2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes721.2%
- Steering618.2%
- Electrical515.2%
- Driver assistance39.1%
- Body & structure39.1%
- Visibility26.1%
- Seat belts26.1%
- Fuel system13.0%
- Engine13.0%
- Airbags13.0%
- Other / unspecified13.0%
- Suspension13.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID HAS HAD EPISODIC BRAKING PROBLEMS. AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, OCCASIONALLY WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW/STOP THE CAR THE BRAKE PEDDLE NEEDS TO BE PUSHED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING I CAN HEAR THE ENGINE REVVING. IT IS NECESSARY TO PUSH EXTREMELY HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO MCGEORGE TOYOTA AND AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THIS PROBLEM. NEITHER FOUND ANY COMPUTER CODES INDICATING THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA REMOVED AND LUBRICATED THE SLIDE PINS FOR THE CALIPHERS AND THEN REINSTALLED THE PINS. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. AS THIS PROBLEM IS EPISODIC, NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR TECHNICIAN COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM RELATED TO THE COMPUTER SENDING A WRONG SIGNAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO ACCELERATE RATHER THAN ALLOWING THE CAR TO STOP NORMALLY. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL "CLOSE CALLS" WHERE THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION NEARLY LEAD TO MY HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR NOT STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN..
AROUND 11:30 AM, I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON A TWO LANE ROAD, AT APPROX. 25 MPH. THE BLACK VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME APPLIED THE BRAKES AND STOPPED. I WAS ABOUT 4 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND THE BLACK VEHICLE WHEN I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY CAR DID NOT STOP NOR EVEN SLOWED DOWN. I PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TWO MORE TIMES, AGAIN, AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP NOR SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE BLACK VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED CONTINUOUSLY.HAVE 40000 MILES AND ALLWAYS BEEN THE SAME.WOULDNT HAVE BOUGHT CAR IF I HAD KNOWN AS IT CAN BE SCARY SOMETIMES. GUY AT DEALER SAID OTHERS HAVE SAID SAME THING BUT THEY DON'T FIND A PROBLEM.SEEMS TO BE THE WAY THIS SYSTEM WORKS. *JS
VEHICLE WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD SINCE NEW. 100% ATTENTION REQUIRED. STEERING CORRECTIONS NEEDED, EVERY SECOND, TO STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE. WINDY CONDITIONS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE BACKSEAT PASSENGER WINDOW SEAT THE SEATBELT IS LOOSE AND DOESN'T RETRACT BACK INTO PLACE. HYBRID BATTERY AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM STUTTERS AFTER SYSTEM FLUSH AT DEALER CAUSING THE HYBRID SYNERGY SYSTEM CHECK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESLAMATION LIGHT IN ORANGE TO STAY ON DASH. ERROR STATING THAT BATTERY NEEDS REPLACEMENT FOR HYBRID BATTERY
THE GEAR SHIFT COMPACTMENT NOT PROPERLY COVERED. GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT MOVE. LIQUID PLACED IN CUP HOLDER BOX SPLASHED INTO GEAR SHIFT BOX AS CAR MOVING CAUSING LIQUID TO ENTER IN THE SHIFT BOX THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CASE. LIQUID ENTER THE GEAR BOX AS CAR IS MOVING /IN MOTION CAUSING IT TO DAMAGED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE MOTOR. CAUSING THE NEED TO REPLACE GEAR SHIFT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF A HYBRID VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500.
