RoadVitals

1994 Toyota Camry

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
287
Latest Jul 25, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 24, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
65
48 injuries, 8 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 287 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Toyota Camry, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 55 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The 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.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
98V155000

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Jul 8, 1998
104,928 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT IN JAPAN. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
The risk: THE NUT CAN EVENTUALLY COME OFF ALLOWING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE STEERING SET NUT.
TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA97014ClosedEngineering Analysis

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION/DISENGAGEMENT

Opened Jun 3, 1997
Closed Jul 14, 1998

BY LETTER DATED JULY 8, 1998, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED NHTSA OF IT DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 105,000 OF THE SUBJECT 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES BUILT IN JAPAN.THIS SAFETY RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ESTIMATED 218,000 SIMILAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES.NHTSA HAS DESIGNATED THIS RECALL ACTION AS CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98V-155.A COPY OF THE MANUFACTURER'S LETTER TO NHTSA REGARDING THIS ACTION IS ATTACHED.

STEERINGLed to recall 98V155000
PE97004ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION/DISENGAGEMENT

Opened Jan 29, 1997
Closed Jun 3, 1997

FURTHER INFORMATION AND DATA ARE REQUIRED TO FULLY ASSESS THIS ISSUE.OF SPECIFIC AND IMMEDIATE CONCERN ARE MANUFACTURING/ASSEMBLY/QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES EMPLOYED TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME STEERING COMPONENTS.FOR THE REASONS STATED ABOVE, THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 287
AirbagsOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO STEVENS CREEK TOYOTA (4202 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129, (408) 984-1234) TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN OWNER'S MANUAL CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V188000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL WAS STILL IN PRODUCTION. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL, BUT THEN CALLED BACK TO INDICATE THAT AN OWNER'S MANUAL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR HOW TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION, WHEN NEEDED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11113529
Incident
Aug 6, 1998
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Nov 1, 2017
Crash reported2 injuries reported

"TAKATA RECALL" MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO A DIRT ROAD TO GET HOME. INSTEAD I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A DITCH. MY AIRBAGS INFLATED. NOW MY MUFFLER SOUNDS LIKE ITS RATTLED AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE DUE TO THE CRASH. ONLY INTERNAL AND PRIOR TO THIS, MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME OFF AND ON. I WAS TOLD THAT IT JUST MEANT THAT MY BRAKE SENSOR HAD A GLITCH. OTHER THAN THAT MY BREAKS WORKED JUST FINE WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF THEM GOING OUT SOONER.

NHTSA ID
11042263
Incident
Oct 20, 2017
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 2016
Crash reported

I WAS SLOWLY TURNING TO THE RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A TREE THERE TO STOP THE CAR. IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS, SEVERAL OF THE PANEL WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF. I HAD TOYOTA CHECK THEM. THEY REPLACED THE EGR VALVE BUT IT KEPT HAPPENING SO I TOOK IT BACK. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING, BUT IT MIGHT HAVE.

NHTSA ID
10916237
Incident
Oct 15, 2016
Mileage
240,600 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 6, 2016
Fire reported

ON 4/5/16, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RIGHT LANE GOING STRAIGHT, I PUT CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT WAS WORKING OKAY FOR APPROX 15 MINUTES. CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP TO 80 AND WENT UP IN FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD WITHIN MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR UNHARMED BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID
10853726
Incident
Apr 5, 2016
Mileage
275,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 23, 2015

1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAG INSTALLATION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10683320
Incident
Oct 1, 2014
Airbags
Filed Mar 12, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD, SHOULDER, AND SPINAL INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10693803
Incident
Feb 26, 2015
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Sep 4, 2014
Crash reported1 injury reported

PRESS GAS PEDAL IT JAM CAR SUDDEN ACCELERATION JUMP UP TO 65 MPH. MAKING CAR SIDE HIT OTHER CAR AND THEN CRASH INTO GARAGE. CAR IS TOTAL DESTROY, WALK AWAY FROM ACCIDENT, BUT WITH INJURY AT FACE, NECK, SHOULDER AND BACK. LITE INJURY TO CHEST AND LEG/KNEECAP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10630864
Incident
Aug 16, 2014
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 12, 2012

AT NOON ON 6/11/12, I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT MY CAR'S GEARSHIFT OUT OF PARK. I REMOVED THE TAB THAT COVERS THE GEARSHIFT RELEASE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT PANEL AND UNLOCKED THE SHIFTER. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MECHANICSVILLE TOYOTA (MECHANICSVILLE, VA) AND HAD THE PROBLEM ASSESSED BY THE SERVICE PERSON, [XXX]. SHE SAID SHE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THE CHANCES WERE PRETTY HIGH THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH (ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL) WAS DEFECTIVE. SHE SAID THAT CAUSES THE GEARSHIFT TO LOCK UP AND FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. INDEED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AT THAT TIME. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART (BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH). I PAID FOR, AND ORDERED, THE SWITCH AND ARRANGED FOR THE REPAIR TO BE DONE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012 AT 10AM. [XXX] WARNED ME TO BE CAREFUL AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. MY HOUSE IS APRX. 7 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CAREFULLY DROVE TOWARDS HOME. AS I TURNED OFF OF THE MAJOR HIGHWAY ONTO THE SECONDARY ROAD THAT GOES TO MY HOUSE, MY RIGHT ANKLE WAS ACHING SO I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TAKE ME TOWARDS MY HOUSE AT 45MPH. AS I APPROACHED MY TURNOFF, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL! QUICKLY THINKING ABOUT WHAT [XXX] HAD SAID ABOUT THE BRAKE SWITCH, I THOUGHT TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE THUD SOUND FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE BRAKE IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE CAR. HAD I NOT DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL, I AM CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT APPROACHED TRAFFIC, AHEAD. I HAVE MORE COMMENTS BUT THE SYSTEM WON'T ACCEPT THEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10461386
Incident
Jun 11, 2012
Mileage
183,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB003220

AIR BAGS; EQUIPMENT; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.

TTT063620

BACK OVER PREVENTION; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

Toyota PRO19-02

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; TIRES; WHEELS

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.

T-TT-0636-20 Rev

BACK OVER PREVENTION; SERVICE BRAKES

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

T-SB-0032-20 Rev

EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.

T-TT-0636-20

BACK OVER PREVENTION; SERVICE BRAKES

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Camry by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20251441054.6
2024471049.6
2023602060.3
2022581056.6
20211541055.4
20202683056.2
20193896058.6
20187318059.3
20171483061.0
20161802059.9
20152681046.8
20144533055.6
20132742053.3
20125882053.6
20115985059.4
20106029058.0
20091,29110263.4
20089328362.9
20072,88510363.7
20063175167.3
20057215269.0
20046383267.1
20037801359.7
20029534469.1
20012724164.6
20004544268.2
19995012264.0
19986003261.4
19975554365.5
19964177263.2
19953035161.4
1994Viewing2873264.4
19932602263.5
19925652362.1
19911491655.9
19901342958.4
19891133765.1
1988644867.9
19875831064.8
1986320142.5
1985130147.7
1984823—
1983624—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.