strong crash test ratings provide a foundation of passive safety. However, the widespread and unresolved airbag recall, coupled with a pattern of significant powertrain complaints, introduces considerable safety and reliability risks. The high number of airbag-related complaints (66) and the ongoing unavailability of recall parts are particularly concerning, as they directly impact a critical safety system designed to protect occupants in a crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these specific, data-backed issues.

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be cautious due to the unresolved airbag recall and documented powertrain issues; verify the airbag recall remedy has been completed and consider an extended warranty for the transmission.