Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-TOYOTA-CAMRYNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Toyota
2009 Toyota Camry problems
The 2009 Toyota Camry has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 1,409 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2009 Toyota Camry has 1,409 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is cruise control at 243 complaints, typically surfacing around 31,207 miles (~$600 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
1
Critical
8
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Camry?
Avoid — the cruise-control
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.
2 fatality reports and 2 fire-related complaints on the cruise-control
Brakes: 97 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 19,531–100,000 mi
Reliability score 4.4/10 — below the segment average
10 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Toyota Camry? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
cruise control — 243 owner reports
· tends to show around 31,207 mi · ~$600 to fix
engine — 224 owner reports
· tends to show around 87,288 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
body — 219 owner reports
· tends to show around 70,735 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
brakes — 97 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,346 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 31,207 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 10 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
Purchased this car from drive time 10/2016. Last two years oil consumption in between oil changes has reached putting 4 to 10 quarts of oil in this car. Recently had gaskets, radiator, coil and sparks changed (10/2019). I now as of this day (12/21/2019) have the same problem…
At dealership getting my 25,000 mile service and was told that my water pump was failing and needed to be replaced. Dealer rep said that they have seen a lot of water pumps failing on camary's prematurely recently. *tr
This car has oil consumption problem. It burn 1.5 quarts every 1000 mile. The oil has to be constantly changed. The was a recall for this car, but for Toyota to fix this issue; the vehicle has to meet certain requirement depending on the year of the car and the mileage. I…
Had a problem with your 2009 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine Toyota or Lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and Lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331, Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.4 out of 10 based on 1,409 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Toyota Camry has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2009 Toyota Camry?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Toyota Camry is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 2 fatality reports and 2 fire-related complaints on the cruise-control; Brakes: 97 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 19,531–100,000 mi; Reliability score 4.4/10 — below the segment average; 10 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Toyota Camry?
Inspect the cruise control first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 243 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 31,207 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Toyota Camry a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,409 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is cruise control. Typical failure occurs around 31,207 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Toyota Camry?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is cruise control, with 243 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 31,207 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 31,207 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Camry has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Toyota Camry?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,409 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Toyota/Camry.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
