2009 Toyota Camry

On October 10, 2012, Toyota initiated a safety recall of approximately 2.5 million U.S. vehicles involving the following models and model years:2007-2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007-2009 RAV4, 2008-2009 Scion xB and xD, 2008-2009 Sequoia, 2007-2008 Tundra, 2007-2008 Yaris, and 2009 Pontiac Vibe.See NHTSA recall number 12V-491 for more details, including the affected vehicle manufacture dates for each vehicle model.Note that only early-production 2009 model year vehicles are included in the recall.Toyota and GM dealers will inspect the power window master switch (PWMS) assemblies and apply a specialized grease that inhibits heat build-up.The circuit board in the PWMS may be replaced with a new one if notchy or sticking feeling is observed during the inspection.The failure report summary above shows counts for the vehicles identified at the start of this Engineering Analysis, specifically the approximately 1.4 million vehicles that share an identical PWMS assembly design including, model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, and Yaris built from September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all 2008 Highlander Hybrid.Toyota subsequently identified approximately one million additional vehicles that have a slightly different PWMS design but contain the same defect condition.Note that the totals for complaints and fires shown above may include duplicative reports (between ODI and manufacturer reports).This Engineering Analysis is closed.See attached report for additional information.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10323848, 10360414, 10392622, 10394453, 10411328, 10429983, 10436663, 10446699, 10447416, 10447417, 10447419, 10447444, 10447515, 10447845, 10447947, 10449270, 10450133, 10450568, 10450606, 10450641, 10451821, 10455540, 10455614, 10456353, 10456438, 10457854, 10457955, 10459730, 10460166, 10460691, 10461220, 10462140, 10462200, 10462247, 10462404, 10462705, 10462761, 10464451, 10464769, 10465421, 10466279, 10466667, 10468126, 10468265, 10475230, 10470313, 10470684, 10471551, 10471824, 10472336, 10472910, 10473753, 10473967, 10473969, 10476921, 10477469, 10478563 and 10478657.

ODI has identified certain Toyota vehicles experiencing a higher rate of fire and thermal event incidents among all Toyota vehicles that use the same power window master switch design.They include a total of approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2007 through 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris vehicles built from approximately September 2006 through August 2008, as well as all MY 2008 Highlander Hybrid vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-006) to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10461220, 10460691, 10460166, 10459730, 10457955, 10457854, 10456438, 10456353, 10455614, 10455540, 10451821, 10450641, 10450606, 10450568, 10450133, 10449270, 10447947, 10447845, 10447515, 10447444, 10447419, 10447417, 10447416, 10446699, 10436663, 10429983, 10411328, 10407290, 10394453, 10392622, 10360414, 10323848.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a glare coming from the dashboard, making it difficult to see out the windshield while driving. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky to the touch and sunglasses were needed while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer for maintenance, and the contact inquired if there was a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,995.

NHTSA ID

11755951

Incident

Jan 2, 2019

Mileage

116,995 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glare from the melted dashboard impaired visibility while driving. The contact stated that the glare from the melted dashboard was reflecting onto the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11750635

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Mileage

79,000 mi

The HV battery cooling fan on the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid has no protective filter and no cleaning or inspection interval in Toyota’s published Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Toyota acknowledged this exact problem in TSB T-SB-0087-13 (July 2013) for 2012–2016 Camry HV vehicles, stating the cooling fan ‘may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or other debris that can reduce the efficiency of the HV Battery Cooling System.’ However, Toyota excluded the 2007–2011 generation — which has the same unfiltered cooling fan design — from this TSB. My 2009 Camry Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] , 208,000 miles) has now failed with code P0A80, requiring full battery replacement. The failure is consistent with the cooling fan clogging defect Toyota acknowledged for later model years but never addressed for this generation. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether Toyota should extend TSB T-SB-0087-13 or issue a recall covering the 2007–2011 Camry Hybrid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741119

Incident

May 15, 2026

While driving my seat squeaks as if the bolts are loose.

NHTSA ID

11725512

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Excessive oil consumption, a sticky dash and power window switch

NHTSA ID

11724382

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky, causing a shiny glare on the windshield, preventing the driver from seeing through the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11723559

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with the drivers front side of the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy as intended. The contact's daughter sustained chest, knee, and right wrist injuries, and she received medical attention. The contact added that the driver's door was not able to open fully after the collision. The fire department arrived, and a police report was filed, but the report number was not available at this time. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, where it was later deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. In addition, the contact was told that they could not determine what caused the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11723543

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

I drove my son’s 2009 Toyota Camry recently and encountered a serious safety concern. When driving into direct sunlight, visibility was significantly impaired due to intense glare reflecting off the dashboard and onto the windshield. The reflection made it difficult to clearly see the road ahead. This is not a cleaning or maintenance issue. The dashboard surface is no longer matte as designed. It has become glossy and reflective due to the well-documented Toyota “melting” or “sticky” dashboard defect that affected many 2009-era Toyota and Lexus vehicles. As the dashboard material degrades, it creates a reflective surface that directly contributes to dangerous glare while driving. This condition presents a genuine safety risk, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when glare is already a known driving hazard. Unfortunately, I understand that Toyota’s warranty enhancement program for this issue has expired, despite the defect continuing to pose a safety concern. I wanted to formally document this issue as a visibility and safety hazard and request guidance on whether Toyota will address this condition given its direct impact on safe vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID

11706133

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Acid 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, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

The 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 vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

To 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 initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Toyota 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 in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

Vehicles 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 presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.