I WAS TURNING INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN AN EMERGENCY LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF. IT WAS SO QUICK THAT I WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHICH EMERGENCY LIGHT. AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER 100 FEET THE EMERGENCY LIGHT THAT IS AN EXCLAMATION POINT IN A TRIANGLE LIT UP AND STAYED ON AS MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY. THE ENGINE DID NOT REV AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN IN DRIVE AND THE CAR DROVE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. IT HAS SINCE BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE LAST WEEK. IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS IF I WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE AND SIMPLY APPLIED A LITTLE MORE PRESSURE, THE UNEVEN TERRAIN EMERGENCY LIGHT TURNED ON AND WOULD ALLOW THE CAR TO DRIVE UNTIL I PUT IT IN PARK AND AGAIN PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALERSHIP IS INVESTIGATING THESE ISSUES CURRENTLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I EXPERIENCED NOISES ECHOING IN THE ROOF OF MY VEHICLE OVER SEVERAL WEEKS THAT OFTEN SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FELL ON THE CAR. THEN ON THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2014, I NOTICED THAT THE HEADLINER WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE ON BOTH THE SIDES (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HEADLINER AND ADDRESSED WELD POINTS IN THE ROOF THAT THEY BELIEVE WILL ADDRESS THE SOUNDS THEY ALSO NOTED HEARING. *TR
EACH TIME WE OPEN THE TRUNK TO THE CAMRY HYBRID, IT WANTS TO COME DOWN ON YOUR HEAD. IT'S A DANGER TO ANYONE WHO OPENS IT. WE NOW REGRET BUYING OUR FIRST TOYOTA. NO TELLING WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO GO WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE THOUGHT THAT TOYOTA HAD FINALLY FIXED ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES, HOWEVER; IT LOOKS LIKE NEW ONES KEEP POPPING UP. WE REALLY LIKE THE LOOK AND MPG OF THE CAMRY BUT, NOW WE JUST WANT TO GET RID OF IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING SLOWLY, STRAIGHT AHEAD, CITY STREET, RIGHT PASSENGER MIRROR EXPLODED WITH A BIG BANG. LOOKING INSIDE, PLASTIC LINKAGES THAT LINK THE MIRROR TO THE ADJUSTMENT MOTOR ASSEMBLY WERE BROKEN. LANE ASSIST LEDS CONTINUED TO WORK BUT THE MIRROR, HANGING LOOSE FROM ITS SHROUD, WAS USELESS. I HADN'T ADJUSTED THE MIRROR IN MONTHS.. CAR WAS 1 MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY - PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE ~$400. GOOGLING I DISCOVERED I'M NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
AFTER HEAVY RAIN & WITH HIGH HUMIDITY, EXTERIOR WINDSHIELD & EXTERIOR PASSENGER & DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOWS COLLECT EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION WHICH INHIBITS VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. WIPERS MUST BE CONSTANTLY ON & SIDE WINDOWS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. FRONT WINDSHIELD DOES NOT WIPE CLEAR, AS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A HAZE IS SEEN ON WINDSHIELD REQUIRING WIPERS TO HAVE TO BE OPERATED ON HIGH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE BACKSEAT PASSENGER WINDOW SEAT THE SEATBELT IS LOOSE AND DOESN'T RETRACT BACK INTO PLACE. HYBRID BATTERY AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM STUTTERS AFTER SYSTEM FLUSH AT DEALER CAUSING THE HYBRID SYNERGY SYSTEM CHECK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESLAMATION LIGHT IN ORANGE TO STAY ON DASH. ERROR STATING THAT BATTERY NEEDS REPLACEMENT FOR HYBRID BATTERY
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT RECEPTACLES WERE PUSHED DOWN INTO THE SEATS, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CLICK THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECEPTACLES SLID BACK DOWN INTO THE SEAT ONCE THE CONTACT PULLED THEM OUT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED REGULARLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE A YEAR OR MORE AGO. I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER AND HE ASKED WHETHER I HAD GOTTEN GAS RECENTLY. YES, ABOUT 200 MILES AND 2 WEEKS AGO. HE CHECKED THE GAS CAP AND IT WAS LAYING IN THE GAS FILLING AREA, NOT SCREWED IN AT ALL. OBVIOUSLY IT HAD COME LOOSE SOMEHOW. HE CHECKED THE COMPUTER AND SOMETHING LIKE "GAS LINE VACUME" CAME UP. HE SCREWED IN THE GAS CAP. EASY FIX, BUT SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW WITH THE SAME CAR AND I HAVE HAD DOZENS OF CARS AND DRIVEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM, I WONDER IF IT IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT...
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
AN INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD FLASHED AND ALARM SOUNDED AND BOTH THE GAS AND ELECTRIC MOTORS SHUT DOWN. I WAS IN HEAVY SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC WITH LIMITED ROAD SHOULDER BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OF AND GET TO A STOP. THE ENGINE SYSTEM STARTED NORMALLY AND NO INDICATORS WERE OBSERVED. I TOOK IT TO LIBERTY TOYOTA IN EDGEWATER PARK NJ AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED OVER A CONCRETE MEDIAN AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,700.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE RIM AND TIRE WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE SWAYS MOSTLY TOWARDS THE LEFT. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME, GETTING USED TO THE NEW CAR. NOW I NOTICE IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I AM CONSTANTLY CORRECTING THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN CENTERED IN MY LANE OF TRAVEL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .