Motor Almanac

Toyota / Camry / 2001

2001 Toyota Camry

Family: Camry · filed with NHTSA as CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA

Summary

  • In its first three years the 2001 Camry drew 105 complaints — 0.5× the median of its generation (1997–2001). It is among the least-complained-about years of this generation.
  • These are complaint counts, not failure rates: they are not divided by how many cars were sold, because no public source reports U.S. sales by model year.
  • Complaints are spread across systems: the largest, Engine, holds 21% of the 321 that name a component.
  • 5 recalls filed for this model year.
  • 1 federal defect investigation covers this model year.

At a glance

Owner complaints
325
Recalls
5
Investigations
1
NCAP overall
Not rated
Combined MPG
19–24
Annual fuel cost
$2,000–$3,300
Median mileage at complaint
76,000 mi (n = 183)
Crashes / fires / injuries / deaths
87 / 12 / 71 / 3

What owners report

Engine

66 complaints · 21% of complaints that name a component · median 78,500 mi (n = 45)

Owner report VEHICLE 'RACES' OUT OF CONTROL WHILE STATIONARY AND IN GEAR, BOTH IN GARAGE AND OUTSIDE OF GARAGE PREPARING TO ENTER. SOLUTION: STEP ON BRAKE ON HARD AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT COLLISION AND TURN OFF IGNITION. ENGINE NO LONGER 'RACES' WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED ON AGAIN. 3 OCCURRENCES IN PAST 12 MONTHS. NO FURTHER DOCUME…
Owner report TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT T…

Accelerator & Cruise Control

55 complaints · 17% of complaints that name a component · median 82,000 mi (n = 36)

Owner report I do not feel engine braking effect when I apply brake instead I have to press brake hard to hold until engine idles. It is a serious issue in older cars. My car has 153000 miles.
Owner report I WAS EXCITING A FREEWAY. AS I USUALLY DO, I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH EXPECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO ALSO DISENGAGE AND COAST TO THE STOP SIGN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MY BRAKE. INSTEAD, AS SOON AS I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH, THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IF SOMEONE HAD PUT THEIR FOOT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKE HAD NO IMPAC…

Airbags

51 complaints · 16% of complaints that name a component · median 88,000 mi (n = 27)

Owner report Air bag light is on and won’t go off. Toyota service department said the sensor was discontinued no longer available to make the repair.
Owner report TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND HEAD THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW LOT. THE V…

1% of complaints name no specific component and are left out of the shares above.

Across the generation (1997–2001)

To compare years fairly, each year is counted over the same span: complaints received up to two calendar years after its model year. A year is compared only when that span is over and it holds at least 50 complaints. Median of the comparable years: 198.

Model yearAll complaintsFirst three yearsNote
1997557235
1998601276
1999585198
2000520183
2001325105fewest complaints

Recalls

Whether a recall has been fixed on a specific car depends on its VIN; check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

09E025000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Filed 2009-05-11 · 42,540 vehicles

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

06E060000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Filed 2006-06-29 · 87,745 vehicles

Defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

06E026000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Filed 2006-03-23 · 61,944 vehicles

Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

01V072000 · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Filed 2001-03-05 · 545 vehicles

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

01V012000 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Filed 2001-01-16 · 53,061 vehicles

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING COULD BE DEFORMED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR-TO-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.

Risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Federal investigations

ActionComponentOpenedClosedRecall
PE02079ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2002-10-222003-03-18

PE02079: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Engines and fuel economy

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyCombinedFuel cost / yr
Camry2.2L 4cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive202924$2600
Camry2.2L 4cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213024$2600
Camry3.0L 6cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520$3100
Camry3.0L 6cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520$3100
Camry CNG2.2L 4cyl CNGAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192822$2000
Camry Solara2.2L 4cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive202924$2600
Camry Solara2.2L 4cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213024$2600
Camry Solara3.0L 6cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520$3100
Camry Solara3.0L 6cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520$3100
Camry Solara Convertible2.2L 4cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192622$2850
Camry Solara Convertible3.0L 6cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172419$3300

Fuel cost is EPA's estimate at the fuel prices of its last update, not today's.

Crash test ratings (NCAP)

VariantOverallFrontalSideRollover
2001 Toyota Camry 4-DR. w/SABNot RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated
2001 Toyota Camry 4-DR.Not RatedNot RatedNot RatedNot Rated

Service bulletins

Toyota issued 235 service bulletins listed against this model year, most often about equipment.

A bulletin tells dealers how to fix a known condition. It is not a recall and not a defect finding. Most bulletins cover several model years at once, so one listed here may not be specific to this year. The number of bulletins tracks how long and how widely a model was sold, so it is not a measure of reliability.

DateComponentSummary
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and in…
2024-12-06STRUCTURE:BODYThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicl…
2024-12-05STRUCTURE:BODYToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure …
2024-12-05STRUCTURE:BODYToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure …
2024-12-03STRUCTURE:BODYVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the …
2024-07-12STRUCTURE:BODYAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood…

How to read this page

Complaint counts are not failure rates. A model that sells more cars draws more complaints, and owners file more often after news coverage or a recall. That is why this page compares a model year only with other years of the same generation, never with other models.

Each complaint is counted once, even when it names several components; a complaint that names several systems appears under each of them. Owner reports are quoted as filed and have not been verified by NHTSA or by us.

Every model year of this Camry, including the ones without a page of their own, is listed on the Toyota Camry model page.

Sources

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: complaints, recalls and investigations (bulk files, data as of 2026-10-28).
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program: crash test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov: engines, transmissions and fuel economy.

MotorAlmanac is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA, EPA or any manufacturer. This page summarises public records; it is not a mechanical inspection. Before buying a used car, check its VIN for open recalls and have it inspected.