What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota Camry?

The most commonly reported issue for the 2021 Camry is infotainment and electronics problems, particularly with touchscreen responsiveness and smartphone integration.

The question is complex because owners describe a mix of problems that surface at different times and in different trims. While the Camry is widely praised for reliability, consumer feedback across forums and review sites shows a cluster of electronics-related complaints, with a smaller share reporting drivetrain or maintenance concerns. This article surveys what buyers and owners commonly report as of 2024–2025.

Most frequently reported issues

Below are the issue categories most commonly cited by owners and reviewers of the 2021 Camry.

• Infotainment and electronics problems: unresponsive or slow-touch screens, Bluetooth pairing failures, and erratic Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connections.


• Transmission and driveability concerns: occasional rough shifting or hesitations during light acceleration, with a minority reporting mild shudder in some units.


• Oil consumption on certain 2.5L engines: a subset of owners report higher-than-expected oil usage, especially in higher-mileage examples; Toyota has issued related service bulletins in some cases.


• HVAC and A/C issues: sporadic complaints about cooling performance or uneven heating in cabin comfort.


• Other minor concerns: noise/NVH complaints or recall-related campaigns that may affect specific VINs.

Overall, electronics and infotainment issues dominate owner reports, while mechanical problems appear less frequently but do surface for some vehicles.

What to check if you’re buying a used 2021 Camry

If you’re evaluating a used 2021 Camry, use this checklist to screen for the issues above and to gauge overall condition.

• Infotainment system validation: power up the car, test the touchscreen for responsiveness, and ensure Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto function reliably during a drive.


• Service history and oil consumption: review maintenance records, especially oil-change intervals; ask the seller for any signs of unusually rapid oil use and whether any related service campaigns were completed.


• Test drive for transmission behavior: note any hesitations, shudder, or irregular shifts during light throttle early in the drive.


• Recalls and campaigns: obtain the VIN and check for open or completed recalls through official portals; verify that any campaigns have been addressed.


• HVAC performance check: confirm consistent cabin cooling and heating on a representative drive, including defogger and fan operation.

If issues surface during inspection, negotiate price accordingly, request warranty coverage for potential electronics or drivetrain fixes, or consider another unit with a cleaner service history.

Summary

The 2021 Toyota Camry remains a strong overall choice for reliability, but the most common problem reported by owners centers on infotainment and electronics. While transmission quirks and oil-consumption concerns appear in some cases, they are less widespread. A careful pre-purchase check of the infotainment system, service history, recalls, and drivetrain behavior can help buyers select a Camry with fewer issues and fewer surprises down the road.

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Camry?

Toyota Camry lawsuits involve several issues, including a class-action lawsuit regarding defective HVAC systems in 2012-2017 models that allegedly produced foul odors. Other lawsuits allege spontaneous windshield cracking in newer models, door-lock actuator failures in multiple models, and transmission problems in some vehicles. Older cases also exist, such as the 2013 settlement for a fatal 2007 Camry crash that involved unintended acceleration.
 
Current and recent lawsuits

• HVAC System (2012-2017 models): A class-action lawsuit alleges that some 2012-2017 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles have defective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that cause bad odors. A settlement was reached, and the deadline to object has passed, but information about claims may still be available. 
• Windshield Cracking: A lawsuit claims that certain recent model year Camrys have defective windshields that spontaneously crack without impact. The suit alleges that Toyota is aware of the issue but has refused warranty coverage. 
• Door Lock Actuator: A class-action lawsuit claims a defective door lock actuator in various models, including the Camry, can cause doors to fail to lock or unlock, potentially creating a safety hazard. 
• Transmission Issues: A lawsuit has been filed alleging a 2018 Camry had a series of transmission defects, including harsh shifting and failure to shift properly. 

Past lawsuits and settlements

• Sudden Acceleration (2007 Camry): An Oklahoma jury found a 2005 Camry's electronic throttle control system defective, leading to a fatal crash due to sudden acceleration. Toyota later settled the case. 
• Unintended Acceleration: Following several incidents, a large settlement was reached to address unintended acceleration issues in many Toyota models. 

How to find more information

• Law firm websites: Law firms handling these cases often have websites with details about the specific lawsuits and class action settlements, such as Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check and INGBER LAW GROUP. 
• Class action settlement websites: For specific settlements, official websites provide information on eligibility, claims, and deadlines, such as the one for the HVAC settlement Salas v. Toyota. 
• Legal news outlets: Websites like Class Action Lawsuits and WardsAuto provide news and updates on legal proceedings. 

Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have transmission problems?

Common 2021 Toyota Camry transmission problems include a whine or grind noise from the front carrier assembly, hesitation during acceleration, and delayed or incorrect gear shifts. These issues can sometimes be related to maintenance, such as needing a fluid change, or can be caused by a specific internal component issue like the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. A warning light or unusual smells can also indicate a problem. 
This video explains common issues with the 8th generation Toyota Camry transmission: 1mNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Specific issues

• Noise: Some models with the UA80E or UA80F transmissions have reported a grinding or whining noise, which may be due to the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. 
• Shifting problems: The transmission may hesitate or shift gears slowly or incorrectly. 
• Warning signs: Other indicators include a lit transmission warning light or strange smells from burning fluid. 

Potential causes and solutions

• Fluid issues: Delayed shifts and other problems can result from a lack of proper transmission fluid maintenance, such as not changing the fluid regularly. 
• Component issues: The whine or grind noise is linked to a specific internal component, the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. 

This video discusses a potential fix for a clunking sound from the transmission: 44sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Dec 4, 2020
What to do

• Check maintenance history: Ensure the transmission fluid has been changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
• Consult the service bulletin: If you hear a grinding or whining noise, your vehicle may be affected by the service bulletin regarding the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. 
• Visit a dealership: Have a qualified technician diagnose the problem. They can follow the repair procedures outlined in the service bulletin to address the issue, such as updating the software or replacing parts. 

How reliable is the 2021 Toyota Camry?

The 2021 Toyota Camry is a highly reliable car, with a strong reputation and high ratings from automotive experts and consumers. It has a low average annual repair cost of $388 and is ranked as one of the most reliable midsize cars. While it has an excellent overall reputation, potential owner-reported issues include minor problems like fading paint and loose trim, and possible but less common engine-related concerns like a failing oxygen sensor or, on some four-cylinder models, potential oil consumption or timing chain issues if maintenance is neglected.
 
This video discusses the long-term reliability of the Toyota Camry and its engine and transmission: 1mChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 7, 2024
Overall Reliability

• High ratings: The 2021 Camry receives excellent reliability ratings from sites like RepairPal and Cars.com. 
• Low repair costs: The average annual repair cost is $388, which is lower than the average for most vehicles. 
• Long lifespan: A well-maintained Camry can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. 

Potential Issues and maintenance

• Minor owner complaints: Some owners have reported minor cosmetic issues such as paint fading or cracking, and loose trim. 
• Engine concerns: On four-cylinder models, there's a small risk of engine-related problems like a failing oxygen sensor or, if maintenance is neglected, potential issues with oil consumption or the timing chain. 
• Correct oil is crucial: The 2.5L four-cylinder engine requires a specific low-viscosity oil (0W0 cap W0𝑊-16), and using the wrong type can cause engine wear. 
• Maintenance is key: Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent most potential issues, especially for the four-cylinder engine. 
• One recall: The 2021 Camry had a single recall. 

This video discusses potential common problems with the Toyota Camry, especially the 8th generation: 1mNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
What to know before buying used

• Maintenance history: If buying a used model, it's important to check its maintenance history to ensure it was properly cared for.
• Proper oil type: Be sure the correct oil has been used throughout the car's life. 

Other factors

• Safety: The 2021 Camry received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 
• Powertrains: It is available with either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine and all-wheel drive is also an option. 

This video discusses potential problems with Toyota Camry, especially the 8th generation: 57sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 10, 2024

Which Camry to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
 
Specific model years to avoid and why

• 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously. 
• 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating. 
• 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting. 

What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.