2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner Complaints

On October 24, 2026, I was driving my 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE eastbound on California Highway 60 near Main Street when I experienced what appeared to be a serious malfunction involving the lane keeping assistance and steering systems. I saw another vehicle and attempted to steer away to avoid a collision. However, the lane assistance system appeared to engage and pull my vehicle toward the other car, in the opposite direction from where I was attempting to steer. I tried to correct the steering and regain control, but everything happened extremely quickly. Despite my efforts, I was unable to avoid colliding with the other vehicle. Following the impact, my vehicle spun around on the freeway. The collision caused extensive damage to my vehicle, including severe suspension, wheel, and body damage. The vehicle became completely undrivable and required towing. California Highway Patrol officers responded to the accident. I explained what happened, including how the lane assistance system appeared to pull my vehicle toward the other car despite my attempts to avoid the collision. A police report was filed. Following the accident, I arranged to have the vehicle towed directly to my residence. I specifically wanted to preserve its condition and prevent unnecessary handling, modifications, repairs, or alterations that could potentially compromise evidence of the suspected malfunction. I contacted an automotive collision repair professional to evaluate the damage. The estimator offered to visit my residence, but I provided all the detailed photographs he requested so he could evaluate the damage without disturbing the vehicle. The resulting repair estimate was approximately $14,000. The extensive damage raises concerns that the vehicle may be an economic total loss. The vehicle remains at my residence and has not undergone repairs. It is available for an independent technical inspection. I have photographs documenting the accident scene, the vehicle's final posit

NHTSA ID

11773825

Incident

Oct 24, 2026

My bumper keeping coming out and won’t stay flush

NHTSA ID

11772288

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE, front-wheel drive. Highway fuel economy suddenly dropped from approximately forty-five to forty-six miles per gallon to thirty-five to thirty-six miles per gallon within the past week, around October tenth. This is roughly twenty percent below the EPA highway rating of forty-five for this trim. Driving conditions unchanged: gentle highway speeds around sixty-five to seventy, temperatures sixty-three to seventy degrees, no roof rack or accessories, original equipment tires at thirty-nine PSI which is at or above the door placard spec. No warning lights, no check engine light, no pulling to one side, no burning smell, no brake drag symptoms. No service visits or recall work performed in recent weeks. Ruled out weather, tires, roof accessories, and driving style. Possible causes include a software update to the hybrid control module that may be preventing electric assist at highway speeds, or a mechanical issue such as a dragging brake caliper. Requesting investigation into hybrid system software changes and hybrid powertrain behavior.

NHTSA ID

11771829

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

My dash cluster goes blank and displays nothing. There is not information being displayed.

NHTSA ID

11771827

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated that the dealer had sold the vehicle in March 2026 without disclosing that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact felt that the dealer jeopardized the family's safety by failing to disclose the recall prior to purchase. When the vehicle was later taken to the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed the contact of the recall and performed the repair. The contact checked the Toyota application and verified the notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer was notified of the issue by telephone.

NHTSA ID

11771454

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

I was hit in the driver side back quarter panel by the back tire by a semi and it pitted us and spun us in front of the semi, which drove down the road with drivers side of car against his grill and then once he started stopping, we turned and hit his driver side door and then spun three times before coming to a stop. No airbags went off in this collision.

NHTSA ID

11770785

Incident

Oct 8, 2026

Refused a warranty repair on a nearly new Camry. The driver's side sun visor on my Camry failed and wouldn't stay up, which blocked my view of the road. A Toyota dealer in Kansas City had already inspected it and ordered a replacement under warranty before I moved to Atlanta. I booked a service appointment here on 10/10/2026 to have it fixed. The service department declined to cover it. I was told they had no record of the Kansas City visit, and that because I had used a sticker to hold the broken visor up so I could drive safely, my warranty was void. The sticker went on after the visor had already failed. It didn't cause the problem. No one offered to look up the prior visit by VIN, contact the other dealer, or check with Toyota before turning me away. I've opened a case with Toyota corporate. This was at Toyota Cobb in GA.

NHTSA ID

11770371

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

SAFETY RECALL - 25TA15 (Interim Notice 25TB15) - Certain 2025–2026 Model Year Camry HV, Certain 2025–2026 Model Year Corolla Cross - Loose Inverter Bolt Recall Code: 25TB15 A bolt inside the inverter in the hybrid powertrain can become loose and could lead to a loss of motive power or could lead to a fire when the vehicle is on. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of a crash or an injury. Complaint -- This recall issue was made known since 12/2025 and there is still no fix for my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11770321

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

5-year-old child buckled in back seat with his booster. Vehicle put in park and went to try and get out of the vehicle. Went to unbuckle and it wasn't working. Trying to adjust and wiggle it it got extremely tight on child and after several attempts to unlock it wouldn't. The seatbelt needed to be cut. It turned into a emergency fast with a child hurt. Several people tried to get him out and unbuckle the seat and it wouldn't. The child's got red markings over his waist now and could have made things worse if not cut. The seat belt in the back seats need to be checked for this issue. The police were called to cut the seatbelt. Bringing the vehicle to the dealership to replace parts.

NHTSA ID

11769568

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

The driver's seat causes severe pain and numbness during normal driving, making it difficult to maintain a safe and consistent driving position. I experience significant pain, and my leg can become completely numb while driving. There is also a hard piece of plastic or metal that can be felt through the bottom of the seat. When it presses against me, it causes pain, numbness, and a significant distraction while driving. The lumbar support also feels extremely hard and positioned too high. The seat padding also appears to shift or move underneath me when I accelerate or brake, further changing my seating position. I have had to purchase and use pillows to sit on and place behind my back just to make the seat tolerable enough to drive. While they provide some relief from my leg going numb, they raise my body too high and move me too far forward, significantly changing my normal driving position and causing my head to almost touch the top inside of the car but without the added padding, the resulting pain and numbness can become severe enough that I am concerned about my ability to operate the pedals and safely control the vehicle. I initially thought the seat simply needed time to break in. However, I have now owned the vehicle for almost a year, and the problem has not improved. The dealership inspected the vehicle but stated that they could not find anything wrong with the seat. The exact component or cause of the problem is UNKNOWN. The vehicle and seat are available for further inspection upon request. There have been no warning lights or messages associated with this issue. I previously owned a 2025 Camry LE and experienced none of these problems. That vehicle had noticeably better padding, cushioning, lumbar support and overall seat comfort. This is not simply a comfort issue. The severe pain, numbness, seat movement, and distraction interfere with my ability to maintain a proper driving position and could affect my ability to safely operate the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11769204

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle was operating normally. The contact stated that the "Low Battery - Turn Power Off" warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel, and the rear seat air vents were inoperable. The vehicle was scheduled to be returned to the dealer. The failure mileage was 16,800.

NHTSA ID

11769088

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

Mileage

16,800 mi

Wiper blades are slow and during heavy rain visibility is very low. It's almost impossible and very unsafe to drive in the rain when the blades are so slow. Even on Max speed it's no where close to being enough to see very dangerous. Dangerously slow needs to be addressed Very Dangerous to drive in the rain

NHTSA ID

11768785

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

While driving, the front seatback exhibits an unstable internal structure. Whenever I shift my body weight or lean into the seat during normal driving maneuvers (such as turning, accelerating, or braking), the seatback pops and pokes my upper and lower back. It feels as though the internal frame, springs, or structural components are slipping, adjusting, or failing to remain securely locked in place. This is very distracting while driving. The location of the popping and internal shifting moves around.

NHTSA ID

11768474

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

SUBJECT: Technical Dispute and Evidence Regarding EV Mode Restrictions and Drop in MPG / Toyota BEC Case #XXX VEHICLE: 2026 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Dear Service Manager (Longo Toyota), I am writing to formally follow up on the system restrictions and diagnostic anomalies that my 2026 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid has been presenting immediately following the safety recall software update (Campaign 26TA16). The vehicle is currently experiencing severe hybrid powertrain limitations: the Automatic EV Mode fails to engage at highway speeds, and the system consistently locks or drops the vehicle into a restricted speed of 35 mph in electric mode, accompanied by a distinct "heavy" driving feel. ## 1. REAL-TIME DIAGNOSTIC EVIDENCE (PHOTO ATTACHED) As definitive mathematical proof that the vehicle is operating well below factory specifications, I have attached a photo of my instrument cluster's Trip Summary from my latest continuous drive: * Trip Distance: 51.1 miles * Trip Average: 33.9 MPG For a 2026 Camry SE Hybrid, which carries an EPA-estimated rating of 47-50 MPG combined/highway, a return of 33.9 MPG matches a conventional non-hybrid gasoline engine. This proves that the combustion engine is being forced to remain active continuously at cruising speeds due to the severe software parameters imposed during the recent service update. ## 2. RELEVANT COMPENDIO OF PATTERNED VEHICLE OWNER REPORTS Contrary to initial diagnostic feedback labeling this as "normal driving adaptation," extensive technical reports from the broader 9th-generation Camry owner community (e.g., Toyota Nation and dedicated hybrid technical forums) reveal a documented post-update software defect pattern: * Highway EV Mode Restriction: Multiple owners note that prior to dealer software updates, their vehicles actively engaged "Automatic EV Mode" at cruising speeds between 60 mph and 75 mph. Following recent ECU reflashes, this high-speed electrical acouplement is entirely rest INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI

NHTSA ID

11767591

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

I took my 2026 Toyota Camry SE to Bob Tyler Toyota on April 10, 2026, for safety recall service. The dealership kept my vehicle until approximately August 25, 2026. When I picked it up, the service paperwork indicated that the tires had been inspected, but it did not mention flat spots, recommend tire repair or replacement, or warn me that the vehicle might be unsafe to drive. I was not told of any tire problem at pickup. After leaving the dealership, I noticed the vehicle handled unsafely and veered off the road multiple times. I had not experienced this problem before leaving the vehicle at the dealership. I returned for evaluation on September 2 and again on September 14. Following its September 14 inspection, the dealership stated that the tires had flat spots from sitting while the vehicle was at its facility. The affected tires are size 235/45R18, listed for both front and rear on the door label. The vehicle and tires are available for inspection upon request. Whether the flat spots affected the alignment or other components is UNKNOWN. The unsafe handling put me, my passengers, and others at risk of a crash. I am concerned that the dealership inspected the tires on August 25 and released the vehicle without identifying or disclosing a condition it later confirmed. Toyota corporate advised me that the dealership is responsible for addressing the tires. I have requested a resolution. My vehicle has an open safety recall involving a bolt inside the hybrid powertrain inverter. The connection, if any, between the recall and tire condition is UNKNOWN. The vehicle was at the dealership for recall service during the period when the dealership says the tire flat spots developed. Aside from the dealership's inspections, whether the tires were inspected by Toyota corporate, an independent service center, police, or an insurer is UNKNOWN. I noticed no warning lamp or message before the handling problem. The first symptoms appeared after pickup around August 25.

NHTSA ID

11766067

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

The front bumper is protruding out underneath the right headlight. I took it to the dealer and the advisor suggested that this was caused by scraping the bumper on the driveway or a curb. Since then, I’ve noticed multiple cars of the similar model year with the same issue. I feel like this is a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID

11765154

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable, posing a safety risk while driving. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11764469

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is it available for inspection upon request? Component/System: Brake-by-wire hydraulic fluid loop, master cylinder assembly, or stroke simulator system on a 2026 Lexus RX 350h (VIN: [XXX]; 2,450 miles). Cash-purchased new in XXX. Weak, unrestricted hydraulic pressure. The brake pedal depresses to within 1 inch of the floorboard, bottoming out against the physical mechanical extension rod limit. A Reserve Distance Measurement confirms the vehicle fails to meet the minimum Lexus safety standard of 86 mm (3.39 inches) of pedal reserve distance. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Safety Hazard: Operating at less than 1 inch of pedal clearance instead of the factory-mandated 86 mm (3.39 inches) violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regarding pedal reserve margins. Imminent Risk: This drastically increases the risk of a catastrophic front-end or multi-fatal high-speed collision. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer Visit: Park Place Lexus in [XXX] on XXX (at 2,450 miles) for low hydraulic pressure. No dealer dismissed Despite violating the 86 mm (3.39 inches) factory specification, the service department refused to perform internal examinations 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspections: Inspected exclusively by Park Place Lexus Plano. confined to a private garage to prevent a public safety incident. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No dashboard warning lamps, appeared XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763946

Incident

Sep 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11763706

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to accelerate immediately after coming to a complete stop. Additionally, the speedometer and radio reset independently while driving. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure by phone and requested a buyback, but the request was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 1,600.

NHTSA ID

11763618

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Mileage

1,600 mi

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) and 26V511000 (Exterior Lighting, Seat Belts, Electrical System); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the lighting on the instrument panel flickered as if the computer was reset independently. The radio and Bluetooth feature failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was pulled into a nearby gas station, turned off and restarted, and the system was reset. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. Another dealer was contacted, Bill Penney Toyota (4808 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816), and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11762723

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Mileage

57,000 mi

Both the front driver and passenger seat backs in my 2026 Toyota Camry XSE hybrid with 7,500 miles exhibit a distinct, physical popping sensation, shifting, and structural looseness during normal driving conditions (such as acceleration, braking, and turning). The internal frame or components of both seat backs feel unstable, as though they are not fully locking into place. I took the vehicle to the authorized dealer (Toyota of Plano) for inspection, but they declined to perform a repair, stating there is 'no repair at this time.' This unexpected shifting of the seat back while operating the vehicle is a safety distraction and raises concerns that the seat may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a sudden stop or collision."

NHTSA ID

11762661

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the front driver and passenger seatbacks on my 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid. Vehicle: 2026 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Mileage: approximately 5,200 miles I first noticed the problem approximately two weeks ago. Both the driver and front passenger seatbacks have noticeable popping/clicking noises and feel loose. The condition occurs when leaning back against the seatback, accelerating, braking, turning, and when getting into or out of the vehicle. The seatbacks feel as though there is excessive movement or play in the seatback mechanism. The popping/clicking occurs during normal use and normal driving conditions. I am concerned that the looseness and abnormal movement of both front seatbacks could indicate a defect involving the seatback reclining/locking mechanism, seat structure, mounting, or another component that could affect occupant protection in a crash. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Plano on September 5, 2026, to have the issue inspected. I reported the condition to the dealership. I was told that there is currently no repair available for the problem. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA because the problem affects both front seating positions and involves abnormal looseness and movement of the seatbacks. I believe this condition should be investigated to determine whether it represents a safety-related defect that may affect other 2026 Toyota Camry vehicles. I have documentation from the Toyota dealership visit and can provide repair-order information, photographs, video, or other documentation demonstrating the seatback movement and popping/clicking. I request that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether this condition represents a potential safety defect or a developing defect trend involving the 2026 Toyota Camry. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762507

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

As I was driving in stop and go traffic last night, my panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. Nothing fell on it, so when I say it "spontaneously" exploded, that's an accurate statement. It literally sounded like a gunshot. The cover was closed, so I was fortunate that no glass fell onto us (there were 4 adults in the vehicle at the time). I have only had this vehicle for 4 months. I dropped it off at Toyota of Temecula, CA this morning and I'm waiting to hear next steps.

NHTSA ID

11762251

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

The IP displays a the blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic alert system malfunctioned alert, see dealer. Driver is not alerted to vehicles in the blind spot, vehicles traveling behind vehicle or door opening warning of passing vehicles. Vehicle scheduled to be inspected next week by Toyota dealer. IP displayed "System Malfunction see Dealer" with Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert icons displayed.

NHTSA ID

11762219

Incident

Sep 4, 2026